Flight delayed or cancelled? These are your rights as an airline passenger

Summer has just come to an end, and perhaps you experienced it yourself: your flight was delayed or even cancelled. If so, you’re certainly not alone - this happens to thousands of travellers every year, often leading to great frustration.

What many people don’t know is that in many cases, you’re entitled to compensation or assistance. Here’s a clear overview of your rights.
 

Passenger rights in numbers

According to 2024 data, more than 218,000 EU flights were delayed by at least three hours or completely cancelled. That amounts to approximately €6.5 billion in potential compensation. Yet much of that remains unclaimed, mostly because travellers are unaware of their rights.
 

What are your rights in case of cancellation?

When an airline cancels your flight, they are obliged to assist you — unless the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances (such as extreme weather or strikes outside their control).

You are entitled to:

1. A Replacement flight or full refund

• A new flight to your final destination, at no extra cost
• Or a full refund of your ticket within 7 days
   

2. Care and assistance

If you accept the new flight and experience long waiting times, you’re also entitled to:

• Meals and refreshments
• Two free communications (phone or email)
• Hotel accommodation and transport between the hotel and airport if the new flight departs the next day

Tip: Always keep your receipts in case you need to reclaim expenses later.
 

3. Compensation per passenger (flat-rate)

Based on your flight distance:

• ≤ 1.500 km: €250
• EU flights > 1,500 km or non-EU flights 1,500–3,500 km: €400
• Non-EU flights > 3,500 km: €600

You won’t be entitled to compensation if:

• You were informed at least 14 days in advance
• You were rebooked in time on a similar flight
• The airline can prove extraordinary circumstances applied
   

What are your rights in case of delay?

If your flight arrives more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to similar compensation as in case of cancellation. You’re also entitled to assistance (like meals or hotel stays).

If the delay exceeds 5 hours, you may choose between a refund or a return flight to your original departure airport.

Note: Compensation may be halved if the delay is between 3 and 4 hours. These rights apply when:

• You fly with a European airline, or
• Your departure airport is within the EU (even if flying with a non-EU airline)
   

What qualifies as force majeure?

You won’t receive compensation in cases of extraordinary circumstances, such as:

• Severe weather conditions
• Political unrest
• Safety/security risks
• Strikes outside the airline (e.g. air traffic control)

Internal strikes (e.g. pilots or cabin crew) do not count as force majeure — so compensation may still apply. The same goes for mechanical issues caused by poor maintenance.
 

Legal assistance: when your rights aren’t respected

Are you struggling to get compensation or receiving no response from the airline? Then legal assistance can make a big difference. A legal assistance insurance policy may cover the cost of pursuing your claim.

It can also help in other travel-related conflicts — such as disputes with hotels, car rental companies, or tour operators.

Some insurers even provide handy tools to check your eligibility for compensation using your flight details - like the Flight Claim Calculator offered by ARAG.
 

Summary

A delayed or cancelled flight doesn’t have to ruin your holiday. Just remember:

• Know your rights
• Claim your compensation
• Protect yourself with legal assistance

With the right preparation, you travel with peace of mind.
 

Need help with a claim? S.W.I.S. insurance is here to assist

Are you facing a dispute with an airline and wondering whether your legal expenses coverage applies? At S.W.I.S. Insurance, we’re happy to check your policy and guide you every step of the way. From clarifying your coverage to supporting your claim, we help simplify the process - so you can focus on enjoying your trip, not the paperwork.

Get in touch with us today for personal advice or more information about your coverage.