San Francisco International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Bohdana Nosenok
19.08.2024
Updated 16.05.2025

Flight cancellations and delays are the most common problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, 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 in which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.

Here, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU Regulation 261, passengers 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 have certain 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 provided 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: Travelers may choose between 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.

San Francisco International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers encountering flight delays at San Francisco International Airport might be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is decided by the cause of the delay and whether it follows 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 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind that airlines are not required to provide compensation for delays due to 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 261, travelers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nonetheless, 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 NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

Financial compensation may still be available even though you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by 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 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Keep in mind that airlines usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.

Which San Francisco International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

Even though San Francisco International Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to 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.

Thus, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights departing from San Francisco International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.

ItineraryEU AirlineNon-EU Airline
Departures from San Francisco International Airport to anywhereYesNo
Arrivals at San Francisco International Airport from inside the EUYesNo
Arrivals at San Francisco International Airport from outside the EUNoNo

How to Claim Compensation from San Francisco International Airport

Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at San Francisco International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate your compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

  1. Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us 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

29.05.202509:25

Qatar Airways

3430

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:25

Condor

5052

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:25

Jet Linx Aviation

6339

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:25

Air Tahiti Nui

2704

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:25

Hawaiian Airlines

7027

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:25

American Airlines

7530

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Alaska Airlines

1043

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

British Airways

7545

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Icelandair

7714

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Hawaiian Airlines

7031

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Cathay Pacific

7858

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Qatar Airways

3444

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Air Tahiti Nui

2491

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202516:47

Alaska Airlines

1078

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Air Tahiti Nui

2707

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Hawaiian Airlines

7030

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Cathay Pacific

7944

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Icelandair

7658

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Singapore Airlines

1392

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Fiji Airways

5810

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

Jet Linx Aviation

5429

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:39

American Airlines

9399

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202513:45

Air France

7923

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202513:45

KLM

5682

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202513:45

Korean Air

3084

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202513:45

Virgin Atlantic

1902

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202510:55

United Airlines

875

San Francisco International (SFO)

Haneda Airport (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:49

Qatar Airways

3387

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:49

Hawaiian Airlines

6694

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:49

Alaska Airlines

559

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:49

Cathay Pacific

7948

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:49

Air Tahiti Nui

2540

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Alaska Airlines

1043

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Cathay Pacific

7858

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Qantas

3669

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

British Airways

7545

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Iberia

7267

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Icelandair

7714

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Hawaiian Airlines

7031

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Qatar Airways

4281

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202519:49

Air Tahiti Nui

2570

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:49

Alaska Airlines

153

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:49

Air Tahiti Nui

2632

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:49

Hawaiian Airlines

7025

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:49

American Airlines

7538

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:49

Iberia

7355

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:49

Qatar Airways

3428

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:05

United Airlines

325

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:05

Air Canada

4394

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202518:05

SA AVIANCA

2352

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202517:05

Emirates

226

San Francisco International (SFO)

Chelsea Twr EY Bus Station (DXB)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Cathay Pacific

7944

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Icelandair

7658

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Jet Linx Aviation

5429

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Hawaiian Airlines

7030

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

American Airlines

9399

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Air Tahiti Nui

2707

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Alaska Airlines

1059

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202514:39

Singapore Airlines

1392

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202513:45

Korean Air

3084

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202513:45

Virgin Atlantic

1902

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202513:45

KLM

5682

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202513:15

United Airlines

5661

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202513:15

Air Canada

4173

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202511:30

Alaska Airlines

1225

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202510:00

WestJet

6842

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202510:00

Virgin Atlantic

1900

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202510:00

KLM

6481

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202510:00

Air France

7923

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202508:00

Qatar Airways

3436

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202508:00

Hawaiian Airlines

6832

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202508:00

Air Tahiti Nui

2699

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202507:00

Singapore Airlines

1320

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202507:00

Qatar Airways

8810

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202507:00

Air Tahiti Nui

2705

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202507:00

American Airlines

9383

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202507:00

Korean Air

6114

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202507:00

Hawaiian Airlines

6896

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202522:50

Air New Zealand

9401

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202522:50

Virgin Australia

8287

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202522:45

Lufthansa

9388

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Luis County Regional Airport (SBP)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202522:45

United Airlines

5446

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Luis County Regional Airport (SBP)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:55

Delta Air Lines

3500

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:55

Virgin Atlantic

1906

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:55

SAS

3646

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:49

Qatar Airways

3387

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:49

Alaska Airlines

559

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:49

Hawaiian Airlines

6694

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:49

Cathay Pacific

7948

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:49

Air Tahiti Nui

2709

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:49

Singapore Airlines

1287

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:49

Qatar Airways

3444

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:49

Cathay Pacific

7858

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:49

British Airways

7545

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:49

Alaska Airlines

1043

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:49

Icelandair

7714

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:49

Hawaiian Airlines

7031

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202516:47

American Airlines

9356

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202516:47

Hawaiian Airlines

7021

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202516:47

Condor

5053

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund
Bohdana Nosenok
186 articles
With a PhD in cultural studies, travel experience and a background in human rights, Bohdana manages our content strategy. She helps passengers understand their rights and FlightRefunder’s services. Bohdana creates clear, simple guides on flight compensation claims, and makes it easy for travelers to know their options.

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