Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent problems experienced by travelers. Fortunately, 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 European Union Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU 261, passengers arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport from EU countries or departing from Newark Liberty International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have certain 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: When an overnight stay is needed, the airline is required 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 could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Newark Liberty International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers facing flight delays at Newark Liberty International Airport could 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 complies with UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is based 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.
Newark Liberty International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Newark Liberty International Airport, under EU 261/2004, passengers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. The airline could 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 might 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 check the table below to figure out the amount of compensation 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 cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Newark Liberty International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though Newark Liberty International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Passengers arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport from EU countries or departing from Newark Liberty International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261/2004.
Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Newark Liberty International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Newark Liberty International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Newark Liberty International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Newark Liberty International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Newark Liberty International Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Newark Liberty International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.