Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues encountered 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 EU 261/2004 specifies the conditions 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 EU 261 regulation and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from Venice Marco Polo Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights if they experience significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: If 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 select from 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 ranging from €250 to €600.
Venice Marco Polo Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers facing flight delays at Venice Marco Polo 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 determined by the reason for the delay and whether it adheres to 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 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 delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Venice Marco Polo Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Venice Marco Polo Airport, under EU 261/2004, flyers 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 law. The airline might 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 might 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 calculated by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can check this 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 typically don’t offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Venice Marco Polo Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. 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 Venice Marco Polo Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Venice Marco Polo Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Venice Marco Polo Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Venice Marco Polo Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, follow 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 are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.