Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
EU Regulation 261/2004 entitles passengers to financial compensation when their flight is delayed by 3 hours or more at the destination, cancelled, or they are denied boarding. Use this calculator to estimate your compensation based on the route type, delay duration, and flight distance. Note that airlines can reduce compensation by 50% if they offer re-routing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When am I entitled to flight delay compensation?
You are entitled to compensation under EU261/2004 if your flight departs from an EU airport (any airline), or arrives at an EU airport on an EU-based airline, and you arrive at your final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more. Cancellations and denied boarding also qualify.
How much compensation can I claim?
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km; €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km; €400 for intra-EU flights over 3,500 km; €600 for non-EU flights over 3,500 km. These amounts may be reduced by 50% if the airline offers re-routing that limits your delay.
What are extraordinary circumstances?
Extraordinary circumstances exempt the airline from paying compensation. These include severe weather conditions (storms, heavy snow), political instability, security risks, unexpected air traffic management decisions, and certain industrial disputes (not caused by the airline itself). Technical faults are generally NOT extraordinary circumstances.
Does EU261 apply to all flights?
EU261 applies to: (1) all flights departing from an EU airport regardless of airline; (2) flights arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU-based carrier. It does NOT apply to flights outside the EU operated by non-EU airlines — for example, a US carrier flying from New York to Canada.
How do I claim my compensation?
File a complaint directly with the airline in writing, referencing EU Regulation 261/2004. Keep all boarding passes, booking confirmations, and evidence of your actual arrival time. If the airline refuses, you can escalate to your national aviation authority (e.g. CAA in the UK, DGAC in France) or use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body.