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 Flight number Route Status Compensation

05.07.202511:40

Virgin Atlantic

1792

San Francisco International (SFO)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202511:40

Delta Air Lines

361

San Francisco International (SFO)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202511:40

Air France

2084

San Francisco International (SFO)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202511:10

United Airlines

369

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202511:10

Air Canada

5056

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202511:10

Virgin Australia

8432

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202511:05

Southwest Airlines

2769

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202509:10

Air New Zealand

9387

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202509:10

Virgin Australia

8254

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202509:10

United Airlines

499

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202508:20

Qatar Airways

8807

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202508:20

Air Tahiti Nui

2706

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202508:20

Condor

5003

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202508:20

Hawaiian Airlines

7028

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202508:20

Alaska Airlines (Honoring Those Who Serv

1169

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202508:20

Jet Linx Aviation

6339

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202507:00

Air Canada

5618

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202507:00

United Airlines

1712

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202507:00

Virgin Australia

8430

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202523:54

Aeromexico

665

San Francisco International (SFO)

Internacional Benito Juarez (MEX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202523:54

WestJet

6160

San Francisco International (SFO)

Internacional Benito Juarez (MEX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202523:54

Virgin Atlantic

7522

San Francisco International (SFO)

Internacional Benito Juarez (MEX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202523:54

Delta Air Lines

8039

San Francisco International (SFO)

Internacional Benito Juarez (MEX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202516:55

Air Canada

3528

San Francisco International (SFO)

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202516:55

Lufthansa

8594

San Francisco International (SFO)

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202516:55

SA AVIANCA

2356

San Francisco International (SFO)

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202516:55

United Airlines

1723

San Francisco International (SFO)

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:10

United Airlines

433

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:10

Virgin Australia

8285

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:10

ANA

7285

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:10

Air New Zealand

9402

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:10

Asiana Airlines

6401

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:05

United Airlines

1095

San Francisco International (SFO)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202511:05

Air New Zealand

2889

San Francisco International (SFO)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202510:00

Air India

174

San Francisco International (SFO)

Indira Gandhi International (DEL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202509:25

Wheels Up

920

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202509:19

Air New Zealand

9387

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202509:19

United Airlines

499

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202509:19

Virgin Australia

8254

San Francisco International (SFO)

Nashville International (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202501:05

China Airlines

3

San Francisco International (SFO)

()

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202501:05

Delta Air Lines

7731

San Francisco International (SFO)

()

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202500:05

ANA

7828

San Francisco International (SFO)

El Salvador International (SAL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

04.07.202500:05

SA AVIANCA

561

San Francisco International (SFO)

El Salvador International (SAL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202522:55

Virgin Australia

8287

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202522:55

Air New Zealand

9401

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:59

Hawaiian Airlines

7001

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:59

Alaska SkyWest

3455

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:59

American Airlines

9339

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:59

Qatar Airways

4299

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:59

Cathay Pacific

7930

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:59

Iberia

7305

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Singapore Airlines

1386

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Qantas

3670

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Condor

5016

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Jet Linx Aviation

5448

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

American Airlines

7441

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Fiji Airways

5860

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Alaska Airlines

307

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Hawaiian Airlines

6970

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:28

Qatar Airways

3430

San Francisco International (SFO)

Logan International (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:08

United Airlines

1074

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:08

Lufthansa

9222

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:08

SWISS

3272

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:08

Virgin Australia

8428

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202521:08

Air Canada

5608

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202520:40

Air Canada

4396

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202520:40

United Airlines

301

San Francisco International (SFO)

Bob Hope (BUR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

Air Tahiti Nui

2798

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

Icelandair

7714

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

Iberia

7283

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

Qatar Airways

3395

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

Qantas

3669

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

British Airways

7545

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202519:49

Hawaiian Airlines

7031

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

Fiji Airways

5810

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

American Airlines

9350

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

Condor

5055

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

Hawaiian Airlines

7025

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

Iberia

7355

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

Qatar Airways

8804

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:53

Air Tahiti Nui

2445

San Francisco International (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:40

Southwest Airlines

1794

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:30

United Airlines

4777

San Francisco International (SFO)

Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:30

Air Canada

4146

San Francisco International (SFO)

Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:30

Asiana Airlines

6345

San Francisco International (SFO)

Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:30

SA AVIANCA

2024

San Francisco International (SFO)

Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:30

Emirates

6379

San Francisco International (SFO)

Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:30

Lufthansa

8600

San Francisco International (SFO)

Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:25

Emirates

6388

San Francisco International (SFO)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:25

ANA

7008

San Francisco International (SFO)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:25

Air New Zealand

9747

San Francisco International (SFO)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:25

Air Canada

4432

San Francisco International (SFO)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:25

United Airlines

5688

San Francisco International (SFO)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202518:25

Lufthansa

9398

San Francisco International (SFO)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202517:51

Singapore Airlines

1444

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202517:51

American Airlines

9319

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202517:51

Qatar Airways

3416

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202517:51

Fiji Airways

5838

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202517:51

Hawaiian Airlines

7016

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

03.07.202517:51

Condor

5145

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund
Bohdana Nosenok
199 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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