Handling flight disruptions can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to assist travelers when things get messed up. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s wise to know about these regulations. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted. Being aware of your options can make handling travel issues less stressful. While it won’t get you to your destination quicker, it can reduce your anxiety when things get disrupted. Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws ensure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong. When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you: Meals and beverages Accommodation if you’re stuck 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 Don’t forget to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They have to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation. Air France Flight Delay Compensation Flight delays from Air France can be really annoying. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re stranded for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation. Regulations in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What counts is when you arrive, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek compensation. The amount you receive depends on how far you’re flying. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, 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 France Flight Cancellation Compensation The EU has laws to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know: If your flight gets cancelled within two weeks of your scheduled departure, you might get compensation up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel. The airline can avoid paying you if they offer you a new 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 accept a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The most important thing is your arrival time at your destination. How much money you might get is determined by two factors: The length of your flight How late you arrive So, even if you arrive later than planned, you could still be eligible for compensation. Refer to 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 if you’re just a little late, you might not get any compensation. How to Claim Compensation from Air France It’s important to understand how to claim the compensation you deserve under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it: Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case. Don’t forget that you’re entitled as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances including inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you are entitled to compensation. Which Air France Flights are Covered by EU261? The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers are comprehensive in scope. They apply to all flights departing from an airport in an EU member state and any flight coming into an airport in an EU member state when an EU-based airline operates the flight. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing EU airports✅ CoveredFlights arriving at EU airports✅ Covered These laws also apply to airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means when you travel with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s good to be aware of these regulations – they’re there to help you if issues arise with your flight. They guarantee you’re not left on your own when your travel plans don’t work out. When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation Air France isn’t necessarily responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, situations arise that the airline is powerless against, like extreme weather or unforeseen issues. For instance, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an airport emergency, or a strike by air traffic controllers, Air France cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over. When these situations occur, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties arise.