Flight cancellations and delays 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 EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines the conditions in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, 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
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers flying to or from Václav Havel Airport Prague on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights in case of 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 required, the airline is required 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: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Václav Havel Airport Prague Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at Václav Havel Airport Prague 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 follows 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 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Václav Havel Airport Prague Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Václav Havel Airport Prague, under EU 261, flyers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this law. 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 when you accept 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 length 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 severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Václav Havel Airport Prague Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation 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 what situations are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Václav Havel Airport Prague to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Václav Havel Airport Prague from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Václav Havel Airport Prague Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Václav Havel Airport Prague
Flight delays and cancellations 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 Václav Havel Airport Prague, 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 such as 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 know the EU laws well and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.