Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, 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 defines the situations in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU 261, travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from EU countries or departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain 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 provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When 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 can choose between 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.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport could 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 determined 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to EU 261/2004, travelers can 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 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 |
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 calculated by the flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can check 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is not within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Passengers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from EU countries or departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261/2004.
Therefore, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by European airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate a 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 manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.