Flight delays and cancellations are the most frequent problems faced by travelers. Luckily, 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 261/2004 defines the situations when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from EU countries or departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have specific rights. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks 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 must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can choose between 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 could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers experiencing flight delays at Chicago O’Hare International Airport could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is determined by the cause of the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. 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 duration 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, under EU 261/2004, passengers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. The airline could be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets certain 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 |
Compensation could 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 calculated by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to this table to figure out the amount of compensation 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 usually don’t offer compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
While Chicago O’Hare International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Passengers arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from EU countries or departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261.
Thus, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by European airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11.07.202515:09 | Alaska Airlines (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 407 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202513:40 | United Airlines 1485 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202513:03 | Alaska Airlines 891 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202513:03 | Air Tahiti Nui 2379 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202513:03 | Hawaiian Airlines 6300 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202513:00 | Alaska Airlines 9207 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202510:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2484 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202510:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6295 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202508:50 | United Airlines 1620 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202508:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6299 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202508:00 | Qatar Airways 3322 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202508:00 | Alaska Airlines 683 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202508:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2485 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202507:20 | British Airways 4732 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.07.202507:20 | American Airlines 2101 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:16 | Lufthansa 7536 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:13 | SkyWest Airlines 5138 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Morgantown (MGW) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | British Airways 5767 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | Finnair 4042 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | Gulf Air 6419 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | Malaysia Airlines 9536 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | American Airlines 3029 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | Aer Lingus 7109 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | Royal Jordanian 7210 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202521:05 | Iberia 4562 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:50 | United Airlines 5021 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Sioux Gateway (SUX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:42 | Alaska Airlines 409 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:42 | Hawaiian Airlines 6298 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:42 | Air Tahiti Nui 2764 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:42 | Singapore Airlines 1717 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:42 | Iberia 7314 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202520:42 | Qatar Airways 2155 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202519:59 | SA AVIANCA 2332 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202519:59 | SWISS 3254 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202519:59 | Turkish Airlines 8609 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202519:59 | Emirates 6301 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202519:59 | Lufthansa 8910 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.07.202518:15 | Delta Air Lines 2299 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202518:15 | SAS 3642 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202518:00 | Denver Air Connection 5775 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Muskegon (MKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:55 | Qatar Airways 3333 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:55 | Air Tahiti Nui 2396 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:55 | Hawaiian Airlines 6296 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:55 | Alaska Airlines 337 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:55 | Iberia 7312 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | Aer Lingus 7625 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | Qatar Airways 9271 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | Malaysia Airlines 9468 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | Iberia 4687 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | British Airways 5316 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | American Airlines 3105 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:49 | Gulf Air 6713 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:20 | Contour Aviation 3054 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Williamson County (MWA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202517:10 | Contour Aviation 3096 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Daviess County (OWB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202512:50 | ANA 7009 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Haneda Airport (TYO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.07.202512:50 | United Airlines 881 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Haneda Airport (TYO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202522:11 | Qatar Airways 2411 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Waterloo (ALO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202522:11 | American Airlines 4321 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Waterloo (ALO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:50 | SkyWest Airlines 5021 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Sioux Gateway (SUX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:42 | Air Tahiti Nui 2764 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:42 | Iberia 7314 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:42 | Singapore Airlines 1717 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:42 | Finnair 3980 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:42 | Hawaiian Airlines 6298 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202520:42 | Qatar Airways 2155 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202519:59 | United Airlines 8113 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202516:15 | Brussels Airlines 8875 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202516:15 | United Airlines 2278 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202516:15 | Lufthansa 7504 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202516:15 | SWISS 3294 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.07.202514:15 | Denver Air Connection 3912 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Gogebic County (IWD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202521:22 | United Airlines 5124 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202521:20 | ANA 7256 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos (SAO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202521:20 | United Airlines 845 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos (SAO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202520:50 | United Airlines 5021 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Sioux Gateway (SUX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202520:07 | Air Canada 4016 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Tulsa International (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202520:07 | Air New Zealand 2931 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Tulsa International (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202520:07 | ANA 7612 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Tulsa International (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202520:07 | United Airlines 5262 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Tulsa International (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202520:07 | Lufthansa 8580 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Tulsa International (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202519:59 | United Airlines 2211 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:35 | United Airlines 349 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Burlington International (BTV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:35 | Emirates 6225 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Burlington International (BTV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:35 | Air Canada 4872 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Burlington International (BTV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:35 | Air New Zealand 2107 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Burlington International (BTV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:30 | Contour Aviation 3029 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Blacker (MBL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | United Airlines 1335 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | SA AVIANCA 2278 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | Copa Airlines 1365 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | Air New Zealand 2121 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | Air Canada 5238 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | Emirates 6226 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202518:20 | ANA 7074 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | Air Canada 3964 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | Brussels Airlines 8804 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | United Airlines 972 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | Austrian 7756 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | Hawaiian Airlines 6296 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | Iberia 7312 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.07.202517:55 | Qatar Airways 3333 | Chicago O’hare International (CHI) Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
