Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 specifies the conditions under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
Here, you will find 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, travelers traveling to or from Copenhagen Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights in case of significant cancellations or delays. 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 provided 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: Travelers can select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: According to the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Copenhagen Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers encountering flight delays at Copenhagen Airport may be entitled to 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 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 obligated to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Copenhagen Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Copenhagen Airport, according to EU 261, travelers can get 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 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 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 length of the delay. You can check this 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 usually don’t provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Copenhagen Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Copenhagen Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Copenhagen Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Copenhagen Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Copenhagen Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Copenhagen Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like 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 thoroughly and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.