Passenger rights: what to do if your flight is delayed

What to keep for your claim

The first practical step is to collect evidence: boarding pass, a photo of the departure board with the actual time and receipts of any extra costs for food or accommodation paid out of pocket. Without these documents, the claim becomes much harder to prove.

Voucher or cash refund? You decide

Some airlines offer a voucher instead of cash payment: the law requires that compensation be paid in cash (bank transfer, cheque) and that a voucher is only possible with your written consent. You are not therefore obligated to accept it if you prefer direct payment.

Cancellation or delay: what changes in practice

If your flight is cancelled, in addition to compensation the airline must offer you a choice between a ticket refund or a rebooking flight as soon as possible, guaranteeing hotel if the new departure is delayed until the next day. If your direct claim to the airline gets no response, you can also consider joining a class action for refund when available on your route.

Don't accept a voucher of lower value than what the law provides for: ask in writing for cash payment and, if refused without reason, keep that refusal as evidence for your formal claim.