Know Your Flight Rights: A Passenger's Guide

Elena Petrova
February 1, 2026
Elena Petrova

Key Takeaways

EU261: up to €600 for delays, cancellations, denied boarding
US DOT: automatic refunds, tarmac delay limits
US DOT: automatic refunds, tarmac delay limits
Rights apply to ALL airlines — budget and full-service
Gyro: $19 flat fee, keep 100% of compensation
Most air passengers don't know their rights. Airlines count on this — it saves them billions every year. This guide is your cheat sheet to understanding exactly what airlines owe you. Whether you're flying Ryanair to Barcelona or United to Tokyo, you have legal protections. Let's make sure you use them.
Did you know?
The average family of four flying transatlantic is entitled to €2,400 in compensation for a 3+ hour delay. That's more than most round-trip tickets cost.

Your Rights in Europe (EU261)

Delays of 3+ hours: €250-€600 compensation based on distance.

Cancellations with <14 days notice: same compensation amounts, plus refund or rebooking.

Denied boarding: immediate compensation, no delay threshold.

Care: meals, refreshments, hotel during qualifying delays.

Your Rights in the US (DOT Rules)

Automatic refunds for significant delays and cancellations (new 2024 rules).

Tarmac delay rule: 3 hours domestic, 4 hours international maximum.

Overbooking: up to $1,550 (400% of fare) for involuntary bumping.

Airlines must define 'significant delay' in their contract of carriage.

International Rights (Montreal Convention)

Covers all international flights regardless of origin/destination.

Claims up to approximately €5,800 (~$6,300) for provable financial losses.

Covers delays, baggage issues, and passenger injuries.

2-year claim window.

Ready to claim?

Check your eligibility in 2 minutes. $19 flat fee.
Check My Flight

Article sources

Gyro writers are subject matter experts in passenger rights who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including EU regulations, government publications, court rulings, and airline policies. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance.

  1. EU Regulation EC 261/2004
  2. US DOT — Consumer Protection regulations
  3. Montreal Convention 1999 — Full text
Elena Petrova
Content Quality Lead at Gyro
Elena Petrova
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