Delta flight delay compensation
Was your flight with Delta delayed? If you were on a domestic or international Delta flight, as a passenger, you have rights and may qualify for compensation in certain circumstances. We will discuss your passenger rights and compensation choices below, with a particular emphasis on flight delays by Delta Airlines in the following article.
Delta flight compensation for delayed domestic flight
If a flight within the US is delayed, passengers have certain rights, but they may not always receive compensation. Delta Airlines, a top domestic carrier, typically must schedule passengers on the next available flight to their destination if a flight is significantly delayed, without incurring extra charges.
If Delta offers inadequate rebooking alternatives, passengers may qualify for compensation as per airline traveler rights rules.
These are the commitments of Delta Airlines when your flight is delayed:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost for significant delays
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost for significant delays
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when flight delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
Delta Air Lines does not commit to
- Cash compensation when a delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Credit/travel voucher when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Frequent flyer miles when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
Check with Delta Airlines’ policies or contact the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to confirm if compensation may be available.
What if my Delta flight to or from Europe is delayed?
Delta currently has daily flights to and from Europe. European passengers are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), which describes the airline passenger rights in case of flight delays.
These regulations also extend to US citizens, but there are some exceptions.
US Passengers to Europe
US passengers traveling to Europe on an EU airline may be entitled to compensation for flight delays, but not if flying on a US carrier. Delta is a US airline, so if you choose Delta to fly to Spain, Italy or another EU-country, you are not protected by EU passenger rights and are not eligible for compensation.
US Passengers from Europe
If you are an American passenger returning from Europe to the United States, you can get compensated for delayed flights, no matter which airline you choose.. The (EC) No 261/2004 regulation applies and and ensures that airlines must compensate passengers for canceled flights, delays, and denied boarding.
If your flight is delayed for at least 4 hours, you are entitled to receive compensation of $260 for short flights (up to932 miles), $420 for medium-haul flights (between 932 and 2,175 miles), and $630 for long-haul flights (over 2,175 miles).
In case your Delta flight from Europe falls within the aforementioned conditions, you can either directly contact Delta or employ the services of EUclaim. EUclaim is a top-rated legal assistance service that provides specialized aid for air passenger rights in Europe.
Delta may offer delay compensation in the future, similar to Europe
The DOT and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg want to introduce a set of laws to help Delta Airlines passengers receive better protection and compensation if their flights are delayed, including on domestic flights. These rules aim to match the passenger rights available in the EU.
While the DOT has not yet said when these new rules will start, we’ll let you know here as we get more information. Delta flyers, and all other US airline passengers, may soon receive payment for canceled flights like travelers in Europe do.
My domestic flight with Delta Air Lines is delayed, what are my rights?
According to the US Department of Transportation, airlines are required to adhere to the promises that they make in their customer service plan, including commitments to care for customers in the event of controllable delays or cancellations. The Department will hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so.
If your Delta flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room or compensate you for your time.
My European flight with Delta is delayed, what now?
Even if you have a US nationality, if you are traveling in Europe, your rights are protected by the EU. Was your Delta flight delayed with at least 3 hours? You are entitled to financial compensation. Airlines are obliged to provide you with care during the delay, including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary. This also applies if you’re flying from one EU-country to the next.
My flight to Europe with Delta Air Lines is delayed, am I entitled to compensation?
If you are flying with Delta Air Lines to Europe, your passenger rights are not protected by EU261 and compensation is not applicable.
My Delta flight from Europe to the US is delayed, what are my rights?
Flying with Delta from Europe back home? Even if you have a US nationality, your rights are protected by EU law EU261. You might be eligible for compensation up to €600. The only exception is force majeure by Delta Air Lines.
How do I apply for compensation for a flight delay with Delta?
If your flight to, from or in Europe is delayed for more than three hours, you could be eligible for compensation. To claim compensation, contact the airline. Delta doesn’t have a dedicated webpage for financial compensation, so if you need help with your claim, we recommend the services of EUclaim.