Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent issues experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, 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 defines the conditions when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and when you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU 261, travelers arriving at LaGuardia Airport from EU countries or departing from LaGuardia 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 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: If an overnight stay is needed, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers 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 might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.
LaGuardia Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers facing flight delays at LaGuardia 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 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
LaGuardia Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the LaGuardia Airport, according to EU 261/2004, passengers 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 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 though you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the distance of the flight 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 usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which LaGuardia Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though LaGuardia Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Passengers arriving at LaGuardia Airport from EU countries or departing from LaGuardia Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are covered by EU 261/2004.
Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from LaGuardia Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by EU-based airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from LaGuardia Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at LaGuardia Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at LaGuardia Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from LaGuardia Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at LaGuardia Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.