Handling flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the good news is that the European Union has laws to help travelers when things go wrong. If you’re flying in the EU, it’s wise to be aware of these regulations. They can come in handy if your flight goes off course.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make handling travel problems much easier. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can help you feel less stressed when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws make sure airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Meals and beverages
- A hotel room 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 receive:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to ask airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They must tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Brussels Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Brussels Airlines can be very frustrating. 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.
Regulations in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What counts is when you land, not when you take off. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on the length of your journey. A short flight won’t be compensated as highly as a long one, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
| 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 |
Brussels Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has laws to help 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 could be eligible for compensation up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline can avoid paying if they rebook you on a different flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The airline can avoid paying you if they arrange a replacement flight that meets the following conditions:
| 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 |
If you choose to board an alternative flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. The most important thing is when you reach your final destination.
The amount you could receive is based on two factors:
- How far you’re flying
- The delay in your arrival
Therefore, even if you arrive later than planned, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Look at the following table to understand better:
| 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 |
The airline might not be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Brussels Airlines
It’s crucial to know the process of claiming the compensation you deserve under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Don’t forget that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed due to operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which Brussels Airlines Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They cover every flight leaving an airport in an EU member state and every flight landing at an airport within an EU country when an EU-based airline operates the flight.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also cover airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means if you’re traveling with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s important to understand these regulations – they exist to help you if problems occur with your flight. They make sure you’re not abandoned when your travel plans fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Brussels Airlines isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, events occur that the airline is powerless against, like extreme weather or unforeseen issues.
For example, if there’s a sudden storm, an airport emergency, or a strike by air traffic controllers, Brussels Airlines cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline is unable to prevent.
When these events take place, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise.