This advice applies only if:

• you are travelling on a flight that departs and arrives at non European airports; or
• you are flying to a European airport on a non European airline

Legal Rights

You have no legal rights under European law in these circumstances. The compensation and care that you are entitled will be determined by the conditions under which you booked and the policy of the airline.

Many airlines will provide refreshments and overnight accommodation if necessary. In case of long delays most airlines will also consider transferring you to another flight.

Montreal Convention

The UK adopted the Montreal Convention in June 2004, which makes an airline liable for "damage caused by delay" up to around £3,300. However, this legislation is untested in the courts and airlines are unlikely to offer you compensation.

If you do have to pay for additional transport, food or accommodation because of a delay then keep receipts and try to make a claim from the airline when you complete your trip.

Countries Part of the EU

For the purpose of European legislation, the following countries are part of the EU:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.