EU261 passenger rights for flight delays and cancellations
Start here when a flight involving Europe is cancelled, delayed, or rerouted. EU261 can matter alongside airline change-fee rules, but it answers a different question: whether passenger-rights compensation or care may apply after a disruption.
Quick answer
EU261 is most relevant when the issue is a qualifying delay, cancellation, denied boarding, or rerouting tied to an eligible European itinerary. It does not replace the fare rules that apply when you voluntarily change or cancel your own ticket.
1. Scope of applicability
EU261 commonly applies when a flight departs from an EU airport.
EU261 can also apply when a flight arrives in the EU and the operating carrier is an EU carrier.
2. Delay threshold
3. Distance brackets and compensation
| Distance bracket | Published compensation amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 1500 km | EUR 250 |
| 1500-3500 km | EUR 400 |
| Over 3500 km | EUR 600 |
4. Extraordinary circumstances
- Air traffic management decisions
- Political instability
- Adverse weather conditions
- Security risks
- Hidden manufacturing defects
- Strikes that are external to the operating air carrier
5. Exclusions / conditions
- A confirmed reservation is generally required.
- Check-in within the carrier's stated deadline is generally required unless the flight is cancelled.
- Timing of notification can affect how cancellation-related rights are assessed.
6. Official complaint process (high-level only)
The carrier is typically the first contact point for an EU261 complaint.
If the matter is not resolved, the relevant national enforcement authority is the next formal escalation point.
7. Where this fits with airline fees
Use EU261 when the travel problem is caused by a qualifying delay, cancellation, denied boarding, or rerouting. Use airline fee pages when the question is baggage, seat selection, or voluntary fare-rule flexibility.
For a quick eligibility check, open the EU261 calculator. For fare restrictions, start with the Basic Economy guide.
Do you need a travel eSIM before you fly?
For international trips, an eSIM is most useful when you need data immediately after landing, want to avoid airport SIM counters, or do not trust your home carrier's roaming price.