Charlotte Douglas International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Flight delays and cancellations are the most common problems 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 EU 261/2004 defines the conditions in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

According to EU Regulation 261, passengers arriving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport from EU countries or departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have specific rights. These rights include:

• Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks during the waiting period.
• Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
• Hotel accommodation if necessary: If 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 may 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 may be eligible for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers facing flight delays at Charlotte Douglas International Airport might 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 determined by the cause of the delay and whether it follows UK and EU regulations. 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, under EU 261/2004, flyers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline might 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 may still be available even though you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can refer to the following table to figure out the compensation amount 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

Which Charlotte Douglas International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

While Charlotte Douglas International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Travelers arriving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport from EU countries or departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are protected by EU 261.

Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.

Itinerary	EU Airline	Non-EU Airline
Departures from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to anywhere	Yes	No
Arrivals at Charlotte Douglas International Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Airport from outside the EU	No	No

How to Claim Compensation from Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.