Airline Passenger Rights
Compensation Guide
EU261 provides the strongest passenger protections worldwide: fixed compensation of €250-€600 for delays (3+ hours), cancellations (less than 14 days' notice), and denied boarding.
US DOT rules were significantly strengthened in 2024. Airlines must now provide automatic cash refunds for significant delays and cancellations. Tarmac delay limits: 3 hours domestic, 4 hours international.
The Montreal Convention is an international treaty covering all international flights. It allows claims for provable financial losses up to approximately €5,800. Covers baggage delay, damage, and loss.
Denied boarding: EU261 pays €250-€600. US DOT pays 200-400% of fare (max $1,550). Both require payment for involuntary bumping.
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.
It depends on where your flight departs/arrives. EU departures: EU261 (€250-€600). US flights: DOT refund rules. International: Montreal Convention (up to ~€5,800 provable losses).
EU law that pays you €250-€600 cash if your flight is delayed 3+ hours, cancelled with less than 14 days notice, or you're involuntarily denied boarding. Applies to EU-departing flights.
Do I have rights on US domestic flights?
An international treaty covering airline liability for delays, baggage issues, and injuries on international flights. Allows claims for provable financial losses up to ~€5,800.
EU departure = EC261. US airport = DOT rules. International route = Montreal Convention. Some flights may be covered by multiple regulations — claim under the one that gives you the most.
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