Can I claim EU261 compensation if my flight was disrupted?
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261 regulations, depending on the reason for the disruption. Additionally, you might be able to claim expenses from the airline for any reasonable expenses incurred during the delay, such as meals and accommodation or transportation to/from the airport. Please note that all airlines require passengers to contact them directly regarding any claims, even if your flight was booked through a third party.
If you are entitled to compensation/refund, your airline will contact you directly and advise you on the next steps. If the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances you will not be entitled to compensation.
The main categories of events that are likely to be an extraordinary circumstance include:
- Weather conditions incompatible with the safe operation of the flight
- Strikes (unrelated to the airline such as airport staff, ground handlers, air traffic control or border force)
- Acts of terrorism or sabotage
- Security risks
- Political or civil unrest
- Hidden manufacturing defects (a manufacturer recall that grounds a fleet of aircraft)
If you are not sure whether extraordinary circumstances apply to your flight, but have read about your other rights and think you might have a case, you can make a claim to your airline for compensation. If you would like an advice on how to submit the claim, please contact us on customer.experience@simpsontravel.com
Please note, passengers must contact the airline directly to claim compensations. As a tour operator we are unable to submit a claim on your behalf.