If you’ve ever had a flight delayed or canceled, you know that it can set off a chain of events that can ruin your trip. On top of the monetary loss, you can be stuck in an airport overnight or in a strange city with no money or change of clothes, and you can also miss an important event. But what happens if your plane gets delayed? Do airlines have to compensate you? And how do they calculate compensation payments? This article will guide you on everything you need to know about airlines’ policies regarding delayed flights and other forms of compensation. 

Do Airlines Have to Compensate You?

The answer is yes! Airlines are required by law to compensate you for any delays resulting from their actions. These delays include lost luggage, flight cancellation, or even denied boarding. The length of the delay and the cause of the delay or cancellation will generally determine a passenger’s right to compensation for a flight delay.

Flight Delay/Cancellation Policies by Region

If you’re flying from Europe, North America, or South America, and your flight has been delayed or canceled; there is a good chance that you’ll be compensated by the airline. However, receiving compensation in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa may take longer. 

Europe

In Europe, flights can be canceled due to weather conditions or technical issues related to the aircraft (for example, engine failure ). If a flight was previously booked when the airline determined that it would not operate as scheduled due to inclement weather conditions at the destination or during the takeoff/landing phase; then passengers must follow either of the options: 

• They can cancel their ticket(s) through their chosen carrier’s website within 24 hours after being notified of a cancellation, OR 
• They can request compensation from their own travel agent/travel company based on EU law. 

North America (The U.S.)

Unfortunately, there is no passenger Bill of Rights in the United States to safeguard passengers in the event of a mishap. The U.S. rules only demand compensation when a customer is “bumped” off a flight that is oversold; airlines are not compelled to reimburse passengers when flights are canceled or delayed. 

How To Get Compensation If Boarding Is Refused 

If you are forcibly removed from an aircraft or denied boarding, you might be able to claim compensation. You are eligible for reimbursement from US and EU airlines if you have a verified reservation, have checked in for your flight, and arrive at the boarding gate on time – and the airline cannot reschedule you to arrive within an hour of your stated arrival time. 

Maximum compensation for delays on U.S. flights

Arrival time of a new flight	Compensation (as a percentage of the ticket price)	Maximum reward
Within an hour of the scheduled arrival	None	None
Between 2 – 4 hours after the scheduled arrival	200%	$675
More than 4 hours after the scheduled arrival	400%	$1,350

For flights covered by EU 261, the airline must provide you with the option of reimbursement, rebooking, or rerouting at a later time. And let’s say you must wait until the next day to catch your flight. Airlines have to provide lodging (together with transportation to and from the airport) and refreshments or food to eat while you wait.

Compensation for Baggage Delay 

Between domestic international and U.S. flights, there are different compensation policies. The laws governing air-travels to The United States are more lenient than those controlling international travel. 

If your luggage is delayed or misplaced on a domestic flight within the United States, you can file a complaint with the airline for reimbursement. According to US Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations, the maximum fee for delayed or misplaced bags is $3,500 per individual. Airlines are free to pay more than the cap, but they are not required to.

Credit Cards That Compensate for Delays/Cancellations 

When federal laws or airline rules are inadequate, you may be protected by the credit card you used to pay for your trip.

Travelers who use specific credit cards can receive reimbursement should anything go wrong.

Therefore, before booking your airfare, compare the perks of the credit cards in your pockets because the benefit coverage limits and restrictions differ by card.

Some credit cards and their reimbursement packages for airplane delays:

Credit Cards	Flight cancellation	Flight delay	Baggage delay
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Probably $10,000 per individual and $20,000 per journey.	A delay of six or more hours might cost around $500.	A six-hour delay could cost around $100 daily for five days.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®	$10,000 per individual and $20,000 per journey.	A 12+ hour wait might result in each ticket costing around $500.	An additional six-hour delay might cost around $100 daily for five days.
United℠ Explorer Card	A maximum of $6,000 per trip and $1,500 per individual.	A 12+ hour wait might result in each ticket. costing around $500.	A six-hour delay could cost around $100 every day, for five days.
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Is $10,000 per journey and $20,000 per card per year.	Each ticket might cost around $500 if there is a 6+ hour wait.	None
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card	$2,500 per individual	A 12+ hour wait might result in each ticket costing around $500.	A delay of more than six hours might cost around $100 daily for five days.

How to File a Compensation Claim for Delayed American Flights (International and Domestic)? 

• Inform the credit card company of your intention to submit a claim before the deadline by contacting them.
• Complete the attached claim forms.
• For your records, duplicate the claim form and any supporting documentation.  
• Within the allotted time, submit the filled-out form and any necessary supporting documentation. 
• If the reimbursement claims manager contacts you again with questions, respond quickly to prevent your claim from being rejected.  

How Do You File a Compensation Claim for a European Flight Delay?

• Submit a report to the airline online or in person. 
• If the airline has not responded in two or more months or if you are dissatisfied with the response, file a complaint with the national authority. 
• Residents of Europe may request Online Conflict Resolution (OCR) or Alternative Conflict Resolution (ACR), which is dispute resolution conducted outside of court (if you bought your ticket online). 
• Additionally, residents of the European Union (EU) may file a small claims lawsuit.

Bottom Line

With all of these options, it can be unclear what kind of composition you are eligible for. But if your flight is delayed or canceled, don’t worry! The airline will help you find the best option for compensation. There are different ways in which airlines will compensate you after a delay—and each one has its own rules and requirements.