Your Right to Care During Delays
Under EU261, airlines must provide care during delays: meals and refreshments after 2-4 hours (depending on distance), two phone calls/emails, and hotel + transport if overnight.
In the US, tarmac delays over 2 hours require food and water. Gate delays have fewer requirements.
Your Right to Compensation
EU261: €250-€600 for delays of 3+ hours at arrival. The amount is based on distance, not delay length.
US DOT: automatic refunds for 'significant' delays. No fixed compensation amounts.
Montreal Convention: up to ~€5,800 for provable financial losses on international flights.
Your Right to a Refund
After 5 hours (EU) or a 'significant' delay (US), you can abandon your journey and demand a full refund plus a return flight to your origin.
Airlines must offer cash refunds, not just vouchers or credits.

