Here\u2019s one of the most important lessons I\u2019ve learned from a lifetime of travel \u2014 always plan for the worst possible outcome. I always leave room for error in both directions whenever possible, so that a lengthy delay doesn\u2019t ruin my trip. My recent trip to Finland was no exception.<\/p>\n
I was on the plane, ready to fly home in business class, when the captain\u2019s voice broke the bad news: a satellite malfunction was grounding our plane overnight. But thanks to EU regulations, that cancellation ended up putting \u20ac1,200 back in my pocket. Let\u2019s review how I got paid for my international flight getting canceled.<\/p>\n
Before any trip I take \u2014 especially internationally \u2014 I give myself a refresher on my options for reimbursement should things go wrong. I book every trip on my Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>, which offers excellent trip protection<\/a>. Coverage kicks in quicker than most cards, and pretty much any needed expense is covered.<\/p>\n While I love having that peace of mind, I didn\u2019t need to file a claim with Chase because of this delay, as I didn\u2019t need to charge any expenses — even though I could have. Instead, I had a much stronger tool at my disposal: EU Regulation EC261\/2004<\/a> (EU261).<\/p>\n EU261 defines your rights as an air passenger<\/a> and entitles you to monetary compensation for eligible cancellations and long delays, depending on flight distance, unless the airline can show “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather or certain other external events. This regulation is much stricter than anything offered in the United States. You\u2019re also entitled to reasonable accommodations, transportation, and meals (if needed).<\/p>\n Since the regulations are quite firmly established, most European airlines have a smooth process for rebooking and providing meals and accommodations. Getting your money is not so easy or transparent. Here\u2019s how to claim your compensation<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that while the airlines are required to compensate you, you still have to file a claim to get paid, and the process can take a while. If you aren't comfortable navigating this process, sites like\u00a0AirHelp can help you file a claim<\/a> — in exchange for 35% of the compensation you receive\u00a0from the airline.<\/p>\n Airlines will list your rights in their communication about your flight changes, but they won\u2019t outright tell you that you\u2019re eligible for monetary compensation. The amount you can claim varies by the distance you\u2019re scheduled to travel and how long the delay lasts. With cancellations that delayed us by around 17 hours in both directions, my wife and I were eligible for the maximum amount for two claims, and I was prepared to collect.How To File an EU261 Claim<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nIn the event of the cancellation of a flight, the passengers concerned must be offered compensation totaling:<\/p>\n