Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. According to EU 261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Malaysia Airlines flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the law that covers air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this law covers diverse cases, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the situation occurs because of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences is entitled to receive compensation. Furthermore, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 contains rules concerning the process of compensation, including aid for passengers affected by issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum varies, according to your specific case.
Malaysia Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline informs you less than fourteen days before your flight date and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger may also be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length of the delay:
| 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 |
Malaysia Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline also must provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See key information on compensation in the table below:
| 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 |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care pertains to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.
The “Right to Care” under EU261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Food and beverages appropriate for the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Emails or faxes and two free phone calls
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is helpful to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not be charged extra for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to get reimbursement. Here, you should be aware that the amount of compensation fully depends on the distance of a flight:
- 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
- 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
- 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.
Consider that these rights apply to any flights inside the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are situations, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are outside of the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:
- Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
- Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
- A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
- Unruly or very ill passengers;
- Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).
In addition, if the airline potentially could have done something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. This regulation also extends 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.
Nevertheless, Malaysia Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from the EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Malaysia Airlines Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight delay or cancellation should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202623:30 | Malaysia Airlines 5251 | (ADD) (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202622:30 | Malaysia Airlines 139 | (KUL) (ADL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202621:55 | Malaysia Airlines 9786 | (HND) (HNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202621:00 | Malaysia Airlines 9788 | (HND) (HNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:55 | Malaysia Airlines 4968 | (HKT) (USM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:50 | Malaysia Airlines 9192 | (HKG) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:40 | Malaysia Airlines 4929 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:20 | Malaysia Airlines 5354 | (SZB) (AOR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:55 | Malaysia Airlines 4034 | (CGK) (YIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:40 | Malaysia Airlines 9119 | (NRT) (HKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:30 | Malaysia Airlines 5736 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:20 | Malaysia Airlines 791 | (HKT) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:15 | Malaysia Airlines 4965 | (USM) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:30 | Malaysia Airlines 4927 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:05 | Malaysia Airlines 790 | (KUL) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:05 | Malaysia Airlines 9172 | (HND) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:05 | Malaysia Airlines 5836 | (HKT) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:50 | Malaysia Airlines 4873 | (USM) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:25 | Malaysia Airlines 5367 | (AOR) (SZB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:20 | Malaysia Airlines 9246 | (BCN) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Malaysia Airlines 1209 | (AOR) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Malaysia Airlines 4865 | (USM) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Malaysia Airlines 5672 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:45 | Malaysia Airlines 5706 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:40 | Malaysia Airlines 5667 | (AMS) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:30 | Malaysia Airlines 5978 | (JNB) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:05 | Malaysia Airlines 4175 | (EDI) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:40 | Malaysia Airlines 5368 | (SZB) (AOR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:30 | Malaysia Airlines 5659 | (AMS) (BRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:50 | Malaysia Airlines 9680 | (LHR) (ABZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:45 | Malaysia Airlines 5630 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:40 | Malaysia Airlines 5637 | (AMS) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Malaysia Airlines 5634 | (ARN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:25 | Malaysia Airlines 5683 | (AMS) (BRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:10 | Malaysia Airlines 5615 | (MAA) (TRZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:00 | Malaysia Airlines 715 | (KUL) (DPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:40 | Malaysia Airlines 9275 | (DOH) (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:40 | Malaysia Airlines 5635 | (AMS) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:35 | Malaysia Airlines 4166 | (DOH) (DUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:25 | Malaysia Airlines 9259 | (DOH) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:25 | Malaysia Airlines 5854 | (SIN) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:05 | Malaysia Airlines 5658 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:00 | Malaysia Airlines 4315 | (IST) (DUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:30 | Malaysia Airlines 4177 | (EDI) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202606:35 | Malaysia Airlines 9907 | (BER) (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202605:50 | Malaysia Airlines 5571 | (BLR) (TRZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202604:20 | Malaysia Airlines 5523 | (MNL) (CEB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202604:10 | Malaysia Airlines 5915 | (MNL) (BCD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202604:05 | Malaysia Airlines 5991 | (MNL) (ILO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202603:30 | Malaysia Airlines 5985 | (MNL) (DVO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202602:40 | Malaysia Airlines 9261 | (DOH) (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202601:00 | Malaysia Airlines 9198 | (HKG) (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202600:30 | Malaysia Airlines 9190 | (HKG) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202623:15 | Malaysia Airlines 5916 | (BCD) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202623:10 | Malaysia Airlines 5990 | (DVO) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:40 | Malaysia Airlines 4208 | (BER) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:20 | Malaysia Airlines 5247 | (KWI) (MCT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:05 | Malaysia Airlines 5964 | (MNL) (TAG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:05 | Malaysia Airlines 9182 | (HKG) (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:05 | Malaysia Airlines 2747 | (BTU) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:50 | Malaysia Airlines 78 | (KUL) (HKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:50 | Malaysia Airlines 9192 | (HKG) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:50 | Malaysia Airlines 9780 | (AKL) (SCL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:15 | Malaysia Airlines 852 | (DPS) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:15 | Malaysia Airlines 5959 | (MNL) (ILO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:00 | Malaysia Airlines 9282 | (ATH) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:25 | Malaysia Airlines 2665 | (TWU) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:55 | Malaysia Airlines 725 | (KUL) (CGK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:35 | Malaysia Airlines 804 | (KUL) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:30 | Malaysia Airlines 4002 | (CGK) (SRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:15 | Malaysia Airlines 5680 | (FCO) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:05 | Malaysia Airlines 9114 | (NRT) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:05 | Malaysia Airlines 9326 | (SEA) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:00 | Malaysia Airlines 9906 | (LHR) (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:20 | Malaysia Airlines 853 | (KUL) (DPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:10 | Malaysia Airlines 9240 | (FCO) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:00 | Malaysia Airlines 5938 | (BCD) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:45 | Malaysia Airlines 4084 | (BUD) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:45 | Malaysia Airlines 4167 | (DUS) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:45 | Malaysia Airlines 2664 | (KUL) (TWU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:25 | Malaysia Airlines 9718 | (LHR) (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:20 | Malaysia Airlines 9281 | (DOH) (ATH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:15 | Malaysia Airlines 5655 | (AMS) (FCO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:45 | Malaysia Airlines 704 | (KUL) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:45 | Malaysia Airlines 5678 | (FCO) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:30 | Malaysia Airlines 9163 | (SEA) (NRT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:00 | Malaysia Airlines 5857 | (CPH) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:45 | Malaysia Airlines 5946 | (KUL) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:40 | Malaysia Airlines 5536 | (PPS) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:20 | Malaysia Airlines 5822 | (BRU) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:15 | Malaysia Airlines 5962 | (CEB) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:10 | Malaysia Airlines 2661 | (TWU) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:50 | Malaysia Airlines 5966 | (CGY) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:40 | Malaysia Airlines 5679 | (AMS) (FCO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:35 | Malaysia Airlines 4129 | (DOH) (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:30 | Malaysia Airlines 5558 | (MNL) (MPH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:30 | Malaysia Airlines 9239 | (DOH) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:20 | Malaysia Airlines 5532 | (MPH) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:10 | Malaysia Airlines 5759 | (LHR) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202608:40 | Malaysia Airlines 4244 | (DUS) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
