Passengers of Delta Air Lines who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you need to take to obtain the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Delta Air Lines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Delta Air Lines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.
Delta Air Lines Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you reach your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on various criteria, such as the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| 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 |
Be aware you might not receive compensation for every flight delay. Delta Air Lines isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances outside their control occur. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In such situations, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Delta Air Lines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| 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 |
Even when accepting a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined according to two criteria: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, according to the table provided below:
| 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 |
Delta Air Lines isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Delta Air Lines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Delta Air Lines is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Delta Air Lines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Delta Air Lines, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of getting the compensation you’re owed. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Delta Air Lines goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Delta Air Lines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Delta Air Lines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Delta Air Lines provides hotel room accommodation. This also covers transportation between the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Delta Air Lines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on another flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel disruptions and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, Delta Air Lines shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Delta Air Lines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s important to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, Delta Air Lines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.