Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common issues experienced 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 EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines the situations under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261, passengers arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from EU countries or departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines 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 necessary, the airline must offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may choose either a full refund of their ticket, including any extra costs, or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination;
- Compensation: If the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances and was within the airline’s control, passengers could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers facing flight delays at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport may 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 decided by the reason for 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 delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, according to EU Regulation 261, passengers can receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this regulation. 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 |
Compensation might still be available even when you accept 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 following table to figure out the compensation amount 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 offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is not within the EU, European Union 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 EU-based airlines are protected by EU 261/2004.
Thus, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport may be subject to European regulations 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 from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- 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 get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
It is important to note that the compensation claim process requires documents such as booking confirmation and boarding pass.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled? Find your flight in the table below and use our claims checker to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Did not find your flight in our table? Fill in our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
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