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What does the airline owe you while you wait for a delayed flight?

Care at the airport, whatever caused the delay.

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Short answer

The airline must offer reasonable food and drink once the departure is delayed by 2 hours on flights up to 1,500 km, 3 hours on medium flights and 4 hours on flights over 3,500 km outside the EU. You also get 2 free calls or emails. If the delay runs to the next day, the airline must offer a hotel and transport between the hotel and the airport. With a delay of 5 hours or more you can give up the trip and get the ticket refunded.

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Why

  1. You have this right even when no compensation is due.
  2. You can claim back reasonable costs if the airline gives you nothing.
  3. Long waits at night can mean a free hotel.

Details

Alcohol is not covered, and food costs only count from the original departure time.

Tip

Keep every receipt for food, hotel and taxi, since you need them to get your money back.

What may differ

What counts as a reasonable cost is judged case by case, so avoid expensive extras.

Common misconception

If the delay is caused by bad weather, the airline owes you nothing.

What actually happens

Bad weather can remove the right to compensation, but not the right to food, drink and a hotel while you wait.

People also ask

  • How much compensation do you get for a delayed flight in the EU?
  • Can you get a refund if your flight is delayed 5 hours?
  • Who pays for a hotel if your flight is delayed overnight?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Timetables, routes and fares change, so check the operator before you travel.

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