Under EC 261/2004, you can receive €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. The distance is measured as the great-circle distance between airports.

You are entitled to compensation when your flight arrives more than 3 hours late at your final destination, is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, or you are denied boarding due to overbooking.

EC 261/2004 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline. For flights arriving in the EU, it applies only when the airline is EU-based.

The limitation period varies by country: 1 year in Poland, 2 years in Spain, 3 years in Germany, 5 years in France, and 6 years in the UK. Check the rules for your departure country.

Airlines can only refuse if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather, political instability, or security threats. Technical issues and staff shortages are NOT extraordinary circumstances.