Southampton Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent issues faced by travelers. Fortunately, 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 conditions when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.

Here, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and when 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 obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may 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 might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Southampton Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Flyers facing flight delays at Southampton Airport may be entitled to 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 laws. 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 delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Southampton Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Southampton Airport, under EU 261/2004, travelers can receive 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 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

Financial compensation could still be available even though you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the amount of compensation 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 cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions 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 flying with 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 protected by 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 Airport from outside the EU	Yes	No

How to Claim Compensation from Southampton Airport

Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Southampton Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.