EC 261/2004 — Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about EU Regulation EC 261/2004 — the law that protects air passengers across Europe and entitles you to up to €600 in compensation.
Check Your Compensation Free →When does EC 261/2004 apply?
The regulation covers specific disruption types. Knowing the difference between qualifying and non-qualifying events is the first step to a successful claim.
Qualifying events
You are entitled to fixed compensation if any of the following apply:
- ✓Flight delays of 3+ hours at arrival (measured when doors open)
- ✓Cancellations with less than 14 days notice
- ✓Involuntary denied boarding due to overbooking
- ✓Missed connections on single-booking itineraries
Extraordinary circumstances
Airlines may be exempt from paying compensation if the disruption was caused by:
- ✗Genuine extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, ATC strikes, volcanic ash)
- ✗Security threats or political instability affecting the airport
- ✗Hidden manufacturing defects discovered during operations
- ✗Passenger health/safety/documentation issues
How much can you claim?
EC 261/2004 sets fixed compensation amounts based on flight distance. There is no discretion — if you qualify, you are owed these amounts by law.
| Flight distance | Minimum delay | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 kme.g. London → Paris | 3 hours+ | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 kme.g. London → Cairo | 3 hours+ | €400 |
| Over 3,500 kme.g. Frankfurt → New York | 3–4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 kme.g. Frankfurt → New York | 4 hours+ | €600Maximum |
How to claim compensation
The process is straightforward. AirHelp handles the legal complexity so you don't have to chase airlines or understand EU law.
Enter your flight number and travel date. EC 261/2004 applies to flights departing from EU airports, or arriving in the EU on an EU-based carrier.
Locate your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline about the disruption. AirHelp will guide you through exactly what's needed.
Submit once through AirHelp's platform. Their legal team handles all correspondence, escalation, and court proceedings — no follow-up needed from you.
Compensation lands directly in your bank account. AirHelp charges a 35% service fee only when your claim succeeds — zero upfront cost.
Frequently asked questions
Everything passengers ask before filing their first claim.
All flights departing from an EU/EEA airport (any airline), plus flights arriving in the EU/EEA if operated by an EU/EEA-based carrier. Example: A United Airlines flight from Paris to New York is covered. A United Airlines flight from New York to Paris is NOT covered (non-EU carrier arriving in EU).
€250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500-3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. These are fixed amounts set by law — no negotiation, no discretion.
During disruptions, airlines must provide: meals and refreshments proportionate to the wait, two free phone calls/emails, and hotel accommodation plus transport if an overnight stay is necessary. This applies regardless of whether you're entitled to compensation.
The regulation came into force on 17 February 2005, replacing the previous Regulation 295/91 which only covered denied boarding. It significantly expanded passenger rights to cover delays and cancellations.
Yes. The UK incorporated EC 261 into domestic law as 'UK261' (retained EU law). Flights departing from UK airports are covered under UK law, while flights departing from EU airports are covered under EU law. Your rights are effectively the same.
Airlines cannot legally refuse valid claims, but many do initially. Around 40% of claims require escalation or legal action. Services like AirHelp specialize in pursuing rejected claims through legal channels — including court proceedings at no cost to you.
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