Delta flight cancellation compensation
Want to know if you’re eligible for compensation if Delta cancels your flight? Flight cancellations disrupt your travel plans and cost you valuable time and money. But as a passenger, you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation from Delta when your flight is canceled. This article is an explanation of your rights under federal law and your rights to compensation in Europe if your flight is canceled.
Delta compensation for cancelled US flight
If a domestic flight gets canceled in the United States, passengers have certain rights and are protected by federal law. Delta, one of the major domestic carriers, is usually mandated to rebook passengers on the next available flight to their destination at no added expense. If Delta fails to provide reasonable rebooking choices, passengers may qualify for compensation under airline passenger rights regulations.
Here are your rights as a passenger for domestic flight cancellations:
Delta is obliged by law to quickly inform passengers of flight cancellations. They must explain the reason behind it and offer alternative options, such as booking the next available flight or getting a refund.
You also have the right to rebooking or a refund. In case of a flight cancellation, passengers reserve the option to either get rebooked on the next available Delta flight or receive a refund for the remaining portion of their ticket. The passenger gets to decide between rebooking or refund.
Additionally, passengers might be entitled to compensation in some situations. Currently, flight cancellations within the United States do not have a specific compensation requirement, unlike the regulations in the EU. However, compensation eligibility may apply in cases related to denied boarding caused by overselling of tickets. It’s recommended to refer to Delta’ policies or contact the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for more information on potential compensation eligibility.
Delta does commit to the following:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when cancellation results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more for a new flight
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation
Unfortunately, American Airlines doesn’t commit to financiel compensation for cancelled domestic flights.
Compensation for a cancelled flight to or from Europe
Passengers in Europe are given protection through EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), which includes the right to compensation for airline passengers in case of flight cancellations. For those traveling to or from Europe, understanding these regulations is crucial.
If you are a US passenger flying back from Europe with Delta and your flight gets cancelled, you are entitled to compensation. Passengers are protected by European regulations. If your flight is canceled within Europe, such as from France to Greece, you are qualified for compensation. The only exception is if the airline announces the cancellation 14 days or more before the flight, in which case no compensation is due.
Regrettably, if your Delta flight from the US to Europe is canceled, EU regulations do not apply and no compensation is available.
Flight cancellation compensation amounts under EU261:
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), passengers are eligible for compensation in case of flight cancellations, ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight. Due to fluctuating exchange rates, USD prices may vary.
- For flights up to 932 miles, the compensation is €250 (~$270).
- For flights between 932 miles and 2,175 miles, the compensation is €400 (~$435)
- For flights over 2,175 miles, the compensation is $655.
While Delta primarily operates within the United States, they do offer international flights. If you book an Delta flight from Europe to the United States or somewhere else in the EU, and your flight is canceled, you may be eligible for compensation under EU261. Check Delta’s international flight policies for more information.
To claim compensation, reach out to Delta or companies like EUclaim, which assist US consumers with flight delay and cancellation compensation in Europe. They provide a free consultation and handle all the paperwork relating to the claims process.
Passenger rights for Delta will undergo changes
The Department of Transportation and Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary, are striving to enforce new regulations that will enhance the safety of American flyers, including those traveling with American Airlines, and provide them with compensation in case of flight cancellations. These proposed laws aim to align with passengers’ rights in the European Union.
What are my rights if Delta cancelled my domestic flight?
If your domestic flight is cancelled, you have the right to:
- A full refund of your ticket price
- A rebooking on the next available flight to your final destination, at no additional cost
- Assistance with accommodation and meals if your rebooked flight departs the next day or later
What are my rights if Delta cancelled my flight to or from Europe?
If Delta cancels your flight, they are obliged to offer you a replacement flight or a refund.
You might also be eligible for compensation if Delta notified you within 14 days that your flight from Europe to the USA is cancelled. The ammount depends on the actual distance. If Delta cancelled your flight starting outside Europe, you are not protected by European law, so compensation does not apply.
How do I claim compensation if Delta cancels my flight?
To claim compensation with Delta, you should first contact the airline. If the airline refuses to compensate you, or simply doesn’t offer a way to claim, we advise you to contact EUclaim.