Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 outlines the conditions when 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 European Union Regulation 261 and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers flying to or from Liège Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks 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 required to offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers have the option to select 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 may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Liège Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers encountering flight delays at Liège Airport may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is decided by the reason for the delay and whether it follows 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 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 required to provide compensation for delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Liège Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Liège Airport, under EU Regulation 261, travelers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline may 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 could still be available even though 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 length of the delay. You can refer to 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 beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Liège Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and flying on a flight originating in the EU operated by an airline, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, which defines your air passenger rights. This regulation applies to both domestic and international flights and ensures that you have certain rights in case of delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are protected by EU Regulation 261:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Liège Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Liège Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Liège Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Liège Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Liège Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 know the EU laws well and will strive 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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