Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

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:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
2. 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.

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