When does the airline have to pay – and when not?EU reaches agreement in the dispute over air passenger rights! You are entitled to these amounts in the event of delays

Air passenger rights: How much delay does compensation apply?

It is not uncommon for flights to take off late or even be canceled completely. Travelers don’t just have to accept this! Because: No matter whether it's the outward or return flight: if your flight is at more than three hours lateyou are entitled to one according to EU Regulation 261/2004/EC Compensation payment of 250, 400 or 600 euros – per passenger.

Important: For compensation payment, the amount of the arrival delay is relevant, not the amount of the departure delay. This means: If you depart three hours (or more) late, but time is made up during the flight and you land only two hours and 55 minutes late, you will not receive any money.

Reading tip: The EU wanted to reform air passenger rights – consumer advocates were outraged!

How much compensation for how much delay?

The specific amount of compensation depends on the length of the flight. If your arrival is delayed by three hours or more, you are entitled to the following amounts:

• Flights up to 1,500 kilometers Distance = 250 euros

• Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km = 400 euros

• Flights over more than 3,500 km = 600 euros.

However, you already have If your flight is delayed by two hours or more, you are entitled to compensation benefits by the airline – this includes drink and meal vouchers, as well as the provision of communication options (e.g. WiFi).

Exceptions – when airlines do not have to pay compensation

However, airlines based in the European Union are primarily bound to the compensation payment according to the EU regulation. The regulation only applies to airlines from other countries if the aircraft took off in the EU.

Important to know: Exceptions exist in the case of delays due to so-called extraordinary circumstances – these include, for example, weather problems, airport/airspace closures or air traffic control strikes.

We reveal what you are entitled to in the event of a strike HERE.

Making a claim: How do you get compensation?

In order to receive your compensation payment, you must contact the airline that operated or was scheduled to operate the flight – preferably in writing by email or registered mail.

Good to know: Every passenger is entitled to the compensation amount and does not only apply to each booking. And: The claims only expire after three years. So you don't necessarily have to hurry with your application.

We'll explain to you HERE what you can do if the airline doesn't refund your money despite the flight cancellation.

Departure from non-EU countries: You have these rights in the event of flight delays

But even if you are in a country that is not part of the EU, airlines have to pay certain compensation. In exceptional circumstances, i.e. in cases of force majeure, travelers who are delayed by two to four hours are entitled to free meals and drinks. In extreme cases, even a hotel room and transfers from the airport to the hotel and back, as well as two calls and access to the Internet so that you can write emails.

Flight delay on a package holiday: THIS is what you have to do!

Even if you are traveling as part of a package trip, you can claim compensation from the operating airline.

You can also request a travel price reduction from your tour operator. At least if the delay is longer than four hours. As lawyer Paul Degott explains in the RTL interview, a flight delay of up to four hours is generally viewed as acceptable in package travel law.

In order to assert your claims, you should contact your tour operator immediately upon arrival and ask for a reduction in the travel price.

Reading tip: Summer vacation planned in Turkey or Egypt – can I cancel out of concern?

Flight cancelled? You have these rights in the event of a flight cancellation

If you are traveling by plane only: If your flight is canceled completely, the airline has to take action! It is her duty to look after and support her customers. This means: The airline is responsible for providing food for the travelers and, if necessary, accommodation in the hotel. The airline also has to take care of an alternative, timely replacement travel option.

If the airline has not found alternative transport after some time and despite setting a deadline, you can also try to find a replacement flight yourself. You can bill the airline for the costs afterwards.

If a flight is canceled as part of a package tour, the following applies: The tour operator must ensure that the booked service is provided. Therefore, in this case, contact him straight away and request a reasonable alternative flight.

Good to know: If the flight cancellation is communicated at least or more than 14 days before the planned departure, the claims will no longer apply. It is assumed that holidaymakers will then have enough time to reschedule.

Get in touch with the RTL holiday rescuers!

Are you having problems with your tour operator, are you affected by defects in your holiday hotel or are you having other difficulties with your trip? Then you can contact the RTL holiday rescuers – simply by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Source used: own RTL research, afp