Look, we've all been there. You're heading home for the holidays or off to that summer internship, and suddenly your flight gets cancelled or delayed for hours. You're stuck at the airport, watching your money disappear on overpriced sandwiches, and wondering if you're just supposed to accept this.
Here's the good news though: you're probably entitled to compensation. Whether it's a flight cancellation refund or money for delays, airlines have to pay up when things go wrong.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting the money you deserve.
So let's dive right in!
When Do You Actually Qualify for Compensation?
Before we get into the details, let's talk about when you're covered. Your rights depend on where your flight is going:
-> Your flight leaves from the EU, UK, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland (any airline)
-> Your flight arrives in the EU or UK on a European or British airline
-> Your flight is within the US (different rules apply here)
This means if you're studying in Europe or flying back home to the States, you're likely covered under strong passenger protection laws.
What Happens If Your Flight Is Cancelled?
When an airline cancels your flight, they can't just leave you stranded. Here's what you're entitled to:
Immediate Rights
- A full refund of your ticket (usually within 7 days)
- A replacement flight to your destination as soon as possible
- A later flight that works better with your schedule
Plus, the airline must take care of you while you wait. This includes meals, drinks, hotel accommodation if needed, and transport between the airport and hotel. Keep every receipt - you'll want these for any claims later.
Plus, the airline must take care of you while you wait. This includes meals, drinks, hotel accommodation if needed, and transport between the airport and hotel. Keep every receipt - you'll want these for any claims later.
Getting Money Back
Now here's where it gets interesting. You might be entitled to cash compensation on top of your refund, depending on when you were told about the cancellation:
For flights up to 1,500 km: €250 compensation if notified less than 14 days before departure
For flights between 1,500-3,500 km: €400 compensation if notified less than 14 days before departure
For flights over 3,500 km: €600 compensation if notified less than 14 days before departure
The catch?
Airlines don't have to pay if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather, security threats, or air traffic control strikes. But here's a secret: airlines often claim "extraordinary circumstances" when they shouldn't. That's where compensation companies come in handy.
Airline Compensation for Delayed Flights: Know Your Rights
Delays are frustrating, especially when you've got a connecting bus or someone waiting to pick you up. Fortunately, if the flight is delayed by certain amounts, you have rights.
The airline must provide you with:
-> Meals and refreshments
-> Two phone calls or emails
-> Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
-> Transport to and from the hotel
Here's the important part: if your flight is delayed and you arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late, you can claim compensation. The amounts are the same as for cancellations (€250-€600 depending on distance).
This applies even if you have connecting flights, as long as they were all booked together on one ticket. So if your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection, causing you to arrive 3+ hours late overall, you're covered.
Understanding Flight Delay Rules
Different regions have different rules. Let's break them down:
European Rules (EU261)
This is one of the strongest passenger protection systems in the world. EU law for delayed flight compensation states that passengers are entitled to up to €600 for qualifying delays and cancellations.
The international flight delay compensation rules apply whether you're flying from Paris to Rome or London to New York (as long as you're departing from the EU).
US Rules
In the US, flight delay rules are more limited. Airlines must provide refunds if they cancel your flight or make significant schedule changes.
But there's no automatic cash compensation for delays like in Europe. However, you can still claim for lost luggage and involuntary denied boarding situations.
For refund purposes in the US, the Department of Transportation considers delays of 3+ hours for domestic flights and 6+ hours for international flights as significant.
Can You Get Money Back? Understanding Flight Cancellation Refund Options
This is where students often get confused. There's a difference between a refund (getting your ticket money back) and compensation (extra money for the inconvenience).
You're entitled to a full flight cancellation refund if:
- The airline cancels your flight
- There's a significant schedule change
- If the flight is delayed by 5+ hours and you choose not to travel
The refund should include all unused parts of your journey. So if you had a return ticket and they cancel your outbound flight, you can get the whole thing refunded.
Making Claims Easy: Why Students Love Compensation Companies
Let's be real: dealing with airlines directly can be a nightmare. You send emails, wait weeks for responses, and often get rejected. As a student, you don't have time for this back-and-forth.
This is where flight compensation companies come in. They handle everything for you - the paperwork, the legal stuff, the negotiations. You just provide your flight details, and they do the work for you.
Based on success rates, student-friendly features, and ease of use, here are the top 3 choices:
This is probably the most well-known service out there. They've helped over 18 million passengers claim compensation. What makes them great for students? They only charge a fee if they win your case (typically 15-16% of the compensation).
You can check if you're eligible in minutes on their website, and they handle all communication with the airline. They also offer in-app rewards, so you can track your claim status easily.
If you're looking for the cheapest flights in the first place (smart move!), Aviasales searches across 2000+ airlines and travel agencies to find you the best prices.
They also offer 50% commission on compensation claims. It's a trusted service that students abroad particularly love because it searches local and international options.
This service helps you receive up to €600 for flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking. What's nice is their straightforward approach.
You just submit your claim, they assess it quickly, and you know where you stand. They typically offer a fixed reward structure (€5-12) which makes it predictable.
Final Thoughts: Don't Leave Money on the Table
Here's the reality: airlines owe millions in unpaid compensation every year because passengers don't claim it. As a student, that €400 or €600 could cover your rent for a month, or fund your next trip.
Don't feel bad about claiming - this is money you're legally entitled to. The airlines build these compensation costs into their business models. They just hope you won't actually claim.
Whether you file directly with the airline or use a service like AirHelp, Aviasales, or Compensair, the important thing is to take action. The process is simpler than you think, and the payout is worth it.
Next time your flight gets cancelled or delayed, don't just accept it and move on. Take five minutes to check if you're owed compensation. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
Safe travels, and may all your flights be on time! ✈️
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a refund for a delayed flight?
If your flight is delayed by 5+ hours, you can choose not to travel and get a full refund. For shorter delays, you won't get a refund, but you might get compensation if you arrive 3+ hours late.
2. How long does a flight have to be delayed to get compensation?
You need to arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late for EU/UK flights. The delay at departure doesn't matter - it's about when you actually arrive.
3. How much money can I get back if my flight is delayed?
In Europe, you can get €250-€600 depending on flight distance. In the US, there's no automatic cash compensation for delays, but you might get travel vouchers or refunds for significant delays.
4. What proof do I need for a flight delay claim?
At minimum your booking confirmation and boarding pass. Ideally also receipts for expenses, photos of delay information, and any airline communications. However, compensation companies can often work with just your flight details.
5. What is the longest flight delay ever?
The longest recorded delay was 76 hours (!) when a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Samoa was delayed in 2018. Most delays are measured in hours, not days, but it shows how wild air travel can get.
6. Am I entitled to anything if my flight is delayed 2 hours?
For 2-hour delays, you're entitled to meals, refreshments, and communication access (phone calls, emails). You won't get cash compensation at 2 hours, though - you need to arrive 3+ hours late for that.
7. What is the EU law for delayed flight compensation?
EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly called EU261) requires airlines to pay €250-€600 compensation for flights delayed by 3+ hours at arrival, plus provide care during delays. This is one of the strongest passenger protection laws worldwide and covers all flights departing from EU airports.
