Several countries have established laws mandating compensation for passengers in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. These rules vary significantly by region, with some offering more comprehensive protections than others. Here’s a snapshot of compensation laws in key countries and regions:

1. European Union (EU) – EU Regulation 261/2004

  • Scope: Applies to all flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline.
  • Compensation for Delays: Passengers are entitled to compensation if a flight is delayed by more than 3 hours and the delay is within the airline’s control.
    • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
    • €400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and non-EU flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
    • €600 for flights over 3,500 km.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Similar compensation if a flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation if denied boarding due to overbooking.
  • Additional Support: Meals, refreshments, accommodation, and communication depending on delay length.

2. United States

  • Scope: Covers domestic and international flights to and from the U.S.
  • Compensation for Delays: No specific law mandates compensation for delays; compensation is often discretionary or based on the airline’s customer service plan.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Passengers are entitled to a refund if a flight is canceled, regardless of the reason.
  • Denied Boarding (Involuntary Bumping):
    • 200% of the one-way fare, up to $775, for delays of 1-2 hours (domestic) or 1-4 hours (international).
    • 400% of the one-way fare, up to $1,550, for delays exceeding 2 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international).

3. Canada – Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)

  • Scope: Applies to flights to, from, or within Canada, including connecting flights.
  • Compensation for Delays: If a delay is within the airline’s control (excluding safety reasons):
    • CAD 400 for delays between 3-6 hours.
    • CAD 700 for delays between 6-9 hours.
    • CAD 1,000 for delays over 9 hours.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Compensation for cancellations within the airline’s control, similar to delays.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation for denied boarding due to overbooking is similar to delay compensation.
  • Additional Support: Food, drink, and accommodation must be provided for significant delays.

4. Brazil – Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation ANAC 400

  • Scope: Applies to flights operated by Brazilian airlines or international flights departing from Brazil.
  • Compensation for Delays: No direct monetary compensation, but airlines must provide assistance:
    • After 1 hour: Communication (e.g., internet access).
    • After 2 hours: Meals.
    • After 4 hours: Accommodation and transport if necessary.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Passengers can choose between a refund, rebooking, or accommodation.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation or alternative arrangements must be provided.

5. India – Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Regulations

  • Scope: Applies to all flights within India and international flights departing from India.
  • Compensation for Delays: Airlines must provide meals and refreshments after 2 hours of delay. If the delay exceeds 6 hours or the next day, accommodation must be provided.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Refunds or alternative flights, with compensation depending on the notice period.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation if denied boarding due to overbooking, ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 depending on delay duration.

6. China – Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Rules

  • Scope: Covers all domestic flights within China.
  • Compensation for Delays: No specific monetary compensation, but airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation based on the delay length.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Compensation typically involves refunds or rebooking.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation generally involves rebooking or refunds.

7. Turkey – Turkish Civil Aviation Passenger Rights Regulation

  • Scope: Applies to all flights departing from Turkey and flights operated by Turkish airlines.
  • Compensation for Delays: Compensation if a flight is delayed more than 2 hours, including meals and refreshments. For delays over 5 hours, passengers can opt for a refund or rebooking.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Similar to EU rules, including options for refunds, rebooking, and compensation depending on notice period and alternatives provided.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation is required if passengers are denied boarding due to overbooking.

8. South Korea – Aviation Law of Korea

  • Scope: Applies to all domestic and international flights operated by Korean airlines.
  • Compensation for Delays: If delays exceed 2 hours, airlines must provide meals. For delays over 4 hours requiring an overnight stay, accommodation must be provided.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Refunds or rebooking options must be provided; compensation depends on airline policies.
  • Denied Boarding: Compensation is required for involuntary denied boarding.

9. Australia – Compensation Rules and Consumer Rights

  • Scope: Applies to all domestic flights within Australia and international flights operated by Australian airlines or flights departing from Australia.
  • Compensation for Delays: No specific law mandates monetary compensation for delays. Assistance, such as meal vouchers or accommodation, is provided based on the airline’s policy if delays are within their control.
  • Compensation for Cancellations: Airlines must offer a refund or rebooking for canceled flights. Additional compensation (e.g., vouchers, loyalty points) may be offered at the airline’s discretion.
  • Denied Boarding: Airlines are generally required to offer alternative travel arrangements or a refund if passengers are denied boarding due to overbooking.
  • Extraordinary Circumstances: No obligation to compensate for delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather). Airlines must still offer refunds or rebooking.
  • Consumer Rights: Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), passengers have the right to a remedy if a service is not delivered as agreed. Complaints can be escalated to the Airline Customer Advocate (ACA) or Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) if unresolved.

Key Takeaway

Different countries have varying levels of compensation and support for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Passengers should be aware of the specific regulations in the countries they are traveling from or to and understand the airline’s policies to ensure they receive appropriate assistance and compensation when needed. Note : Information published is correct as on the date published. For more precise and accurate information, please check the relevant authority or airlines website.