Flight delay compensation

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing the exact threshold for compensation prevents you from being misled by airline staff during a delay.

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• Note that for flights departing from the EU/UK (or arriving in the EU/UK on a regulated carrier), a delay of 3 hours or more at your final destination entitles you to compensation.
• Remember the compensation tiers: €250/£220 (<1,500km), €400/£350 (1,500-3,500km), and €600/£520 (>3,500km).
• Be aware that 2025/2026 proposals may increase long-haul thresholds to 4-6 hours, so always check the current status of the 'Sturgeon Ruling' before filing.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can recite the three compensation tiers and the 3-hour threshold.

{{whyLabel}}: New US regulations significantly simplify getting your money back for flights involving US airports.

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• Understand that for US flights, a 'significant change' is now defined as 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international).
• Note that airlines are now required to provide automatic cash refunds (not just vouchers) if you choose not to travel after such a delay.
• Confirm that this applies to the original ticket price and any unused add-on fees like Wi-Fi or seat selection.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You understand the difference between a refund (ticket price back) and compensation (extra money for inconvenience).

{{whyLabel}}: Airlines often claim 'extraordinary circumstances' (like weather) to avoid paying, even if the cause was internal (like crew shortage).

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• Go to the airline's service desk immediately when a delay is announced.
• Ask for a written document or an email stating the specific reason for the disruption.
• If they refuse, take a photo of the departure board showing the delay and any 'technical fault' announcements.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a physical or digital record of the airline's stated reason for the delay.

{{whyLabel}}: Regardless of the reason for the delay, airlines must provide basic necessities while you wait.

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• Request vouchers for food and drinks once the delay exceeds 2 hours (for short flights) or 3-4 hours (for longer flights).
• Ask for two free phone calls or emails if you cannot access your own devices.
• If the delay is overnight, insist on hotel accommodation and transport to/from the airport.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have received vouchers or have kept receipts for reasonable expenses incurred during the wait.

{{whyLabel}}: Compensation is based on the time the aircraft doors open at the destination, not the time it lands on the runway.

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• Note the exact time the plane reaches the gate and the first door is opened.
• Take a photo of your watch or phone screen inside the plane at that moment.
• This is critical if the delay is right on the 3-hour margin.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a timestamped photo or note of the actual arrival time.

{{whyLabel}}: Your boarding pass is the primary proof that you were a passenger on the disrupted flight.

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• Save the PDF of your mobile boarding pass or take a high-quality photo of the paper stub.
• Do not throw away luggage tags, as they contain flight and routing data.
• Keep copies of the original booking confirmation and any rebooking emails.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All flight-related documents are saved in a dedicated folder (digital or physical).

{{whyLabel}}: Under the Montreal Convention, you can claim reimbursement for 'damages' (actual costs) up to approx. €6,300.

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• Collect receipts for meals, refreshments, taxi fares, and hotels if the airline didn't provide vouchers.
• Ensure receipts are itemized (showing what was bought, not just the total).
• Avoid 'luxury' expenses; stick to reasonable replacements for what you lost.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a list of expenses with matching receipts ready for submission.

{{whyLabel}}: Direct filing is free and usually the fastest way to get a response before involving third parties.

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• Locate the 'Complaints' or 'Compensation' section on the airline's website.
• Use a standard template (like the EU Passenger Rights complaint form) to ensure all legal references are included.
• Attach your boarding pass, arrival time proof, and expense receipts.
• Set a reminder to follow up in 30 days if you haven't heard back.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a confirmation number or email from the airline's claim system.

{{whyLabel}}: Compensation amounts are strictly tied to the 'Great Circle' distance between airports.

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• Use a generic 'Great Circle Mapper' tool to find the distance in kilometers.
• Check if your flight was <1,500km, 1,500-3,500km, or >3,500km.
• Ensure you are claiming the correct amount (€250, €400, or €600) to avoid the airline rejecting the claim on a technicality.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have the exact kilometer distance and the corresponding compensation amount.

{{whyLabel}}: If the airline rejects your claim citing 'extraordinary circumstances' and you disagree, a government body can mediate.

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• Find the NEB for the country where the delay occurred (e.g., LBA in Germany, CAA in the UK).
• Submit your case details and the airline's rejection letter to their online portal.
• Note that NEB decisions are often non-binding but carry significant weight in court.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Your case is registered with the relevant national authority.

{{whyLabel}}: ADR schemes are independent bodies that provide a legally binding decision for the airline without going to court.

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• Check if the airline is a member of an ADR scheme (like CEDR or AviationADR).
• File a claim through the ADR portal if the airline's 'final' response is unsatisfactory.
• Be prepared to wait 60-90 days for a resolution.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have submitted your case to an ADR provider.

{{whyLabel}}: Airlines may try to pay in vouchers or 'travel credits' even after agreeing to compensation.

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• Insist on a bank transfer to your original payment method or a provided IBAN.
• Check that the full amount (e.g., €600) has arrived without hidden 'processing fees' from the airline.
• If you used a 'no-win, no-fee' agency, verify that their commission (usually 25-35%) is correctly deducted.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The funds are cleared in your bank account.