Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent issues experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The European Union Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU 261, travelers arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from EU countries or departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood 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 refreshments during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is needed, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers facing flight delays at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport might 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 follows UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is calculated 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 outside their control.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood 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.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline may 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 may 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 determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to the following 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 cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Although Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport isn’t within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Travelers arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from EU countries or departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261.
Thus, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Flight disruptions 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 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.