Lufthansa Strikes Disrupt Thousands of Flights — Know Your EU261 Rights
Lufthansa cabin crew strikes have disrupted thousands of flights across Europe, leaving passengers stranded and confused about their rights. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation of €250-€600 for delays over 3 hours, cancellations, and denied boarding — regardless of whether the airline offers vouchers. This calculator determines your exact compensation amount and eligibility.
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Millions of EU passengers are entitled to flight compensation but never claim it — airlines estimate only 2-5% of eligible passengers actually file. The rules under EU261/2004 are complex: extraordinary circumstances exemptions, connecting flight rules, distance calculations, and airline-specific policies create confusion. This calculator cuts through the complexity to tell you exactly what you're owed and whether you qualify, including for the current Lufthansa strike disruptions.
How: You enter your flight details: departure and arrival airports, delay duration or cancellation type, and whether you were offered re-routing. The calculator computes the great-circle distance between airports, determines the compensation tier (€250/€400/€600), checks extraordinary circumstances exemptions (weather vs strike vs technical), and factors in any re-routing time reductions. It also generates a claim letter template you can send directly to the airline.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
Flight Details
Delay / Cancellation Details
Compensation by Flight Distance
Claim Strength Profile
Net Compensation Breakdown
📐 Calculation Breakdown
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
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CalculateQuick Answer
EU261 entitles you to €250–€600 per passenger for delays (3+ hours at arrival), cancellations, denied boarding, or downgrades on EU/UK flights. Short-haul <1500km: €250; medium 1500–3500km: €400; long-haul >3500km: €600. Technical faults and airline strikes are NOT exempt—airlines must pay.
📋 Compensation Lookup Table by Distance and Delay
| Distance | Base € | Delay 3–4h | Delay 4–6h | Delay 6h+ | Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short (<1500km) | €250 | €250 | €250 + meals | €250 + meals + hotel | €250 |
| Medium (1500–3500km) | €400 | €400 | €400 + meals | €400 + meals + hotel | €400 |
| Long (>3500km) | €600 | €600 | €600 + meals | €600 + meals + hotel | €600 |
📋 Key Takeaways
- • EU Regulation 261/2004 entitles you to €250-€600 compensation for delays (3+ hrs), cancellations, denied boarding, or downgrades
- • Short-haul <1500km: €250 | Medium 1500-3500km: €400 | Long-haul >3500km: €600
- • Delays must be 3+ hours at arrival. 2h+ at departure = meals/refreshments
- • Extraordinary circumstances (weather, ATC, security) exempt airlines from compensation. Technical faults and airline strikes are NOT exempt
💡 Did You Know?
📖 How Does EU261 Work?
EU Regulation 261/2004 establishes passenger rights for flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU on an EU carrier. It covers delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and downgrades.
Eligibility
Your flight must depart from an EU/UK airport, OR arrive in the EU/UK on an EU airline. Non-EU airlines departing from outside the EU are not covered.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Weather, ATC strikes, security, or medical emergencies are extraordinary—no compensation. Technical faults and airline staff strikes are NOT extraordinary—airlines must pay.
Timeline
Claims must be filed within 6 years (UK) or 3 years (EU). Airlines typically respond within 30 days. If rejected, consider ADR or small claims court.
🎯 What Are Expert Tips for Maximizing Claims?
💡 Keep All Evidence
Boarding passes, delay emails, photos of departure boards. Screenshot flight status from FlightAware or FlightStats.
💡 DIY Claim First
Submit directly to the airline—no fee. Claims companies take 25-35%. Use airline online forms.
💡 Quote EU261
Mention Regulation (EC)261/2004 in your claim. Airlines often reject first—escalate with ADR or court.
💡 Cancellation Notice
If cancelled <14 days before departure, you usually get full compensation unless rerouted within 2-4h.
⚖️ DIY Claim vs Claims Company vs Lawyer
| Feature | DIY Claim | Claims Company | Lawyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | €0 | 25-35% | €200-500+ |
| Speed | 30-60 days | 60-90 days | 90+ days |
| Best for | Clear-cut cases | Busy passengers | Complex rejections |
| Success rate | ~70% | ~85% | ~90% |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time limit for EU261 claims?
UK: 6 years from the date of travel. EU: typically 3 years (varies by member state). Don't wait—gather evidence immediately.
Which flights are covered by EU261?
Flights departing from EU/UK airports, or arriving in EU/UK on an EU airline. Connecting flights from outside EU may have partial coverage.
Does UK261 still apply after Brexit?
Yes. UK retained EU261 as UK261. Rules are identical for UK departures and arrivals.
What if the airline claims extraordinary circumstances?
Weather, ATC, security = exempt. Technical faults, airline strikes = NOT exempt. Challenge rejections with evidence.
What is the 3-hour rule for delays?
Compensation applies if you arrive 3+ hours late at your final destination. It's arrival time that matters, not departure delay.
Can I claim for a cancelled flight with 14+ days notice?
No compensation, but you're entitled to rebooking or refund. You may still claim for meals and care if delayed.
What about downgrades?
You get 30% (short), 50% (medium), or 75% (long) of the base compensation as refund for the downgrade.
What is denied boarding?
Overbooking—airline denies you a seat. Full compensation + choice of refund or rerouting. Must be involuntary.
📊 What Are EU261 by the Numbers?
📚 Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on EU Regulation 261/2004. Actual eligibility depends on your specific circumstances (e.g., extraordinary circumstances, rerouting timing). Always verify with official sources and consider seeking legal advice for complex claims. Not legal advice.
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