How is flight delay compensation calculated?

Date: 16 DEC 22

Flight delay compensation is a financial reimbursement that passengers may be entitled to receive if their flight is delayed or cancelled. The amount of compensation that a passenger can receive depends on a variety of factors, including the length of the delay, the distance of the flight, and the reason for the delay. In this article, we will discuss how flight delay compensation is calculated and what passengers can do to claim it.

When a flight is delayed, the airline is responsible for providing passengers with certain entitlements, including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary. In addition to these entitlements, passengers may also be entitled to receive compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay. The amount of compensation that a passenger can receive depends on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.

For flights that are delayed by more than three hours, passengers are typically entitled to receive compensation of up to €600 ($700) per person. This amount is calculated based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. For example, if a passenger is on a flight from New York to Paris that is delayed by six hours, they would be entitled to receive compensation of €600 per person.

For delayed flights upto 1500km in distance the compensation amount is €250 – an example of this would be a flight from London Heathrow to Paris. For flights between 1500km and 3500km the compensation amount is €400 an example of which would be a flight from Manchester to Istanbul. The same rules apply to passengers that have been denied boarding due to an overbooked flight.

However, the amount of compensation that a passenger can receive may be reduced or waived if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or a strike. In these cases, the airline is not responsible for the delay and is not required to pay compensation. They are however required to find you an alternative flight or a full refund.

If a passenger believes that they are entitled to receive flight delay compensation, they can file a claim with the airline. Most airlines have a dedicated team that handles compensation claims, and passengers can typically submit their claim online or by contacting the airline directly.

Alternatively, passengers can use the services of a flight delay claims company which typically take 25% of the compensation value as a fee for their services.

In order to make a successful claim, passengers will need to provide some basic information, including their flight details, the reason for the delay, and any supporting documentation, such as receipts for meals or accommodation. The airline will then review the claim and make a decision on whether to grant compensation.

In some cases, passengers may need to go through a dispute resolution process if the airline denies their claim. In the European Union, passengers can use the airlines ADR service (if they are signed up to one) to help resolve disputes with airlines. In the United States, passengers can contact the Department of Transportation for assistance.

In conclusion, flight delay compensation is a financial reimbursement that passengers may be entitled to receive if their flight is delayed or cancelled. The amount of compensation that a passenger can receive depends on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. If a passenger believes that they are entitled to receive compensation, they can file a claim with the airline and provide supporting documentation. In some cases, passengers may need to go through a dispute resolution process if the airline denies their claim.