Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation Rights (2026)
Your rights vary dramatically depending on where your flight departs from and the airline. Here's what you're actually entitled to.
US Passenger Rights (DOT Rules)
The US has weaker delay compensation rules than the EU, but the DOT's 2024 rule strengthened refund rights significantly:
- Cancellation or significant delay: You're entitled to a full cash refund (not just a voucher) if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and you choose not to travel. "Significant" = 3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international.
- Tarmac delay (domestic): Airlines must allow passengers off after 3 hours on the tarmac. Violation fines can reach $27,500 per passenger.
- Tarmac delay (international): 4-hour limit before deplaning is required.
- Denied boarding / overbooking: Involuntary bump on a domestic flight entitles you to 200–400% of your one-way fare (capped at $775–$1,550 depending on delay length) as cash compensation.
- Meals and hotels: Since 2024 DOT rules, the 10 largest US airlines must provide meal vouchers for delays 3+ hours and hotel accommodation for overnight delays caused by the airline.
EU/UK 261 Compensation (Flights From Europe)
EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all flights departing EU airports, plus EU-carrier flights arriving in the EU. This is the world's strongest passenger rights regime:
| Delay at Arrival | Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 2+ hours | Under 1,500 km | €250/passenger |
| 3+ hours | 1,500–3,500 km | €400/passenger |
| 3+ hours | Over 3,500 km | €600/passenger |
EU261 compensation does not apply for "extraordinary circumstances" (severe weather, ATC strikes, security threats). Airlines frequently claim this exemption — challenge it if the delay was a mechanical fault, which courts have ruled is the airline's responsibility.
How to Claim Compensation
- File directly with the airline first — use their official compensation claim form.
- If denied, escalate to the DOT (US) or your national enforcement body (EU/UK CAA).
- For EU261 claims, third-party services (AirHelp, Flightright) take a 25–35% commission but handle rejection disputes.
- Small claims court is viable for US denied-boarding and EU261 claims if the airline refuses.
Related: What does 'flight delayed' mean? · How early to arrive at the airport