Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 defines the situations in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights in case of significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and refreshments during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is necessary, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is decided by the cause of the delay and whether it follows UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is determined on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
| 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 |
Keep in mind that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, according to EU 261/2004, travelers are eligible to get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline may be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets certain criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:
| 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 |
Financial compensation might still be available even when you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can check this table to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:
| 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 |
Keep in mind that airlines typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and flying with an airline flight from the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- 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 take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.