In the US, UK and the EU, airlines may be liable for compensation if the reason for a delay is deemed within their control, such as a fault with the plane or pilot sickness.
As such, airlines do not have to provide compensation to passengers for air traffic control problems.
But passengers are still protected to a certain degree under US federal – and country-specific – laws.
Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, cancelled or “significantly delayed flights” – defined as three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international routes – must be offered alternative travel or a full refund of the fare if the passenger chooses not to fly.
It also requires all air carriers to issue refunds for tickets purchased with credit cards within seven business days of the request, and 20 days for tickets purchased with another form of payment. Passengers accepting a new flight cannot receive a refund.
In the US, there is no requirement for airlines to provide meal vouchers or accommodation, but some may offer complimentary support to customers.
However, if passengers are travelling from the UK to the US or flying with a UK carrier, you may have additional rights.
Under UK law, airlines have a duty to look after you when flights are delayed or cancelled for whatever reason.
This includes:
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a reasonable amount of food and drink (often through vouchers)
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a way for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of calls)
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free accommodation, if you have to stay overnight to fly the next day
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transport to and from that accommodation
If your airline is unable to arrange assistance, you have the right to organise this yourself and claim back the cost later.
The Civil Aviation Authority advises people to keep receipts and not spend more than necessary.