Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common issues encountered 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 European Union Regulation 261/2004 specifies the conditions when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers traveling to or from Edinburgh 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 provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is necessary, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers may 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Edinburgh Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Edinburgh Airport might be eligible for 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 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 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 obligated to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Edinburgh Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Edinburgh Airport, according to EU Regulation 261, 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 law. 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 |
Financial compensation could 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 distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can check 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 provide compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Edinburgh Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Edinburgh Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Edinburgh Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Edinburgh Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Edinburgh Airport
Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Edinburgh Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.