Flight delays and cancellations are the most frequent problems faced 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 European Union Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers departing from or arriving at Southampton Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant cancellations or delays. 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 necessary, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to 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 ranging from €250 to €600.
Southampton Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers encountering flight delays at Southampton 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 complies with UK and EU regulations. 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Southampton Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Southampton Airport, according to EU 261, travelers can receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. 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 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 may 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 distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can check 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 usually don’t provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Southampton Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
Departures from Southampton Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
Arrivals at Southampton Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
Arrivals at Southampton Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Southampton Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Southampton Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
07.04.202514:15 | Albinati Aeronautics | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Chateauroux (LFLX) | delayed | Refunds |
17.03.202515:00 | VistaJet 728 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Sur Reina Sofia (GCTS) | delayed | Refunds |
03.03.202512:30 | British Airways 4104 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Edinburgh (EGPH) | delayed | Refunds |
03.03.202512:30 | Sierra Pacific Airlines 7324 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Edinburgh (EGPH) | delayed | Refunds |
03.03.202512:30 | Loganair 324 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Edinburgh (EGPH) | delayed | Refunds |
03.03.202508:40 | British Airways 4102 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Edinburgh (EGPH) | delayed | Refunds |
03.03.202508:40 | Sierra Pacific Airlines 7322 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Edinburgh (EGPH) | delayed | Refunds |
03.03.202508:40 | Loganair 322 | Southampton Airport (EGHI) Edinburgh (EGPH) | delayed | Refunds |