Flight delays and cancellations are the most frequent problems faced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, 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 situations when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from EU countries or departing from Chicago O’Hare 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 required, the airline must 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 could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers experiencing flight delays at Chicago O’Hare International Airport could be entitled to 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 cause of the delay and whether it adheres to 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 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 required to provide compensation for delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, under EU 261/2004, passengers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. The airline could 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 could 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 calculated by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to 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 usually don’t offer compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Chicago O’Hare International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
While Chicago O’Hare International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Passengers arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from EU countries or departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261.
Thus, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by European airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete this 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 manage the process. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged 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.
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09.05.202507:15 | Delta Air Lines 2041 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202521:40 | Lufthansa 8859 | (KORD) El Prat De Llobregat (LEBL) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202521:40 | United Airlines 769 | (KORD) El Prat De Llobregat (LEBL) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202519:59 | SWISS 3254 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202519:59 | Lufthansa 8910 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202519:59 | Turkish Airlines 8609 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202519:59 | SA AVIANCA 2332 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202519:59 | Emirates 6301 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202516:48 | Emirates 6471 | (KORD) Mason City Municipal (KMCW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202516:48 | United Airlines 5106 | (KORD) Mason City Municipal (KMCW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6300 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202511:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2364 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202511:00 | Finnair 3980 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202511:00 | Alaska Airlines 829 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202510:09 | American Airlines 2398 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202510:09 | Finnair 4151 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202518:00 | Denver Air Connection 5775 | (KORD) Muskegon (KMKG) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:30 | American Airlines 8404 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:30 | Malaysia Airlines 9109 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:45 | Singapore Airlines 5911 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:45 | Thai Airways International 6177 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:45 | ANA 111 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:45 | United Airlines 7911 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:05 | SWISS 3063 | (KORD) Heathrow (EGLL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:05 | United Airlines 929 | (KORD) Heathrow (EGLL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:05 | Air Canada 5358 | (KORD) Heathrow (EGLL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:05 | Lufthansa 9357 | (KORD) Heathrow (EGLL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:05 | Brussels Airlines 9090 | (KORD) Heathrow (EGLL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:05 | Austrian 7850 | (KORD) Heathrow (EGLL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202512:45 | ANA 7009 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202512:30 | Malaysia Airlines 9109 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202512:30 | American Airlines 8404 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:45 | ANA 7009 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:45 | United Airlines 881 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:25 | United Airlines 5119 | (KORD) Fort Dodge Regional (KFOD) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:30 | WestJet 8377 | (KORD) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (KDTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:30 | Delta Air Lines 1654 | (KORD) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (KDTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202508:05 | American Airlines 5966 | (KORD) Cherry Capital Airport (KTVC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202508:05 | AlphaSky 4567 | (KORD) Cherry Capital Airport (KTVC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:20 | American Airlines 6494 | (KORD) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (KDTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:20 | Qantas 4881 | (KORD) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (KDTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:20 | AlphaSky 4209 | (KORD) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (KDTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:10 | Air New Zealand 2095 | (KORD) (KBOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:10 | United Airlines 2067 | (KORD) (KBOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:05 | American Airlines 3410 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:05 | AlphaSky 4409 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:00 | Delta Air Lines 2956 | (KORD) (KBOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:00 | Virgin Atlantic 2004 | (KORD) (KBOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:00 | SAS 3631 | (KORD) (KBOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:00 | Korean Air 3498 | (KORD) (KBOS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:12 | Aer Lingus 7119 | (KORD) Tucson International Airport (KTUS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:12 | Finnair 4208 | (KORD) Tucson International Airport (KTUS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:12 | American Airlines 639 | (KORD) Tucson International Airport (KTUS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:12 | British Airways 5328 | (KORD) Tucson International Airport (KTUS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:12 | Royal Jordanian 7074 | (KORD) Tucson International Airport (KTUS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:12 | Qatar Airways 2209 | (KORD) Tucson International Airport (KTUS) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:35 | Emirates 236 | (KORD) Chelsea Twr EY Bus Station (OMDB) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:10 | SA AVIANCA 2332 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:10 | Emirates 6301 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:10 | Turkish Airlines 8609 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:10 | SWISS 3254 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:10 | Lufthansa 8910 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:10 | United Airlines 2211 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202519:30 | United Airlines 3903 | (KORD) Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (SBGL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202517:10 | Contour Aviation 3096 | (KORD) Daviess County (KOWB) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:30 | Denver Air Connection 5670 | (KORD) Municipal (KDBQ) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:13 | Air Canada 3967 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:13 | Air New Zealand 2113 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:13 | United Airlines 1448 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:49 | American Airlines 3934 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:49 | British Airways 5131 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:49 | Gulf Air 6400 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:49 | AlphaSky 4000 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202511:55 | United Airlines 5027 | (KORD) Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (KEAU) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202511:40 | British Airways 5534 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202511:40 | AlphaSky 4524 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202511:40 | Jet Linx Aviation 7316 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202511:40 | American Airlines 3576 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202509:45 | AlphaSky 6244 | (KORD) Quad-City (KMLI) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202509:45 | American Airlines 6468 | (KORD) Quad-City (KMLI) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202509:00 | Alaska Airlines 329 | (KORD) Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202501:45 | Compass Air Cargo 9394 | (KORD) (OMDW) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202520:35 | Emirates 236 | (KORD) Chelsea Twr EY Bus Station (OMDB) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202517:45 | Thai Airways International 6177 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202517:45 | United Airlines 7911 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202517:45 | ANA 111 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202517:45 | Singapore Airlines 5911 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202513:10 | Southern Airways Express 488 | (KORD) Quincy M Baldwin Field (KUIN) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202512:45 | ANA 7009 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202512:30 | Japan Airlines 9 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202512:30 | Malaysia Airlines 9109 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202512:30 | American Airlines 8404 | (KORD) Haneda Airport (RJTT) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202510:35 | ANA 7400 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202510:35 | Air Canada 3958 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202510:35 | United Airlines 4382 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202510:35 | Air New Zealand 2115 | (KORD) Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202510:11 | Denver Air Connection 5799 | (KORD) Muskegon (KMKG) | delayed | Refunds |
03.05.202510:05 | Contour Aviation 3027 | (KORD) Blacker (KMBL) | delayed | Refunds |
02.05.202517:05 | American Airlines 4036 | (KORD) Capital (KSPI) | delayed | Refunds |
02.05.202517:05 | Qatar Airways 7802 | (KORD) Capital (KSPI) | delayed | Refunds |
