Passenger Rights
A plain-language summary of what airlines owe you when flights are delayed, cancelled, overbooked, or when baggage is lost or damaged. Rights vary by jurisdiction — always check the rules that apply to your specific flight.
Airlines must clearly inform you of the reason for a delay or cancellation, your options, and any assistance you are entitled to.
If your flight is cancelled and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund of the unused portion of your ticket — usually within 7 days.
For delays of several hours, the airline must provide reasonable care.
You may choose between a refund and re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity, or at a later date of your choice subject to availability.
For international flights, airlines are liable for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage up to approximately 1,288 SDR (~USD 1,700). File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport before leaving.
Airlines cannot deny you carriage, care, or compensation based on race, gender, disability, or nationality. Passengers with reduced mobility have additional assistance rights.
Applies to any flight departing an EU/UK airport, or arriving in the EU/UK on an EU/UK carrier.
If you arrive 3+ hours late at your destination, or your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, and the cause is within the airline's control:
If you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to the same compensation amounts above, plus care and re-routing or refund.
If you are placed in a lower class than booked, you are entitled to reimbursement of 30–75% of the ticket price for that segment.
No cash compensation is owed if the cause is truly outside the airline's control (severe weather, air-traffic-control strikes, security risks). Care and re-routing rights still apply.
Applies to flights on US carriers, and any flight to/from the US.
As of 2024, US DOT requires automatic cash refunds (not vouchers) when your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel.
Involuntary bumping compensation depends on delay to your destination:
Airlines cannot keep you on the tarmac more than 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international) without giving you the option to deplane.
Checked baggage fees must be refunded if the bag is declared lost, or if it is significantly delayed and does not arrive with you.
Air Passenger Protection Regulations — applies to all flights to, from, or within Canada.
For delays at arrival caused by the airline (not safety-related):
For delays of 2+ hours: food, drinks, and communication. For overnight delays: hotel and transport.
Up to CAD 2,400 depending on the length of the delay to arrival.
Lost or damaged baggage compensation up to approximately CAD 2,300 per passenger under the Montreal Convention.
Applies to nearly all international flights between signatory countries.
Up to 1,288 SDR (~USD 1,700 / EUR 1,600) per passenger. File claims within: 7 days for damaged bags, 21 days for delayed bags, and typically 2 years for lost bags.
Airline is strictly liable up to 128,821 SDR for proven damages, with no cap for negligence.
Up to 5,346 SDR per passenger for provable expenses caused by delay — receipts required.
Submit a report. Verified reports go on the public record and affect the airline's monthly Reliability Score. You can also request help claiming compensation.
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