Heathrow Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent issues faced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures 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 in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and when you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers departing from or arriving at Heathrow Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain 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 offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
• Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is required, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to 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 might be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.

Heathrow Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Travelers encountering flight delays at Heathrow 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 decided by the cause of the delay and whether it adheres to 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 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 resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Heathrow Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Heathrow Airport, according to EU 261/2004, travelers can get 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 regulation. The airline could 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 could 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 flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can refer to this 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.

Which Heathrow Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation guarantees 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 what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:

Itinerary	EU Airline	Non-EU Airline
Departures from Heathrow Airport to anywhere	Yes	Yes
Arrivals at Heathrow Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Heathrow Airport Airport from outside the EU	Yes	No

How to Claim Compensation from Heathrow Airport

Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Heathrow Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.