If your flight reached its destination more than 3 hours late, was cancelled, or you were denied boarding because of overbooking, European rules (Regulation (EC) 261/2004) may entitle you to compensation of €250 to €600 per passenger, on top of your ticket. Many passengers never claim it. Here is, in short, when it applies.
When are you entitled to compensation?
- The flight reached the final destination at least 3 hours late.
- The flight was cancelled and you were told less than 14 days before departure, without a good alternative.
- You were denied boarding (for example because of overbooking) although you checked in on time.
- The flight departs from an EU airport (with any airline) or lands in the EU with a European airline. The rules also apply in Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
How much can you get?
The amount depends on the distance and is paid per passenger:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km;
- €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km (and for flights within the EU longer than 1,500 km);
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km.
When is there no compensation?
The airline does not pay if the delay or cancellation has an extraordinary cause it could not avoid: very bad weather, air traffic control restrictions, a security risk or certain strikes by people other than the airline's own staff. Ordinary technical faults are usually not treated as extraordinary circumstances. If you were offered an alternative flight that got you to your destination almost on time, the amount may be reduced or not owed.
What other rights do you have when a flight has problems?
Whatever happens with compensation, the airline must give you meals and drinks, two calls or messages and, if needed, a hotel and transport. If the flight is cancelled you can choose between a refund of the ticket and an alternative flight. Keep the receipts for what you spend.
Can I claim for a flight in the past?
Yes, in many cases. The time limit depends on the country and is usually between 2 and 6 years. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather the documents, so do not put it off.
Check your right for free
You do not need to know the law: in two minutes you can find out whether your flight qualifies. Check for free on AirHelp — the fee is paid only if you receive the compensation. ZUM.MD earns a commission from AirHelp if you claim through this link; the price for you does not change. For the full steps read how to claim compensation and what applies to flights to and from Moldova.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is checked against the flight data.