Los Angeles International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent issues faced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, 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 European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU 261, travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from EU countries or departing from Los Angeles International 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 beverages 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 have the option to 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Los Angeles International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers experiencing flight delays at Los Angeles International 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 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.

Los Angeles International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Los Angeles International Airport, under EU 261, travelers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline may 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

Financial compensation might still be available even though you accept 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 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 typically don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.

Which Los Angeles International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

While Los Angeles International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from EU countries or departing from Los Angeles International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are covered by EU 261/2004.

Thus, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.

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

How to Claim Compensation from Los Angeles International Airport

Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Los Angeles International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Fill in 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 well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.