Delta Airlines operates many flights in Europe, and if your flight is taking off in a European Airport – even if you’re traveling back to the states – you can claim compensation under EC 261. Here’s all you need to know if your Delta Airlines flight qualifies under this powerful European law.
What are Your Passengers Rights with Delta Airlines?
EU 261 protects your rights, regardless of the airline that you’re traveling on, as long as you’re in the European Union or meet other qualifying circumstances. Depending on the circumstances of your delay or cancellation, you have the right to a refund, rerouting, and care, including meals, accommodation, and more.
Flight Delay Compensation
When your flight is delayed more than two hours, you are entitled to basic care, including meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation and transportation (where applicable), and access to communication. If your delay is three hours or more, you can also request reimbursement and transportation to your point of origin.
You are also entitled to compensation, which can be paid as a non-fundable transportation voucher or refundable voucher.
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
Flight Cancellation Compensation
You may be entitled to additional compensation if you were notified of the cancellation less than two weeks before the departure and your new arrival and departure times are significantly different than your original times.
You’ll need to contact customer service to receive your compensation, which can be issued as non-refundable or refundable vouchers.
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
The amount may vary based on the type of compensation you request, and you might get a better value when you choose their transportation credit.
Calculate your compensation
What to Do in Case of Delays or Cancellations?
Unfortunately, cancelation and delays happen. Here’s all you need to know.
Delays
- If your flight is delayed, take note of your original departure time, the date of which you were notified, and any other information that is relevant.
- If your delay is two hours or more and you’re already at the airport, you are entitled to care. Work with customer service to receive meals, refreshments, accommodation, transportation, communication, and more, though what you are entitled to will depend on the length of your delay.
- After you get to your final destination, contact customer service to receive additional compensation. Depending on the length of your flight and the destination, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation.
Cancellation
- If your flight is canceled, take note of your original flight, the date you were notified, and any other information that could be helpful.
- If your cancelation occurred before you arrived at the airport, work with customer service to rebook your flight or rebook it yourself.
- If your flight was canceled while at the airport, work with customer service to help get you on the next available flight. If you are entitled to care, they should offer it to you at this point.
- Following your flight, contact customer service for additional compensation, providing all documentation. You could receive up to €600 in compensation.
Delta Airlines Refund Policy
While Delta Airlines is based in the United States, you can still claim compensation under EC 261 and a refund if your trip is disrupted at no fault of your own when travelling in eligible countries. If your flight is delayed more than 2 hours or cancelled within 14 days of your original departure, you qualify for compensation of up to €600 under EC 261.
Contact Delta Airlines directly to get your refund. If you are unable to continue your trip because of an issue under their control, you should receive a full or partial refund, depending on the leg of your trip.
Recently Disrupted Delta Airlines Flights
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
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About Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is an Atlanta, Georgia, based airline, and it’s a huge power player in both domestic and international travel. Millions of customers travel via Delta each year. They serve more than 275 destinations across 50 various countries throughout the world. It’s one of the world’s largest airlines, with hubs in many major U.S. metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Salt Lake City, and Seattle/Tacoma.
Delta is part of the SkyTeam and SkyTeam Cargo alliance, connecting you with even more locations. With more than 877 aircrafts, you can get there with Delta.
Delta Airlines Disruption Statistics
| Year | All Disrupted Flights | Cancelled Flights | Delayed Flights |
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Conclusion
EC 261 doesn’t just cover European airlines. It also covers all airlines that are operating in the EU – even if they’re based internationally. Because of that, when you’re using Delta Airlines in Europe, you are protected under EC 261. You just have to file a claim to get the compensation you deserve. This page was updated on June 2023.