Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU261/2004, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the law that deals with the rights of air passengers. More precisely, this legislation covers diverse cases, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the situation occurs as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to get compensation. In addition, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 encompasses regulations regarding the process of compensation, including assistance to travelers who suffered from issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, depending on your circumstances.
Compensation for Qantas Flight Cancellation
First and foremost, travelers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your flight date and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to the length of the delay:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Compensation for Qantas Flight Delay
When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline must also provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See key information on compensation in the table below:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Right to Care
Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out standard rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.
The “Right to Care” under EU 261 obliges airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Snacks and drinks appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is helpful to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay additional fees for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you can get reimbursement. In this case, you should be aware that the amount of compensation is determined by the distance of a flight:
- 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
- 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
- 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.
Be aware that these rights apply to any flights inside the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers won’t get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Particularly, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are beyond the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:
- Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
- Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
- A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
- Unruly or very ill passengers;
- Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).
Moreover, if the airline might have been able to do something to avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Qantas is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from the EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Qantas Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight delay or cancellation should be aware of the process to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
02.07.202520:50 | Qantas 5421 | Gold Coast (OOL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:45 | Qantas 5420 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:30 | Qantas 496 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:25 | Qantas 5789 | Sunshine Coast (MCY) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:45 | Qantas 1502 | Melbourne (MEL) Brisbane (BNE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:50 | Qantas 484 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:45 | Qantas 2097 | Melbourne (MEL) Launceston (LST) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:45 | Qantas 5418 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:45 | Qantas 485 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:35 | Qantas 5419 | Gold Coast (OOL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:35 | Qantas 5476 | Melbourne (MEL) Newcastle (NTL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:30 | Qantas 630 | Melbourne (MEL) Brisbane (BNE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:15 | Qantas 545 | Brisbane (BNE) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:15 | Qantas 5788 | Sydney (SYD) Sunshine Coast (MCY) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:05 | Qantas 186 | Christchurch (CHC) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | Qantas 479 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:45 | Qantas 1283 | Canberra (CBR) Melbourne (MEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:45 | Qantas 477 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:30 | Qantas 693 | Melbourne (MEL) Adelaide (ADL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:30 | Qantas 474 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:30 | Qantas 475 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:20 | Qantas 5868 | Melbourne (MEL) Cairns (CNS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:15 | Qantas 472 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:15 | Qantas 5916 | Melbourne (MEL) Townsville (TSV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:10 | Qantas 540 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | Qantas 5568 | Auckland (AKL) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:55 | Qantas 5790 | Sydney (SYD) Sunshine Coast (MCY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:45 | Qantas 468 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:35 | Qantas 5736 | Launceston (LST) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:30 | Qantas 5657 | Canberra (CBR) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:30 | Qantas 5526 | Auckland (AKL) Gold Coast (OOL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:30 | Qantas 5706 | Hobart (HBA) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:25 | Qantas 186 | Queenstown (ZQN) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:20 | Qantas 631 | Brisbane (BNE) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:20 | Qantas 467 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:15 | Qantas 464 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:15 | Qantas 690 | Adelaide (ADL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Qantas 5417 | Gold Coast (OOL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:05 | Qantas 5465 | Ballina (BNK) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:00 | Qantas 463 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:00 | Qantas 462 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:55 | Qantas 1278 | Melbourne (MEL) Canberra (CBR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:50 | Qantas 5484 | Newcastle (NTL) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:45 | Qantas 170 | Christchurch (CHC) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:40 | Qantas 196 | Wellington (WLG) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:35 | Qantas 595 | Gold Coast (OOL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:35 | Qantas 8507 | Auckland (AKL) Blenheim (BHE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:30 | Qantas 458 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:30 | Qantas 8605 | Wellington (WLG) Rotorua (ROT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:20 | Qantas 8522 | Tauranga (TRG) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:20 | Qantas 5865 | Cairns (CNS) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:15 | Qantas 5797 | Sunshine Coast (MCY) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:15 | Qantas 156 | Auckland (AKL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:05 | Qantas 21 | Melbourne (MEL) Dallas (DFW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:00 | Qantas 8518 | Auckland (AKL) Tauranga (TRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202515:00 | Qantas 455 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:55 | Qantas 5704 | Hobart (HBA) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:55 | Qantas 1945 | Emerald (EMD) Brisbane (BNE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:50 | Qantas 5529 | Melbourne (MEL) Queenstown (ZQN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:45 | Qantas 8578 | Christchurch (CHC) Tauranga (TRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:45 | Qantas 452 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:45 | Qantas 453 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:40 | Qantas 5707 | Melbourne (MEL) Hobart (HBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:35 | Qantas 172 | Wellington (WLG) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:30 | Qantas 451 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:25 | Qantas 620 | Melbourne (MEL) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:25 | Qantas 711 | Cairns (CNS) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:15 | Qantas 1269 | Brisbane (BNE) Melbourne (MEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:15 | Qantas 533 | Brisbane (BNE) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:10 | Qantas 686 | Adelaide (ADL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:10 | Qantas 5412 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:05 | Qantas 5656 | Brisbane (BNE) Canberra (CBR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:00 | Qantas 879 | Gold Coast (OOL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:00 | Qantas 1078 | Brisbane (BNE) Mount Isa (ISA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202514:00 | Qantas 449 | Sydney (SYD) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:55 | Qantas 5485 | Brisbane (BNE) Newcastle (NTL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:55 | Qantas 526 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:50 | Qantas 5795 | Sunshine Coast (MCY) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:35 | Qantas 2081 | Mildura (MQL) Melbourne (MEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:30 | Qantas 1051 | Broome (BME) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:30 | Qantas 594 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:25 | Qantas 5464 | Melbourne (MEL) Ballina (BNK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:25 | Qantas 775 | Melbourne (MEL) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:20 | Qantas 1081 | Mount Isa (ISA) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:20 | Qantas 937 | Brisbane (BNE) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:15 | Qantas 921 | Sunshine Coast (MCY) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:15 | Qantas 58 | Port Moresby (POM) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:15 | Qantas 921 | Sunshine Coast (MCY) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:10 | Qantas 774 | Perth (PER) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:05 | Qantas 938 | Perth (PER) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:05 | Qantas 524 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:00 | Qantas 5413 | Gold Coast (OOL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202513:00 | Qantas 5705 | Melbourne (MEL) Hobart (HBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:40 | Qantas 1944 | Brisbane (BNE) Emerald (EMD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:40 | Qantas 683 | Melbourne (MEL) Adelaide (ADL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:30 | Qantas 442 | Melbourne (MEL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:25 | Qantas 5796 | Melbourne (MEL) Sunshine Coast (MCY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:25 | Qantas 5796 | Melbourne (MEL) Sunshine Coast (MCY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:15 | Qantas 5960 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (NRT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202512:15 | Qantas 682 | Adelaide (ADL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
