Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The European Union Regulation 261/2004 specifies the situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Berlin Brandenburg Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights if they experience significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages 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 needed, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can choose between 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.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers facing flight delays at Berlin Brandenburg Airport could be eligible for 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 reason for the delay and whether it follows UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is based on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the duration 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport, according to EU 261, flyers may 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 regulation. The airline might 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 |
Compensation might still be available even if you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the amount of compensation you are entitled to:
| 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 usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Berlin Brandenburg Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Berlin Brandenburg Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Berlin Brandenburg Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details such as 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 well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.