Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common issues encountered by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines the conditions when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from Maastricht Aachen Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights in case of significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is required, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Maastricht Aachen Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Maastricht Aachen Airport might be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is decided by the cause of the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU regulations. The amount of compensation is determined on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
€0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
€0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
€0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
€0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Keep in mind that airlines are not required to provide compensation for flight delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Maastricht Aachen Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Maastricht Aachen Airport, under EU 261, passengers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline may be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:
Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
14 Days | None |
7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Financial compensation might still be available even if you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can refer to this table to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:
Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
€125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
€200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
€200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
€300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Keep in mind that airlines typically don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Maastricht Aachen Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and flying with an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
Departures from Maastricht Aachen Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
Arrivals at Maastricht Aachen Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
Arrivals at Maastricht Aachen Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Maastricht Aachen Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Maastricht Aachen Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled? Find your flight in the table below and use our claims checker to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Did not find your flight in our table? Fill in our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
---|---|---|---|---|
30.03.202517:10 | SmartWings | Maastricht/aachen (EHBK) Pyrzowice (EPKT) | delayed | Refunds |