Denver International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Yurii Semikopenko
19.08.2024

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems encountered by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, 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 outlines the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.

Here, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and when you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers arriving at Denver International Airport from EU countries or departing from Denver 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 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: If an overnight stay is necessary, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
  • Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to select from 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.

Denver International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Travelers experiencing flight delays at Denver 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 follows UK and EU laws. 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 duration of the delay.

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind that airlines are not required to provide compensation for flight delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Denver International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Denver International Airport, according to EU 261, flyers may get 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 regulation. The airline may 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 NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

Compensation might still be available even when 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 length of the delay. You can check the following table to figure out the compensation amount you are entitled to:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Keep in mind that airlines typically don’t provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.

Which Denver International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

While Denver International Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Passengers arriving at Denver International Airport from EU countries or departing from Denver International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are covered by EU 261.

Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Denver International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by EU-based airlines.

ItineraryEU AirlineNon-EU Airline
Departures from Denver International Airport to anywhereYesNo
Arrivals at Denver International Airport from inside the EUYesNo
Arrivals at Denver International Airport Airport from outside the EUNoNo

How to Claim Compensation from Denver International Airport

Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Denver International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

  1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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