⚖ EU rights
EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation – EC 261/2004
Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 sets out passengers’ rights in the event of flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding. Find out what you are entitled to – and how Passengers friend can help you enforce your rights.
No upfront costs and 100% risk-free.
🌍 Applies throughout the EU
📅 In force since February 17, 2005
💶 Up to €600 in compensation
✅ Limitation period: 3 years
☕ Assistance services included
OVERVIEW
What is the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation EC 261/2004?
Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council has been in force since February 17, 2005 and significantly strengthens the rights of air passengers within the European Union. Before the regulation was introduced, passengers generally had to accept flight delays and cancellations without receiving any compensation.
Today, the regulation requires airlines to provide standardized compensation in the event of flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding due to overbooking – regardless of the ticket price.
The key points at a glance: As an air passenger, you have a statutory right to compensation – the airline has to pay, rather than you having to take legal action yourself. Passengers friend enforces this claim on your behalf with no upfront costs
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
Who does Regulation EC 261/2004 apply to?
The regulation applies to all passengers departing from an airport within the EU, as well as flights from a non-EU airport to an EU airport, provided that the airline is based in the EU.
Flights from outside the EU to an EU airport operated by an EU airline
Flights involving Iceland, Norway and Switzerland (EEA countries)
Flights where neither the departure nor the arrival point is in the EU
Free flights or flights offered at reduced fares that are not available to the general public
COMPENSATION AMOUNT
How much compensation are you entitled to?
The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance. For long-haul flights, you can claim up to €600 per person.
| Flight distance | Compensation | Example routes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | Munich → Berlin, Hamburg → Paris |
| 1.500 km – 3.500 km | €400 | Frankfurt → Madrid, Berlin → Istanbul |
| Over 3,500 km (within the EU) | €400 | Long-distance flights within Europe |
| Over 3,500 km (outside the EU) | €600 | Frankfurt → New York, Munich → Dubai |
* For long-haul flights delayed by less than 4 hours, the airline may reduce the compensation by 50%.
Additional reimbursement of expenses
In addition to the standard compensation, you may also be entitled to reimbursement of documented additional expenses – for example, hotel accommodation, meals, taxi fares or missed connections. There is no statutory cap on this reimbursement.
Check now: How much are you entitled to?
Free claim assessment within minutes – no risk.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A CLAIM
When are you entitled to compensation?
For Regulation EC 261/2004 to apply, the following requirements must be met:
- ✓ The flight falls within the territorial scope of the regulation (departure from an EU airport or arrival in the EU on an EU airline)
- ✓ You have a confirmed booking and arrived at the check-in counter on time
- ✓ The flight was delayed (by at least 3 hours at the final destination), cancelled, or you were denied boarding due to overbooking
- ✓ The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g. extreme weather or political unrest)
- ✓ Your claim has not become time-barred – in Germany, the limitation period is 3 years
EXCEPTIONS
Extraordinary circumstances – when does the right to compensation not apply?
An airline is exempt from its obligation to pay compensation if the disruption was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Important: Technical defects affecting an aircraft generally do not constitute extraordinary circumstances – in such cases, you are almost always entitled to compensation. Airlines frequently invoke these exceptions incorrectly. Passengers friend assesses each case individually.
ADDITIONAL RIGHTS
Assistance services at the airport
In addition to compensation, you are also entitled to assistance from the airline during longer waiting periods:
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Meals & refreshments – From 2 hours of waiting time, depending on the length of the delay
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Communication – Two free telephone calls, telexes, faxes or emails
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Hotel accommodation – If an overnight stay becomes necessary, for example due to an overnight delay or cancellation
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Transfer – Transportation between the airport and the hotel if accommodation is provided
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Rebooking or reimbursement – In the event of a cancellation, you can choose between an alternative flight to your destination or a full refund of the ticket price.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In brief – Questions about EC 261/2004
Who does the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation apply to?
It applies to all passengers departing from an EU airport, as well as flights from outside the EU to an EU airport operated by an EU airline regardless of your nationality and place of residence.
When is a flight considered delayed under the regulation?
The decisive factor is the delay at the final destination (arrival). If you arrive at your destination 3 or more hours late, you are entitled to the full compensation amount. Assistance services, such as meals and communication, already apply from 2 hours of delay at the departure airport.
How long do I have to assert my claim?
In Germany, the limitation period is 3 years, calculated from the end of the year in which the flight took place. For a flight in March 2023, for example, the claim can therefore be asserted until December 31, 2026.
What is the official reference for the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation?
The official designation is: Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of February 11, 2004. It was published in the Official Journal of the European Union under L 46/1.
Does the regulation also apply to low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or easyJet?
Yes. The regulation applies to all airlines, regardless of the ticket price. Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and other low-cost airlines are also required to pay compensation where the relevant requirements are met.
What can I do if the airline refuses to pay?
This is exactly where Passengers friend can help. We assess your claim free of charge, pursue it with the airline and, if necessary, take legal action on your behalf – at our own risk. You only pay a commission if we are successful.
