Flight cancellations and delays are the most common problems encountered by travelers. Luckily, 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 261/2004 defines the situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Leeds Bradford Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights if they experience significant cancellations or delays. 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 required, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Leeds Bradford Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Leeds Bradford Airport could 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 determined by the cause of the delay and whether it follows UK and EU laws. 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 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 due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Leeds Bradford Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Leeds Bradford Airport, according to EU Regulation 261, travelers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. 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 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 typically don’t offer compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Leeds Bradford Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and flying with an airline flight from the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures 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 which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Leeds Bradford Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Leeds Bradford Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Leeds Bradford Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Leeds Bradford Airport
Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Leeds Bradford Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.