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Air passenger rights in the EU

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 gives you enforceable rights when your flight is delayed, cancelled or overbooked. This page explains what you are entitled to and how the rules developed over time.

How your rights developed

  1. 2004

    Regulation adopted

    The European Parliament and Council adopt Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, establishing common rules on compensation and assistance.

  2. 2005

    Entry into force

    The regulation becomes applicable in all EU Member States on 17 February 2005.

  3. 2009

    Sturgeon ruling

    The Court of Justice of the EU confirms that passengers delayed by 3 hours or more at arrival are entitled to the same compensation as for cancellations.

  4. 2014

    Technical defects clarified

    The Court rules that ordinary technical problems do not count as extraordinary circumstances, strengthening passengers' position.

  5. Today

    Robust protection

    EC261 remains one of the strongest passenger protection regimes in the world, enforced by national bodies in every Member State.

When are you protected?

The regulation applies if:

  • Your flight departs from an airport in the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland — with any airline; or

  • Your flight arrives in the EU and is operated by an EU carrier;

  • You have a confirmed reservation and checked in on time (usually at least 45 minutes before departure);

  • You are travelling on a ticket available to the public (directly or via a tour operator);

  • The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances outside the airline's control.

Airline obligations

Inform passengers

Airlines must display information about passenger rights at check-in and provide a written notice when disruptions occur.

Provide care

During long waits, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, two free communications and hotel accommodation with transfers when an overnight stay is necessary.

Offer refund or re-routing

For cancellations and denied boarding, airlines must offer the choice between a full ticket refund and re-routing to the final destination.

Pay compensation

Where compensation is due it must be paid in money — by bank transfer, cheque or cash. Vouchers require the passenger's signed agreement.

Common questions about your rights