Turkish Airlines: Flight delay compensation (EU261) — Complete Guide

Flight Delay Compensation (EU261/2004 and UK261): What Passengers Can Claim

Flight delays can disrupt travel plans, create extra costs, and cause unnecessary stress. Under EU261/2004 and the UK’s equivalent rules (commonly referred to as UK261), passengers may be entitled to flight delay compensation in certain situations. This guide explains when compensation may apply, how much may be available, and how to make a claim in a practical, step-by-step way.

Eligibility for Flight Delay Compensation

Flight delay compensation under EU261/2004 or UK261 generally depends on the route, the airline, the length of the delay at arrival, and the reason for the disruption. The key factor is typically the delay upon arrival at the final destination, not the delay at departure.

When EU261/2004 may apply

• Flights departing from the EU/EEA: EU261/2004 can apply regardless of the airline’s nationality.
• Flights arriving in the EU/EEA: EU261/2004 can apply when the flight is operated by an EU/EEA carrier.

When UK261 may apply

• Flights departing from the UK: UK261 can apply regardless of the airline’s nationality.
• Flights arriving in the UK: UK261 can apply when the flight is operated by a UK carrier.

Minimum delay thresholds at arrival

Compensation for a delayed flight is typically considered when the passenger arrives at the final destination at least 3 hours late. Arrival time is usually measured by when at least one aircraft door opens and passengers are permitted to disembark.

Extraordinary circumstances (when compensation may not be due)

Even if a delay exceeds 3 hours, compensation may not be payable when the airline can show the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples commonly treated as extraordinary (depending on the facts) can include certain severe weather events, air traffic control restrictions, urgent security risks, and airport closures.

Technical problems are not automatically extraordinary; whether they qualify depends on the specific cause and evidence. Passengers should expect airlines to provide a clear explanation of the delay reason.

Compensation Amounts Under EU261/2004 and UK261

Compensation amounts generally depend on flight distance and the length of delay at arrival. The standard compensation bands are widely understood as follows:

• €250 (or UK equivalent) for flights up to 1,500 km
• €400 (or UK equivalent) for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
• €600 (or UK equivalent) for flights over 3,500 km

On long-haul routes, the amount may be reduced in some situations where the delay length falls within certain thresholds. The applicable band can also depend on whether the travel is within the EU/EEA or involves longer international routes.

Right to Care: Meals, Accommodation, and Rebooking

Separate from cash compensation, passengers may have a right to care and assistance during lengthy delays, depending on delay length and flight distance. This can include:

• Meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time
• Two communications (for example, phone calls or emails)
• Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel when an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Re-routing or refund options in certain cases, especially when delays are very long

Passengers should keep receipts if they pay out of pocket. Spending should be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation

A practical claim process typically follows these steps:

• Confirm the rules apply: Check whether EU261/2004 or UK261 covers the route and operating carrier.
• Confirm the arrival delay: Record actual arrival time at the final destination and compare it to the scheduled time.
• Request the delay reason in writing: Ask the airline for the specific reason for the delay.
• Submit a claim to the airline: Use the airline’s online claim form or customer relations channel and include supporting documents.
• Escalate if needed: If the airline rejects the claim and the passenger disagrees, escalation may be possible through an approved alternative dispute resolution body (where available) or the relevant national enforcement authority, depending on the route and jurisdiction.

Passengers should focus on clear evidence: booking details, arrival delay, and the airline’s explanation of the cause.

Documents to Prepare

Well-prepared documentation can reduce delays in processing:

• Booking confirmation or travel itinerary showing passenger name and flight number
• Boarding pass (if available)
• Proof of delay at arrival (screenshots, airport records, or written confirmation from the airline)
• Receipts for reasonable meals, transport, and accommodation if claiming reimbursement under the right to care
• Correspondence with the airline including any stated delay reason

FAQ

Does a 2-hour delay qualify for flight delay compensation?

Compensation is typically associated with an arrival delay of 3 hours or more. However, a passenger may still have rights to care (such as refreshments) at shorter thresholds depending on distance and circumstances.

Is compensation based on delay at departure or arrival?

Flight delay compensation is generally assessed based on the delay at arrival at the final destination.

Can a passenger claim if the airline offers vouchers?

If a passenger is eligible, EU261/2004 and UK261 compensation is commonly payable as money. Airlines may offer vouchers, but passengers can usually request the standard compensation method consistent with the regulations.

What if the delay was caused by bad weather?

Severe weather may be treated as an extraordinary circumstance, which can mean compensation is not owed. The airline should still provide care and assistance where required, and the passenger can ask for details about the conditions and operational impact.

What if the flight was delayed due to a technical issue?

Technical issues are not automatically extraordinary. The outcome can depend on what caused the problem and whether it falls outside normal airline operations. Passengers should request the airline’s written explanation.

Can passengers still claim if they were rebooked and arrived late?

If re-routing results in arrival at the final destination at least 3 hours late, passengers may still qualify for compensation depending on the circumstances and whether extraordinary circumstances apply.

Conclusion

Flight delay compensation under EU261/2004 and UK261 can provide meaningful relief when passengers arrive significantly late and the delay is within the airline’s responsibility. In addition to compensation, passengers may be entitled to care such as meals, accommodation, and transport during lengthy disruptions. A strong claim is typically built on clear evidence of arrival delay, route eligibility, and the airline’s stated reason for the disruption.