Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, 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 defines the situations in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and when you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers departing from or arriving at Brussels South Charleroi Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing 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 provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is required, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at Brussels South Charleroi Airport may be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is determined by the reason for the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is calculated 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 required to provide compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, under EU 261, passengers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline could be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific 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 though you accept 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 duration of the delay. You can check this table to figure out the amount of compensation 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 strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Brussels South Charleroi Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and flying with an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation guarantees 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 protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
Departures from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
Arrivals at Brussels South Charleroi Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
Arrivals at Brussels South Charleroi Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as 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 are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled? Find your flight in the table below and use our claims checker to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Did not find your flight in our table? Fill in our compensation form, and we will check it for you.