Limits by Country

Reference · Legal limits

Which EU flight delay rights start at two, three, four or five hours?

For a covered flight of 1,500 km or less, EU rules require assistance when the airline reasonably expects a departure delay of at least two hours. A different clock starts from scheduled arrival when assessing possible cash compensation.

Sources checked

Limits by Country Editorial Team

When the airline must offer assistance for an expected departure delayEU passenger rights thresholds for covered flight delays
  • Up to 1,500 km2 hours
  • Within the EU over 1,500 km3 hours
  • Other covered flights over 1,500 to 3,500 km3 hours
  • Other covered flights over 3,500 km4 hours

These bars use the scheduled departure time. The searchable table also includes the arrival clock and reimbursement option.

Source 1

Identify the covered flight

European Commission guidance covers flights within the EU and flights leaving the EU, whether the operator is an EU airline or another airline. Flights arriving in the EU from elsewhere are covered when operated by an EU airline, subject to the conditions in the guidance. Confirm the operating airline if you booked through a partner carrier. Source 2 Source 1

Use the departure clock for care and refunds

Article 6 sets a two-hour threshold for flights up to 1,500 km, three hours for the middle distance category and four hours for other covered flights. Assistance can include refreshments and meals while waiting and overnight accommodation when required. At five hours, the rules provide for ticket reimbursement and a return flight where applicable. Source 1 Source 2

Use the arrival clock for possible cash compensation

The Commission’s table starts compensation at three hours late at the final destination, subject to conditions including the extraordinary-circumstances exception. For covered flights over 3,500 km between the EU and a non-EU country, the published amounts are EUR 300 from three hours to under four hours, and EUR 600 from four hours. Other distance bands have their own amounts. Source 2

Check when the new rules take effect

The Council announced adoption of updated rules in 2026 and said they would enter into force 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. This page uses the existing thresholds as of its check date. The European Commission’s guidance provides the steps for filing a claim for a covered delay. Source 3 Source 2

Sources

Open the data and source notes