Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent problems faced 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 Regulation 261/2004 defines the conditions when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers flying to or from London Stansted Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights in case of 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 necessary, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers have the option to choose between 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 may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
London Stansted Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at London Stansted 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 reason for the delay and whether it adheres to 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 resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
London Stansted Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the London Stansted Airport, under EU 261/2004, flyers are eligible to 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 might 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 may 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 flight distance and the length of the delay. You can check the following table to figure out the compensation amount you are entitled to:
| 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 provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which London Stansted Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. 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 London Stansted Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at London Stansted Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at London Stansted Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from London Stansted Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at London Stansted Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete 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 are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.