Whether your flight was in Europe, North America, or anywhere else — compensation rules differ by country. This tool tells you exactly what laws apply and what your flight disruption is worth.
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Not all countries treat stranded passengers equally. Here's how the major jurisdictions compare.
The rules depend on where you flew from and which airline operated the flight.
EU261 and UK261 provide mandatory fixed-rate cash compensation for delays of 3+ hours, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines cannot substitute vouchers for cash without your consent. The burden of proof is on the airline to show extraordinary circumstances.
The US has no law requiring airlines to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations (beyond a refund if the airline cancels). However, denied-boarding (bumping) compensation is mandatory: $775 for up to 2-hour delay, $1,550 for longer. Airlines offer vouchers for delays — you can decline and keep waiting. Always ask if a voucher offer is transferable to cash.
Canada's APPR rules apply to all flights departing from or arriving into Canada. Large airlines (over 2M passengers/year) face higher compensation requirements than small carriers. Compensation applies for delays within the airline's control, cancellations, and denied boarding. Claims go through the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).
Australia has no mandatory compensation scheme for flight delays or cancellations. Your rights depend on the airline's terms and conditions and the general Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which requires services to be delivered with due care and skill. Complain to the ACCC or your state's fair trading body for gross failures.
The Montreal Convention (140+ countries) covers international flights and allows passengers to claim compensation for delays that cause documented financial loss — but it requires you to prove actual damages, unlike EU261's fixed rates. Maximum liability is roughly 4,700 Special Drawing Rights (~$6,500 USD) per passenger for delays.
In most jurisdictions, if an airline cancels your flight or significantly changes your itinerary, you are entitled to a full refund of unused ticket price — regardless of whether compensation applies. In the EU/UK, this extends to a 5+ hour delay even if you chose not to travel. Never accept a voucher when a cash refund is owed.
How much you can claim depends on your departure country, flight distance, and type of disruption.
| Country | Disruption Type | Short Haul | Medium Haul | Long Haul | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3+ hr delay / Cancellation / Denied boarding | €250 | €400 | €600 | Fixed statutory rate |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3+ hr delay / Cancellation / Denied boarding | £250 | £400 | £520 | Fixed statutory rate |
| 🇺🇸 US | Delay / Cancellation | No cash compensation | No cash compensation | No cash compensation | Refund only |
| 🇺🇸 US | Denied boarding (bumped involuntarily) | $775–$1,550 | $775–$1,550 | $775–$1,550 | Statutory rate (DOT) |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Delay 3–6 hrs (large airline) | CAD $400 | CAD $400 | CAD $400 | APPR statutory rate |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Delay 9+ hrs (large airline) | CAD $1,000 | CAD $1,000 | CAD $1,000 | APPR statutory rate |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Any disruption | Airline discretion | Airline discretion | Airline discretion | No statutory scheme |
| 🌍 International | Provable financial loss | Up to ~$6,500 USD (if loss proven) | Montreal Convention | ||
EU/UK compensation may be reduced 50% if rerouting arrives within specified time windows. Canadian APPR rates for small airlines are lower. US amounts above are maximums for domestic bumping; international bumping rules differ. Always verify current rates with the relevant regulator.