Flight delays and cancellations are the most frequent problems experienced 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 in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers traveling to or from Cologne Bonn Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights if they experience significant cancellations or delays. 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 required, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers have the option to 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 might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Cologne Bonn Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers experiencing flight delays at Cologne Bonn 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 cause of the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU regulations. 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 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 resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Cologne Bonn Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Cologne Bonn Airport, according to EU 261/2004, flyers are eligible to get 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 law. 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 |
Financial 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 based on the distance of the flight and the duration 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 outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Cologne Bonn 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 regulation guarantees 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Cologne Bonn Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Cologne Bonn Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Cologne Bonn Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Cologne Bonn Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 understand the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.