Flight delay compensation under EU261: how to claim

When does EU261 apply?

EU261 covers flights leaving an EU, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland airport, and flights arriving in the EU on an airline based in the EU. Check the rules for the UK, which has its own version. The rules apply to delays, cancellations at short notice and denied boarding.

How much can you get?

Compensation can be cut by half in some cases. On flights over 3,500 km, a delay of three to four hours is reported to pay 300 EUR instead of 600 EUR. The delay is measured when you arrive at your final destination. Most flights between Slovakia and nearby capitals such as Vienna, Prague or Budapest fall in the shortest band.

When can the airline refuse?

Airlines can refuse if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather, security risks or air traffic control strikes. The airline must prove it and show it took reasonable measures. Technical faults are often not treated as extraordinary: the Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that problems from the normal operation or maintenance of an aircraft do not count, unless they stem from events outside the airline's actual control. If you are unsure, a claims service can check your case.

Strikes depend on who strikes. Industrial action by an airline's own staff may still leave you able to claim, while strikes by air traffic control, airport security or other third parties are generally treated as extraordinary. Even then the airline still owes you care, a refund or re-routing.

If your flight is from the UK

The UK has its own version of the rule, UK261, with fixed amounts in pounds: reported at 220 GBP for flights up to 1,500 km, 350 GBP for 1,500 to 3,500 km and 520 GBP for longer flights. A flight from a UK airport to Slovakia is usually under 1,500 km. Flights from Slovakia to the UK on an EU airline fall under EU261. Which rule applies depends on where the flight departs and which airline flies it, so check before choosing a service.

Your other rights

Besides compensation, airlines must provide care for long delays, including meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation if you wait overnight. Keep receipts if you pay for these yourself. If your flight is cancelled, you can choose a refund or re-routing.

Common mistakes

• Waiting too long. Sources report two years in Slovakia.
• Throwing away the boarding pass or delay emails.
• Accepting a voucher when you are entitled to cash. Compensation is owed in money unless you agree otherwise.
• Filing the same claim with two services. See AirHelp vs Compensair before you choose.
• Paying for a hotel or meals without keeping receipts.

For a specific situation see flight delayed at Bratislava, flight cancelled at Vienna, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

How to claim step by step

1. Collect your booking confirmation, boarding pass and any delay notices.
2. Note the planned and actual arrival time.
3. Check eligibility with a claims service or send a written claim to the airline with your flight number and date.
4. If the airline refuses or does not reply, you can complain to the national enforcement body. In Slovakia that is the Slovak Trade Inspection (SOI).
5. Follow up and keep all replies.

Sources report a two-year time limit from the flight date in Slovakia, but it differs by country, so act soon. See airports in Slovakia and cheap flights to Slovakia for more flight tips.