Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent issues faced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, 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 outlines the situations when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights in case of significant delays or cancellations. 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: If 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 may 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 may be eligible for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers encountering flight delays at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport may 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 determined by the cause of the delay and whether it follows 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 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 obligated to provide compensation for delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, under EU Regulation 261, travelers are eligible to get 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 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 could 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 determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can check the following 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 typically don’t offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. 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 Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in 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 handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.