Flight delays and cancellations are the most common problems encountered by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 specifies the situations in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU 261, passengers arriving at Orlando International Airport from EU countries or departing from Orlando 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 offered 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: Passengers have the option to choose between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Orlando International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers encountering flight delays at Orlando International Airport might 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 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 caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Orlando International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Orlando International Airport, according to EU 261, travelers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, 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 agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can check this 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 usually don’t provide compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Orlando International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Although Orlando International Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Passengers arriving at Orlando International Airport from EU countries or departing from Orlando International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are protected by EU 261/2004.
Therefore, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights from Orlando 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 Orlando International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Orlando International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Orlando International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Orlando International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Orlando International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete this 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 manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.