Frequently Asked Questions About EU261

Q: Does EU261 apply to flights operated by non-European airlines?

A: Yes, EU261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports regardless of the airline's nationality. A United Airlines flight from London to New York receives full EU261 protection. However, for flights arriving in the EU, only EU-based airlines trigger coverage.

Q: Can airlines offer vouchers instead of cash compensation under EU261?

A: No, EU261 requires cash compensation unless passengers voluntarily accept alternative forms of compensation. Airlines cannot substitute vouchers, miles, or travel credits for cash compensation without explicit passenger consent, and passengers can change their minds and demand cash instead.

Q: How long do I have to file an EU261 compensation claim?

A: EU261 doesn't specify time limits, so national limitation periods apply, typically ranging from 2-6 years depending on the EU member state. However, filing claims promptly improves success rates and ensures access to flight records and documentation.

Q: What if my connecting flight is delayed but operated by different airlines?

A: For single-ticket itineraries, EU261 applies to the entire journey regardless of how many different airlines operate individual segments. The final operating airline typically handles claims, but passengers can claim against any EU-covered segment. Separate tickets create more complex liability situations.

Q: Do budget airlines have different EU261 obligations than full-service carriers?

A: No, EU261 applies equally to all airlines regardless of business model. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have identical compensation obligations as full-service carriers like Lufthansa or Air France. Compensation amounts are fixed regardless of ticket prices or airline type.

Q: Can weather delays ever trigger EU261 compensation?

A: Weather delays themselves rarely trigger compensation if they constitute genuine extraordinary circumstances. However, airlines often incorrectly claim weather exemptions for delays actually caused by operational problems. Secondary effects of weather, such as crew positioning issues or maintenance problems following weather events, may not qualify for exemptions.

Q: What happens if an airline declares bankruptcy before paying EU261 compensation?

A: EU261 claims are typically considered priority debts in bankruptcy proceedings. Many EU member states have guarantee funds or regulatory mechanisms to ensure passenger compensation even when airlines become insolvent. Credit card chargebacks may also provide recovery options for recent purchases.

EU Regulation 261 represents the pinnacle of passenger protection legislation worldwide, providing comprehensive rights that extend far beyond simple compensation payments to create a complete framework of passenger care and financial recovery. Understanding EU261's coverage rules, compensation calculations, and enforcement mechanisms transforms European flight disruptions from travel inconveniences into opportunities for substantial financial recovery. The regulation's strength lies not just in its generous compensation amounts, but in its mandatory nature and the robust enforcement mechanisms that ensure airlines cannot avoid their obligations through policy changes or financial pressures.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about EU261 and is not intended as legal advice. Regulations and enforcement procedures may vary by EU member state and individual circumstances. Always verify current regulatory requirements and consider consulting qualified legal professionals for complex claims or disputes. US Passenger Rights: DOT Rules and Airline Obligations Explained

When your American Airlines flight sits on the tarmac at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for four hours with no air conditioning in August heat, you're not just experiencing uncomfortable travel—you're witnessing a violation of federal law that triggers immediate passenger rights and potential airline penalties up to $27,500 per passenger. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has established comprehensive passenger protection rules that, while different from European standards, provide substantial rights and remedies for travelers facing airline service failures on US flights.

US passenger rights operate under a complex framework of DOT regulations, federal aviation laws, and airline-specific policies that collectively protect over 750 million annual passenger journeys within and from the United States. Unlike the standardized compensation amounts found in European regulations, US passenger rights often provide more flexible remedies tailored to specific situations, with compensation that can exceed $1,675 per passenger for denied boarding situations and unlimited refund rights for cancelled or significantly delayed flights.

The DOT's passenger protection rules have evolved significantly since 2009, driven by high-profile incidents of passengers trapped on aircraft for extended periods and growing consumer advocacy for stronger airline accountability. Today's regulations cover everything from tarmac delay limits to baggage handling standards, refund processing requirements, and accessibility protections for disabled passengers. Understanding these rules transforms US flight disruptions from helpless situations into opportunities to assert specific legal rights with predictable outcomes.

The key to maximizing US passenger rights lies in understanding that DOT regulations establish minimum standards that airlines often exceed through voluntary policies, creating multiple layers of protection that savvy travelers can leverage for optimal compensation and service recovery.