Dealing with flight issues can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to assist travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s smart to understand these protections. They can come in handy if your flight goes off course.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make handling travel complications a lot simpler. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can make you more relaxed when things don’t go as planned.
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 offer 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 experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Don’t forget to ask airline staff about these entitlements if your plans change. They must tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
German Airways Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from German Airways can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stranded for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could receive up to €600 per person. What is important is when you arrive, not when you take off. So monitor your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on how far you’re flying. A brief trip won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Want to know exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see how much money you might get:
| 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 |
German Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has regulations to protect you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s what you should know:
If your flight gets cancelled within two weeks of your planned travel date, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline can avoid paying if they rebook you on a different flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel.
The airline may not need to compensate 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 a different 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 depends on a couple of points:
- How far you’re flying
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the following table for more information:
| 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 have to compensate you if they can provide a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from German Airways
It’s crucial to know how to claim 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 problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your 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 due to operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances including inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which German Airways Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They apply to every flight leaving an airport within an EU country and every flight landing at a European Union member state airport if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also include airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s important to understand these laws – they exist to help you if something goes wrong with your flight. They ensure you’re not abandoned when your trip arrangements go awry.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
German Airways isn’t necessarily at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, situations arise that the airline has no control over, like extreme weather or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an emergency at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers, German Airways cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these things happen, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties arise.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
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