Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent problems 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 situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU 261, travelers arriving at Miami International Airport from EU countries or departing from Miami International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have specific 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 required, the airline must offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may choose 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 did not result from extraordinary circumstances and was within the airline’s control, travelers may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Miami International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at Miami International Airport might 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 calculated 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 flight delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Miami International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Miami International Airport, under EU 261/2004, passengers can receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. 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 |
Financial compensation may still be available even when you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to this 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 offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Miami International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though Miami International Airport is not within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Travelers arriving at Miami International Airport from EU countries or departing from Miami 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 from Miami 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 Miami International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Miami International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Miami International Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Miami International Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Miami International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete our 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 take over. We know the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You are only charged 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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