Coping with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the bright side is that the European Union has regulations to help travelers when things get messed up. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s a good idea to understand these regulations. They can be useful if your flight is disrupted. Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel problems a lot simpler. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can reduce your anxiety when things don’t go as planned. Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 When you’re flying in the EU, rest assured that there’s help available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws guarantee airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong. When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you: Meals and beverages Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight Transportation to and from the hotel Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also be entitled to: A refund An alternative flight Compensation to make up for the trouble Remember to ask airline representatives about these entitlements if your plans change. They are obligated to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation. Air Belgium Flight Delay Compensation Flight delays from Air Belgium can be really annoying. However there’s a bright side: if you’re delayed for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation. Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What counts is when you arrive, not when you depart. So pay attention to your arrival time if you want to seek compensation. How much you get depends on the length of your journey. A brief trip won’t be compensated as highly as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time. Want to know exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see what compensation you could receive: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Air Belgium Flight Cancellation Compensation Europe has regulations to help you if your flight is cancelled. Here’s the important information: In the event of a flight cancellation less than two weeks before you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they can get you on another flight that aligns closely with your original schedule. The carrier can bypass compensation if they arrange a replacement flight that meets the following conditions: Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements14 DaysNone7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flightLess than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight If you choose to board another flight from the airline, you can still get compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination. Your potential compensation is based on two things: How far you’re flying How late you arrive Therefore, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you could still be eligible for compensation. Check out the following table to understand better: Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not get any compensation. How to Claim Compensation from Air Belgium It’s crucial to know the process of claiming the compensation you’re eligible for under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it: Complete our 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 understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case. Don’t forget that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational reasons or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like adverse weather conditions or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation. Which Air Belgium Flights are Covered by EU261? The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers are far-reaching. They cover every flight leaving a European Union member state airport and every flight landing at a European Union member state airport when an EU-based airline operates the flight. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing EU airports✅ CoveredFlights arriving at EU airports✅ Covered These laws also cover airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re traveling with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s helpful to understand these laws – they’re there to assist you if problems occur with your flight. They guarantee you’re not stranded when your travel plans go awry. When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation Air Belgium isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Occasionally, situations arise that the airline can’t control, like extreme weather or unexpected problems. For example, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an urgent situation at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, Air Belgium cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about. When these things happen, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.