Delayed flights: compensation and entitlements
What you’re entitled to for a delayed flight and how Travel Inconvenience Insurance can help.
Is financial compensation available for delayed flights?
You’re ready to start your vacation, but on arriving at the airport you learn that your flight is delayed for several hours. Yet the question of whether you are entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed by more than two, three, or even four hours isn’t so easy to answer for Swiss citizens.
The EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation applies if a flight departs from or arrives in Switzerland or an EU country, or if the airline is based in Switzerland or the EU. Depending on the length of the flight, European case law provides for compensation payments ranging from EUR 250 to EUR 600 for delays of three hours or more.
The case law of the European Court of Justice on compensation payments isn’t binding on Switzerland, however. It is therefore possible that Swiss airlines won’t make such payments. Compensation is also generally unavailable in the event of delays due to external circumstances such as bad weather or political unrest.
For flights outside the EU, the Montreal Convention, which most countries worldwide have signed, including Switzerland, may be relevant: Compensation is possible for delayed flights between two signatory states. In this case, instead of fixed payments, individual costs are reimbursed and documented.
Delayed flights: what to do
If you find yourself in the unwelcome situation of your flight being delayed at the airport, the first thing to do is stay calm. Check with the airline about the current situation and ask them to confirm the delay and the reasons for it. This will help you later if you intend to claim compensation.
You should also keep all receipts that prove your expenses in this context. These could include hotel bills or receipts for toiletries and meals. If you booked a package holiday, it is best to contact your tour operator.
Insurance with Travel Inconvenience Insurance
Since you aren’t automatically entitled to compensation for delayed flights, it is advisable to take out Travel Inconvenience Insurance, which covers significantly delayed flights, flight cancelations and delayed baggage.
Some credit cards already include travel insurance such as Travel Inconvenience Insurance. This is the case with the following American Express Cards:
If your flight is delayed by more than four hours or canceled, you will be reimbursed a certain amount for meals, accommodation, or alternative transportation. The amount depends on your credit card and on whether you provide receipts or would like to receive a fixed amount.
Relaxed holidays with American Express
In addition to Travel Inconvenience Insurance, depending on your American Express Card, further important insurance coverage is included for your trip.
- With the American Express Card, American Express Platinum Card, or American Express Gold Card, for example, you benefit from Transport Accident Insurance.
- The Gold Card and Platinum Card also include Foreign Travel Medical Expenses Insurance.
- The Platinum Card also offers you Travel Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance, Luggage Insurance and Loss Damage Waiver for Rental Cars – and free access to chic airport lounges.
Delayed flight: Compensation is possible, but not guaranteed
For airlines based in Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU, the ruling of the European Court of Justice which schedules compensation for delayed flights is not binding. However, as a general rule, passengers are entitled to meals and, if necessary, overnight accommodation in the case of delays of two hours or more (depending on the length of the flight).
For international flights, the Montreal Convention may provide compensation. It is best to have a credit card such as American Express, which not only makes everyday life easier, but also makes traveling easier: Its benefits also include Travel Inconvenience Insurance, which covers you in the event of delayed flights and helps ensure you enjoy a more relaxed vacation.
The right credit card for your lifestyle
Frequently asked questions and answers
If your flight is delayed by at least two hours (three or four hours for longer flights), you are entitled to meals and accommodation if necessary. Financial compensation may also be available, but Swiss airlines may not grant this because European case law is not binding in Switzerland.
If your flight is delayed, you should confirm the delay and keep all receipts for any costs incurred in connection with it. You may then be able to receive compensation.
With Travel Inconvenience Insurance, you will receive payments if your flight is delayed, canceled, or your baggage arrives late. This is recommended, because the same entitlements to compensation do not always apply in Switzerland as those that apply in the EU and airlines do not usually pay compensation for delays caused by external circumstances.
