Passenger rights when claiming for a low-cost flight are exactly the same as for a flight with other characteristics.
The fact that the flight is cheaper does not limit the obligations of airlines. The compensation, whether higher or lower, for a low-cost flight is not based on the ticket price. Instead, compensation is related to the damage suffered as a result of the incident. If a flight is delayed, a certain level of harm is caused, which has nothing to do with the ticket price but rather with moral and material damages. A lower cost does not mean fewer rights.
Many low-cost airlines respond to passenger claims with evasive answers, stating that such claims do not apply in these cases due to the lower ticket price.
If we consider that low-cost airlines are often those with the highest rates of delays and cancellations, the idea of setting a lower compensation would “compensate” for the fact that the airline had more (and even greater) reasons to be on time or avoid canceling a flight. After all, if it costs them very little money, why would they make the effort?
If you wish to claim for a low-cost flight, you must refer to the same regulations: EU Regulation 261/2004, which allows you to claim for delays of more than 3 hours, cancellations, and overbooking.
If you want to file a claim for luggage issues on a flight, the Montreal Convention applies.
Common Misconception Among Passengers
In many cases, it is the passengers themselves who, after booking a low-cost flight, believe it is not worth making a claim. This happens because they mistakenly assume that compensation is linked to or dependent on the ticket price.
However, when filing a claim for a flight, whether it is low-cost or high-cost, the requested compensation is an objective amount ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance. The distance-based compensation amounts are as follows:
Compensation Table Under EU Regulation 261/2004 for Low-Cost Flights
| Distance (in km) | Compensation for Delay |
|---|---|
| Less than 1,500 km | €250 |
| Between 1,500 km and 3,500 km | €400 |
| More than 3,500 km | €600 |
Additional Claims for Damages
In addition to the standard compensation, you can also claim for expenses incurred or unfulfilled services (like hotel bookings, tours, etc.) and other damages caused by the incident.
As a result, a low-cost flight can actually result in higher compensation than other, more expensive flights, especially if additional expenses or damages are claimed.