Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent problems encountered by travelers. Luckily, 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 EU 261/2004 outlines the conditions in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU 261, travelers arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from EU countries or departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National 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 offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is needed, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers may choose between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: According to the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport could 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 reason for the delay and whether it adheres to 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 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 caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, under EU Regulation 261, passengers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. 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 could still be available even if you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can refer to the following table to figure out the compensation amount 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 provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Travelers arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from EU countries or departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are protected by EU 261.
Thus, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by European airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
28.05.202522:33 | American Airlines 5163 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202522:33 | AlphaSky 6627 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202522:00 | American Airlines 5191 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202522:00 | AlphaSky 4480 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202510:38 | American Airlines 4008 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202522:00 | American Airlines 5191 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202522:00 | AlphaSky 4480 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202514:54 | American Airlines 4694 | () Tulsa International (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202510:00 | American Airlines 4663 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202522:33 | American Airlines 5163 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202522:33 | AlphaSky 6627 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202519:58 | AlphaSky 6172 | () Ryan (BTR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202519:58 | American Airlines 5483 | () Ryan (BTR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202517:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2347 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202517:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6703 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202517:00 | Alaska Airlines (Star Wars Livery) 3 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202514:54 | American Airlines 4694 | () Tulsa International (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202508:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2346 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202508:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6701 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202508:00 | Finnair 4596 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202508:00 | Korean Air 6269 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202508:00 | Jet Linx Aviation 6363 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202514:54 | American Airlines 4694 | () Tulsa International (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202511:52 | American Airlines 3339 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202510:00 | American Airlines 4663 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202508:00 | Alaska Airlines 1 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202508:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2346 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202508:00 | Korean Air 6269 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202508:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6701 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202508:00 | Finnair 4596 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202508:00 | Jet Linx Aviation 6363 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202517:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2347 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202517:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6703 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202511:54 | American Airlines 5576 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202522:33 | American Airlines 5163 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202522:33 | AlphaSky 6627 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202522:00 | AlphaSky 4480 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202522:00 | American Airlines 5191 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202519:54 | KLM 5450 | () Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202519:54 | Delta Air Lines 2030 | () Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202518:00 | JetBlue Airways 23 | () Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202517:10 | WestJet 6936 | () Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202517:10 | Virgin Atlantic 2415 | () Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202517:10 | Air France 2177 | () Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202517:10 | Delta Air Lines 1454 | () Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202514:54 | American Airlines 4694 | () Tulsa International (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202511:54 | American Airlines 5576 | () Burlington International (BTV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202511:52 | American Airlines 3339 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202510:13 | American Airlines 1394 | () Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202509:00 | JetBlue Airways 2433 | () Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202508:40 | American Airlines 4691 | () NW Florida Beaches Int (ECP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202508:33 | American Airlines 5260 | () Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:00 | Icelandair 7826 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 2039 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:00 | JetBlue Airways 1854 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:33 | American Airlines 5163 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:33 | AlphaSky 6627 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:00 | Delta Air Lines 5841 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:00 | American Airlines 2120 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202516:59 | American Airlines 5186 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202508:28 | American Airlines 5602 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.05.202510:30 | American Airlines 9960 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.05.202522:33 | AlphaSky 6627 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202522:33 | American Airlines 5163 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202522:00 | American Airlines 4672 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202522:00 | AlphaSky 6896 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202520:50 | Delta Air Lines 5707 | () Nashville International (BNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202519:54 | American Airlines 4484 | () Nashville International (BNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202519:50 | AlphaSky 4603 | () Northwest Arkansas Regional (XNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202519:50 | American Airlines 3452 | () Northwest Arkansas Regional (XNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202518:55 | Southwest Airlines 4167 | () Nashville International (BNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202517:40 | JetBlue Airways 2954 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202514:54 | American Airlines 4694 | () Tulsa International (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202513:15 | Iberia 4932 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202513:15 | American Airlines 4493 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:45 | JetBlue Airways 1254 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:45 | Qatar Airways 3961 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:45 | Hawaiian Airlines 2408 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:45 | Etihad Airways 8301 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:45 | TAP Air Portugal 4278 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:00 | Delta Air Lines 5693 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:00 | KLM 5179 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202512:00 | SAS 3798 | () () | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.05.202516:59 | Delta Air Lines 786 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.05.202511:52 | American Airlines 3339 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.05.202505:00 | American Airlines 9951 | () Ryan (BTR) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
17.05.202520:30 | AlphaSky 6220 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202520:30 | American Airlines 5631 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202517:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2347 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202517:00 | Alaska Airlines 3 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202517:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6703 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202512:51 | American Airlines 4694 | () Tulsa International (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202508:00 | Jet Linx Aviation 6363 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202508:00 | Finnair 4596 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202508:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6701 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202508:00 | Korean Air 6269 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.05.202508:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2346 | () Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.05.202522:33 | American Airlines 5163 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.05.202522:33 | AlphaSky 6627 | () Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.05.202522:00 | American Airlines 4672 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
