It can happen to anyone. Whether you’re flying from New York, London, Amsterdam, or Marrakesh, flight delays can strike suddenly and without warning. A quick two-hour trip after visiting family for the weekend can turn into an exhausting six-hour layover in a crowded airport terminal, surrounded by grumpy, tired passengers. It’s enough to drive anyone to drink! But hold off on that beer for now—this isn’t the time to stress. In fact, under the right circumstances, a delay can be an unexpected opportunity. Below, we explore five key things to know if you face a significant flight delay.
You’re Eligible for Compensation
If your flight departs from or lands in the EU, is delayed by more than three hours, and covers a distance greater than 1,500 km, you’re entitled to monetary compensation from the airline. This is mandated by EU Flight Regulation 261, a law designed to hold airlines accountable for delays within their control. Be prepared, though—airlines are notorious for creating hurdles when processing claims. To simplify the process, consider using services like AirHelp, which can handle your EU flight delay compensation claim on your behalf.
Rest and Recharge: Hotel Accommodations
Under the same EU regulation, airlines must provide accommodations for passengers facing extreme delays or cancellations. Simply approach the airline’s customer service desk, and they’ll likely arrange a place wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:40:45 AM UTC
place to stay. It won’t be a luxury hotel like the Ritz, but it’ll be a comfortable, warm, and dry alternative to the cold airport terminal floor. The airline will also provide transportation to and from the hotel, ensuring you don’t miss your rescheduled flight.
Don’t Skip Your Meals
Time can feel meaningless in an airport, but whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, airlines are required to provide food during significant delays. Typically, this comes in the form of airport vouchers, giving you plenty of dining options. Act quickly, though—vouchers often expire once you leave the airport or after a certain time, so use them promptly to enjoy a meal on the airline’s dime.
Check Your Connecting Flights
If you booked your flights separately, a delay could jeopardize your connecting flight. When all flights are under a single booking, the airline will ensure you reach your destination as soon as possible at no extra cost. However, if your flights were booked separately, a missed connection might mean purchasing a new ticket out of pocket. Fortunately, many travel insurance plans offer coverage for such scenarios, so investing in a good travel insurance policy before your trip can save you from unexpected expenses.
