Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 outlines the situations in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and when you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU 261, passengers arriving at San Francisco International Airport from EU countries or departing from San Francisco International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks 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: Travelers can select from 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
San Francisco International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at San Francisco International Airport may 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 adheres to UK and EU regulations. 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 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 flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
San Francisco International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the San Francisco International Airport, under EU Regulation 261, travelers are eligible to get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, 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 if you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by 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 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 usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which San Francisco International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Although San Francisco International Airport isn’t within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Travelers arriving at San Francisco International Airport from EU countries or departing from San Francisco International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU are covered by EU 261.
Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from San Francisco International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by EU-based airlines.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from San Francisco International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at San Francisco International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at San Francisco International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from San Francisco International Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at San Francisco International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.