JFK Airport moves millions of passengers annually, but delays and cancelations happen. While US law favors the airline in most cases, depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to additional care and financial compensation. Here’s all you need to know to claim your compensation while traveling through JFK Airport.
What are Your Passengers Rights
Your rights depend on if you’re flying on an EU-based carrier. If you are, you’re covered under all circumstances. If you’re not, you’ll be covered only if you’re leaving from or landing to Frankfurt Airport, though you can always contact customer service to see what they can do for you. Under EC 261, you could receive up to €600.
Flight Delay Compensation
If your flight is delayed, take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay! There are fewer things worse than being trapped in the airport, but it will be okay. The airline will help you get to where you need to be, and once you get there, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
Most airlines cannot issue compensation at the airport, so you’ll need to contact customer service for assistance.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
If your flight is cancelled and you’re traveling through Frankfurt Airport, you should be covered under EU 261. If you’re at the airport, you should be entitled to care. Once you get to your final destination, contact customer service. They can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to under this powerful regulation.
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
You can’t claim your additional compensation at their airport unless you’re canceled due to overbooking.
Calculate your compensation
What to Do in Case of Delays or Cancellations?
If you face a delay or cancellation when you are at Frankfurt Airport, the great news is that you will be covered under EU 261. Here’s what you need to do.
Delays
- Take note of your delay, including when you were notified, the length of delay, and more. This will be important as the amount of compensation you receive is dependent on these factors.
- If your delay is two hours or more, connect with customer service to receive care, including meals, hotels, transportation, communication, and more.
- After you get to your final destination, claim your compensation. Provide all details to help make your case.
Cancellation
- If your flight was cancelled while traveling through Frankfurt Airport, write down when you were notified, why your flight was cancelled, the delay it caused, and more. Anything that will be helpful.
- Talk with customer service to get on a new flight. Don’t worry about EU 261 until you get to your final destination.
- Once the dust has settled, claim your compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you could get up to €600.
The regulations vary, but the sooner you file, the better to get the compensation you deserve.
Recently Disrupted Flights in John F. Kennedy Airport
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
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About John F. Kennedy Airport
John F. Kennedy Airport – or JFK Airport for short – is an international airport located in Queens, New York. It’s been in operation since 1948 and serves as a hub for American Airlines and Delta Airlines, as well as a focus city for Eastern Airlines LLC, JetBlue, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Polar Air Cargo. It is the main international airport for the New York metropolitan area.
JFK is the busiest airport in New York, the 13th busiest airport in the United States, and the busiest international air passenger gateway into North America. It provides service to more than 90 airlines with stops across six continents.
John F. Kennedy Airport Disruption Statistics
| Year | All Disrupted Flights | Cancelled Flights | Delayed Flights |
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Conclusion
American laws are lax in comparison when it comes to holding airlines accountable for their practices. They really only cover overbooking; however, if you are leaving from an international destination to fly to JFK airport, you could be covered. Contact your airline’s customer service teams to see what they can do for you. This page was updated on June 2023.