How can I claim compensation for delayed flights?

Have you arrived at your destination with a significant delay? According to EU Regulation 261/2004, you are entitled to delayed flight compensation that can reach up to €600. Regardless of whether you are flying with a full-service carrier or a low-cost airline, the law protects passengers against inconveniences caused by air operating carriers.

Your rights if the aircraft is delayed by at least 3 hours

If your flight departs from or arrives in the European Union, you are protected by Community legislation. Here is what you must do immediately upon learning that your flight is deferred:

• Preserve documents: Do not discard your ticket or boarding pass. If you do not have them, keep the confirmation email containing the booking reference (6 characters).
• Inquire about the reason: This is essential for a delayed flight compensation claim in Romania or anywhere in the EU. If the reason cited is "operational circumstances," you have a high probability of success.
• Note the time of arrival: The delay is calculated from the moment the aircraft reaches the gate and the doors are opened, not when the wheels touch the runway.
• Request assistance: For delays exceeding 2 hours, the carrier is obliged to offer you food and refreshments (right to care).
• Do not sign waiver offers: Occasionally, airlines offer low-value vouchers in exchange for signing a document by which you waive your right to seek subsequent financial compensation.

Checking compensation eligibility: How much can you receive?

The amount of the indemnity you can recover is fixed and depends on the flight distance, not the price paid for the ticket.

Important: You are eligible if the delay was caused by reasons attributable to the airline, such as: technical defects, crew shortages, or internal strikes. You are NOT eligible if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as: adverse weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or security risks.

How do I obtain compensation from Wizz Air or Ryanair?

Many claims are initially rejected by low-cost carriers. Here is the specific process for the most popular airlines in Romania:

How do I obtain compensation from Wizz Air?

You must complete the complaints form on their official website. Note: Wizz Air often requests very specific flight details. If your claim is denied under the pretext of weather conditions, even though other aircraft were departing, contact a team of experts to verify official meteorological data.

How do I obtain compensation from Ryanair?

Ryanair has a dedicated portal for EU261 Claims. Ensure you enter the data exactly as it appears in your booking. If you do not receive a response within 28 days, you may escalate the case to the national aviation authorities.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to receive flight compensation?

On average, the process takes between 8 and 12 weeks. However, if the air carrier refuses payment and the case proceeds to litigation, it can take over 6-12 months.

What happens if the delay exceeds 5 hours?

If the flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, you have the right to abandon your journey and receive a full reimbursement of the ticket price within 7 days, plus a free return flight to the initial point of departure.

Am I eligible if the flight is international?

For flights to the USA, the rules differ. If the flight departs from an EU airport, you are protected by EC 261. If you depart from the USA to the EU on a non-EU carrier (e.g., American Airlines), your rights are more limited, though you can negotiate compensation for accommodation and meal costs.

Seek professional assistance

The process of recovering your funds can be taxing. Despago.ro assists you throughout the entire procedure. We manage communication with the airlines' legal counsel and ensure you receive the maximum legal amount, with no financial risk to you.

Have you experienced flight issues in the last 3 years? Check your eligibility now!