Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 specifies the conditions under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers arriving at San Diego International Airport from EU countries or departing from San Diego 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 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 necessary, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
San Diego International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at San Diego 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 reason for 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
San Diego International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the San Diego International Airport, under EU 261/2004, travelers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline could be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific 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 when 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 refer to 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 offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which San Diego International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though San Diego International Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Passengers arriving at San Diego International Airport from EU countries or departing from San Diego International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261/2004.
Thus, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from San Diego International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by EU-based airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from San Diego International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at San Diego International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at San Diego International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from San Diego International Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at San Diego International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in 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 understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.