If you are flying to or from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you may be able to claim compensation under EC 261, a powerful regulation that is intended to hold airlines accountable for avoidable delays or cancellations. Here’s what you need to know to claim up to £540 from the airline.
What Are Your Passengers Rights?
EU Regulation 261/2004 is designed to uphold your rights when you fly within, into, or out of the European Union, or when you fly with a European carrier. If you encounter delays or cancellations, you have the right to assistance and, in certain cases, compensation.
Flight Delay Compensation
If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, the airline is obliged to provide you with care, including meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, accommodation and transport between the airport and place of accommodation. For delays of three hours or more, you may be entitled to monetary compensation, which is determined by the distance of your flight:
- Flights up to 932 miles: £230.
- Flights between 932 and 2175 miles: £360.
- Flights over 2175 miles: £540.
Compensation Payment
The compensation should be paid in cash, by electronic bank transfer, bank orders, or bank cheques. Alternatively, with your signed agreement, the compensation can be provided in travel vouchers or other services. It’s important to note that the offer of vouchers or services as compensation must be accompanied by the choice of monetary compensation, and you have the right to opt for the payment method that best suits your preference.
Reimbursement and Re-routing
In addition to compensation, if your flight is delayed by five hours or more, you have the right to a refund of your ticket cost if you decide not to travel. If you still wish to travel, you can opt for re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or at a later date of your convenience, subject to seat availability.
Remember, these rights are in place to ensure that you are treated fairly and can make informed decisions about your travel in the event of significant delays or cancellations.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
If your flight is cancelled and you were informed less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, you may be eligible for compensation, especially if the alternative flight offered by the airline does not align closely with your original schedule.
The compensation for cancelled flights is determined by the flight distance, and should be paid in cash, via electronic bank transfer, bank orders, or bank cheques. You may also be offered compensation in the form of travel vouchers or other services, but this is only with your explicit agreement, and you retain the right to insist on a monetary payment. The standard compensation amounts are as follows:
- Flights up to 932 miles: £230.
- Flights between 932 and 2175 miles: £360.
- Flights over 2175 miles: £540.
Please note that the compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline offers you an alternative route to your final destination with a new arrival time that does not exceed the original scheduled arrival time by:
- Two hours, for flights of 932 miles or less.
- Three hours, for flights between 932 miles and 2175 miles.
- Four hours, for flights over 2175 miles.
Remember, the value of the compensation should not vary based on the form it is provided in; whether you choose a monetary reimbursement or a travel voucher, the value should be equivalent to what is stipulated by the regulation.
Calculate Your Compensation
What to Do in Case of Delays or Cancellations?
Flight disruptions such as delays and cancellations can be inconvenient, but EU regulations provide clear protections for passengers. Here’s what you should do in these situations:
Delays
- Document the Delay: Record your scheduled departure time, the time of delay notification, and any reasons provided by the airline.
- Know Your Entitlements:
- For delays of 2 hours or more, the airline should offer you meals and refreshments, two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- For delays of 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation similar to that for cancellations.
- For delays of 5 hours or more, you have the right to a full refund if you decide not to travel.
- Seek Assistance: Approach the airline’s customer service desk at the airport for immediate assistance and clarification on your rights.
- Claiming Compensation: Once you’ve reached your destination, if your flight’s arrival was delayed by more than 3 hours, you can claim your compensation, which can be up to £540, depending on the flight distance.
Cancellation
- Record the Details: Note down the details of your original flight and when you were informed of the cancellation.
- Immediate Assistance:
- If you learn about the cancellation at the airport, the airline’s customer service should assist you with rebooking or provide a refund if you choose not to travel.
- You’re also entitled to care (meals, refreshments, accommodation if necessary) if you have to wait for a rebooked flight.
- Compensation Claims:
- If you were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure, you might be eligible for compensation up to £540, depending on the flight distance and the offered rebooking options.
- Contact the airline with all relevant documentation to claim your compensation.
- General Advice:
- Always keep a copy of your travel documents and any communication with the airline.
- If you’re unsure about your rights or how to proceed, consult the airline’s conditions of carriage or seek advice from a passenger rights organization.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re adequately compensated and assisted during travel disruptions.
Recently Disrupted Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Flights
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
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About Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been serving the Atlanta metropolitan area for almost a hundred years and counting. Located just 10 miles outside of downtown Atlanta, it is a convenient connection point for the United States and the world.
It connects passengers to destinations throughout the world, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. More than 90 million passengers pass through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport each year to get to their final destination, and since 1998, it’s been the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Flight Disruption Statistics
| Year | All Disrupted Flights | Cancelled Flights | Delayed Flights |
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Conclusion
If you are traveling through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you could be entitled to compensation if you face an avoidable flight issue, like a cancellation or delay. Under EC 261, airline passengers are eligible for up to £540, but the trick is you have to file a claim to get it. This page was updated in 2024.
