Is the flight delayed?
Passenger Rights in the Event of a Flight Delay
1. Right to compensation:
If a passenger arrives at their final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours, they may be entitled to statutory compensation, provided that all legal requirements are met and there are no "extraordinary circumstances" that exempt the air carrier from liability:
| < 1,500 km – | 250 Euros |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km – | 400 Euros |
| > 3,500 km – | 600 Euros |
2. Right to assistance:
| - | Meals and refreshments, in reasonable relation to the waiting time |
| - | Two telephone calls, telex or fax messages, or emails |
| - | Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the place of accommodation, where applicable |
3. Right to reimbursement or re-routing:
If the air carrier anticipates a delay of at least 5 hours, passengers are entitled to a reimbursement—within 7 days—of the full cost of the ticket (for the part of the journey not yet made, as well as for the part already made if the flight no longer serves any purpose in relation to the passenger’s original travel plan), or to be re-routed to their final destination at the earliest opportunity.
Important!
Not every delay entitles a passenger to financial compensation. The legislation distinguishes between the right to assistance and the right to compensation.
If a delay exceeds certain limits, the air carrier is required to provide assistance to passengers, even if the flight has not yet reached its destination. This includes meals and refreshments, the opportunity to make two phone calls or send electronic messages, and—in cases where an overnight stay becomes necessary—hotel accommodation, as well as transport between the airport and the place of accommodation.
* It is considered a delayed flight:
| a) | for 2 hours, for distances < 150 km (passengers are entitled to care: meals, drinks, accommodation, etc.) |
| b) | for 3 hours or more, for distances between 1,500 and 3,500 km |
| c) | for 4 hours or more, for distances > 3,500 km. |
The control body with consumer protection functions in air transport and related activities is the Civil Aviation Authority.