United Airlines flight delay compensation
Was your United Airlines flight delayed? If you were a passenger on a domestic or international United Airlines flight, you have rights and may be entitled to compensation. This article explains your rights and how to get compensated, with a special focus on United flight delays.
United flight compensation for delayed domestic flight
When a domestic flight within the United States is delayed, passengers have certain rights, although compensation is not guaranteed. United Airlines, a leading domestic carrier, is generally required to rebook passengers on the next available flight to their destination at no additional charge if the delay is significant.
If United Airlines does not provide adequate rebooking alternatives, passengers may be entitled to a refund under the Airline Passenger Rights Regulations.
It is important to distinguish between controllable delays and force majeure events to determine whether the airline bears responsibility for the delay. Force majeure refers to events beyond the airline’s reasonable control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes. In contrast, controllable delays stem from factors within the airline’s control, such as mechanical issues or operational inefficiencies.
If the delay is caused by United Airlines, the carrier commits to:
- Rebook passenger on same carrier at no additional cost in case of significant delay
- Rebooking on a partner carrier or other carrier with which it has an agreement, at no additional cost, in the event of a significant delay
- Meal or meal voucher if flight delay causes passenger to wait 3 hours or more
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for each passenger who experiences an overnight delay
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for each passenger affected by an overnight delay
United Airlines does not commit to any cash compensation, credit/travel voucher or frequest fly miles when passengers are affected by delays in the US.
What if my United flight to or from Europe is delayed?
United currently has daily flights in and out of Europe. European passengers are protected by European Union Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), which lists the rights of airline passengers in the event of flight delays.
The same rules apply to US citizens, with some exceptions.
US Passengers to Europe
Passengers traveling from the US to Europe on an EU-based airline may qualify for compensation due to flight delays. However this does not apply to flights operated by US-based carriers. United Airlines is an American airline, so if you opt to fly with United to Spain, Italy, or any other EU country, you will not have the protection of EU passenger rights and will be ineligible for compensation.
US Passengers from Europe:
If you are a US passenger returning from Europe to the United States, you can receive compensation for delayed flights irrespective of your airline choice. This is similar to what European Union passengers receive under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. The regulation mandates airlines to compensate passengers for canceled flights, delays, and denied boarding.
If your flight is delayed for at least three hours, you can be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the distance of the flight. For flights up to 932 miles, you can receive up to $260; for flights between 932 and 2,175 miles, you can expect to receive up to $420; and for flights over 2,175 miles, you can be entitled to receive up to $630. The ammounts vary based on the exchange rate with the euro.
If your United flight from Europe meets the mentioned criteria, you may contact United directly or request the services of EUclaim, a highly rated legal assistance firm that specializes in air passenger rights in Europe.
United may offer delay compensation in the future, similar to Europe
The Department of Transportation and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are implementing regulations to enhance the protection and compensation that United Airlines passengers receive for flight delays, even on domestic routes. The objective of these regulations is to align domestic passenger rights with those available within the European Union.
We will keep you informed as we learn more about the implementation timeline for these new policies. US airline passengers, including those who fly United, may soon be entitled to compensation for canceled flights, following in the footsteps of their European counterparts.
My domestic flight with United Airlines 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 United Airlines 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 Intra-European flight is delayed, what now?
Even if you have a US nationality, if you are in Europe, your rights are protected by the EU. Was your United Airlines 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.
My flight to Europe with United Airlines is delayed, am I entitled to compensation?
If you are flying with United Airlines to Europe, your passenger rights are not protected by EU261 and compensation is not applicable.
My United Airlines flight from Europe to the US is delayed, what are my rights?
Flying with United Airlines? Even if you have a US nationality, your rights are protected by EU law EU261. It also doesn’t matter which airline you are flying with, either from Europe or a different part of the world, you might be eligible for compensation up to $630. The exception is force majeur by American Airlines.
How do I apply for compensation for a flight delay with United Airlines?
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. United Airlines doesn’t have a dedicated webpage, so if you need help with your claim, we recommend the services of EUclaim.