Your Flight is Delayed by Two Hours: Can You Claim Compensation?

Knowing your passenger rights in the event of a flight delay won't undo the inconvenience, but it can help you understand when you are eligible for compensation. Unfortunately, occasional flight delays are unavoidable in air travel, but there are laws and policies to ensure you, the passenger, are treated fairly. 

In this guide, we'll explore what happens if your flight is delayed by two hours, what compensation you might be entitled to, and how AirHelp can assist you.

The first step to understanding your rights regarding two-hour flight delays and the associated compensation is to familiarize yourself with the regulations that protect you. These regulations, such as the European Union's EC 261, outline the circumstances under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance from airlines. Knowing these rules can empower you to take appropriate action when faced with a delay. Additionally, being aware of your rights can help you effectively communicate with airline representatives and ensure that you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

What is EC 261?

EU Regulation 261/2004, commonly referred to as EC 261, is a regulation that establishes rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. It applies to all flights departing from a European Union (EU) airport and EU airline flights arriving in the region.

What happens if my flight is delayed two hours or longer?

In the unfortunate event of your flight being delayed for more than two hours, your entitlements under EC 261 can vary depending on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight. For delays of two hours or more, the airline is typically required to offer passenger care, which includes:

• Food and drink: After a few hours of delay, the airline should offer refreshments to keep passengers comfortable while they wait.

• Communication: The airline should provide access to two free phone calls, emails, or faxes to allow passengers to update their contacts about the delay.

• Accommodation: If your delay extends overnight, the airline should provide you with hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport.

For longer delays, particularly those over three hours, additional compensation may be available depending on the flight distance and the specific circumstances of the delay. Understanding these entitlements ensures you can advocate for yourself and receive the appropriate care and compensation when faced with significant flight delays. This knowledge can help mitigate the inconvenience and stress associated with extended waiting times at the airport.

Two-hour flight delay compensation in the UK

In the United Kingdom (UK), the equivalent of EC 261 is Regulation UK 261, which mirrors the EU rules post-Brexit. This means your rights and potential compensation are similar if your flight is delayed by two hours. However, financial compensation is typically only available for delays of over three hours.

The section above covered the legal protection of your passenger rights in case of a flight delay, but what does compensation look like?

Can you claim for a two-hour flight delay?

While EC 261 ensures you receive assistance during a delay, compensation is usually only available if the flight disruption exceeds three hours. However, you are more likely to receive passenger care than financial compensation for a two-hour delay. This is an important distinction to remember. If your delay exceeds that three-hour mark, the compensation you are entitled to will differ from a two-hour delay.

How much compensation for a two-hour flight delay?

For delays that exceed three hours, compensation amounts can vary based on the flight distance:

• Up to £220 – flights of 932 miles or less.

• Up to £350 – intra-EU flights over 932 miles and for all other flights between 932 miles and 2,175 miles.

• Up to £520 – non-intra-EU flights over 2,175 miles.

What happens if my flight is delayed more than two hours?

If your flight delay extends beyond two hours, the airline must continue to provide care. However, as outlined above, you may be entitled to compensation for delays exceeding three hours.

Always ensure to gather evidence such as:

• Boarding passes: Keep these as proof of your scheduled flight.

• Receipts for any expenses incurred: Document any costs related to the delay, such as meals or accommodation.

• Communications from the airline regarding the delay: Save emails, text messages, or other communications that detail the delay.

In broad terms, the policies of major airlines operating within the EU should be the same due to the regulations they must adhere to. Still, it's worth double-checking with the specific airline.

Ryanair flight delayed two-hours compensation

If you are flying with Ryanair and experience a two-hour delay, the airline will provide you with care as stipulated by EC 261. Ryanair is known for its adherence to these regulations, ensuring passengers receive necessary assistance, such as refreshments and communication access.

Two-hour flight delay compensation easyJet

EasyJet also follows EC 261 regulations. For a two-hour delay, EasyJet will offer food and drink vouchers, communication access, and potentially accommodation if the delay extends overnight.

British Airways (BA) flight delayed by two hours

Like other UK-based airlines, British Airways abides by UK 261 regulations, the UK equivalent of EC 261. During a two-hour delay, BA will provide refreshments and communication facilities to affected passengers. The airline will likely offer more extensive care for delays exceeding two hours.

Wizz Air flight delayed by two hours

Wizz Air operates under EC 261 guidelines. For a two-hour delay, expect similar care provisions, including refreshments and communication access.

Overbooking, as the name suggests, occurs when an airline books too many passengers on a flight and is forced to move some passengers onto other flights. In this situation, you are entitled to compensation.

Overbooking

Overbooking occurs when more passengers are booked on a flight than available seats. If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation, an alternative flight, or a full refund under EC 261 and UK 261.

Lost and damaged luggage

The Montreal Convention, which includes international flights between 140+ countries, also covers your lost and damaged luggage. 

Here's what you need to do:

• Report immediately: Go to the luggage desk at the airport to report your lost or damaged luggage.

• Property Irregularity Report (PIR): Complete this crucial report before leaving the airport.

• Keep evidence: Take photos of the damage and retain receipts for any essential items you needed to purchase due to the loss of luggage.

Compensation for lost and damaged luggage

• Damaged luggage: Airlines must repair, replace, or compensate you for any damage to your luggage. You must submit a claim within seven days of arrival.

• Delayed luggage: Airlines must reimburse you for essential items until your bag is returned. You need to submit claims within 21 days of arrival.

• Lost luggage: If your bag is declared lost, the airline must reimburse the value of the lost items. You must submit claims within two years.

Using AirHelp's assistance will make claiming compensation as straightforward as possible. We specialise in air passenger rights and have helped millions of air travellers secure compensation. We can't prevent delays, cancellations, and other inconveniences, but we can ensure you are fully compensated for the inconvenience of travel plan disruptions. 

Here's how AirHelp can assist:

• Free eligibility check: Use AirHelp's online tool to see if you're entitled to compensation.

• Easy claims process: AirHelp handles the entire claim process on your behalf.

• No win, no fee: You only pay if AirHelp successfully secures your compensation.

Knowing your rights and how to exercise them can significantly reduce the stress and inconvenience of flight disruptions. AirHelp is here to ensure you get the compensation and assistance you deserve.