Business passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations are entitled to personal compensation

Business passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations are entitled to personal compensation

Last updated on 22 March 2023
  • One million passengers in Spain suffered delays and cancellations on their flights during the month of February

  • Among the most punctual major European cities, Vienna ranks first, followed by Rome, Barcelona and Madrid

  • In case of problems with flights, business travelers can obtain, personally, up to 600 euros of compensation, even if it is the company that has paid for their tickets

Madrid, 22nd March 2023 - Business travellers know better than anyone that time is precious when travelling and that being late for a meeting can mean a significant loss of opportunity and income. Suffering flight delays and cancellations is frequent, according to the latest data for the month of February from AirHelp, the company specialising in air passenger law, one million passengers (18%) suffered flight disruptions.


The organisation found that 85% of passengers do not know their rights when flying. That means majority of employees who take a plane for work reasons are likely unaware that they can claim compensation in case of delays or cancellation, even if their company paid for their flights.

In such circumstances, "the employee who has travelled on behalf of the company is the affected party, and therefore is the beneficiary," AirHelp explains.

Compensation can amount to up to €600 per person for delays of more than 3 hours, cancellations 14 days prior to flight departure and denied boarding due to overbooking, if the airline is responsible. Compensation may vary depending on the reason for the interruption, for example, claims are not valid if the reason for the delay is an extraordinary circumstance such as bad weather or security threats.

Other data that passengers should take into account when going on their business trips

  • Loyalty points: this bonus, offered by some companies, can be redeemed by both the company and the worker. It will depend on the programs that the airline has. 

  • Carry-on luggage: Companies may try to have their employees travel with carry-on luggage only to save costs. In these cases, the executive should know that they can request a checked bag, but they must assume the cost. 

  • Class upgrade or downgrade: If for some reason the airline has to upgrade a passenger, they cannot charge anything extra for this. However, if they are downgraded, the airline is obliged to pay a financial compensation to the passenger that will vary depending on the price of the ticket and the duration of the flight.

  • Companions: if so desired, the worker can take a companion on their business trips, but the company will not cover the expenses of the companion's trip or stay. 

Know your rights as air passengers

AirHelp recalls the importance of travellers knowing their rights as air passengers, such as the right to receive care. Under the European Regulation EC 261 and depending on the waiting time, an airline must provide its customers with information about the situation, drinks, food, communication and accommodation if necessary. If the airline does not meet its obligations, passengers can claim reimbursement for these expenses, in addition to compensation.


In no case should the passenger take any offer that makes them waive their right to compensation, such as accepting vouchers or airmiles on the condition not claiming compensation — Though passengers can choose to accept this offer if the airline offers a much higher value, of course.

In addition, it is necessary to keep all the receipts of the expenses incurred as a result of the delay and the boarding passes for the processing of the claim.

Punctuality of European airports in February
To help passengers on their business trips, AirHelp has analysed the punctuality of airports in Europe's busiest capitals. Among the most punctual European cities, Vienna ranks first, followed by Rome, Barcelona and Madrid.

*European airports with traffic of more than 500,000 passengers


How to claim compensation

In case of suffering a mishap during a trip for work reasons, there are several ways to get a claim. It can be done either by trying to claim directly with the airline, by hiring a lawyer to represent the affected employee, or by using a specialist such as AirHelp. Since 2013, the organisation has worked to defend the rights of travellers due to delays, cancellations or denied boarding. To date they have helped 1.5 million people claim the compensation they're owed.

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AirHelp is a part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) whose mission is to promote and protect passengers’ rights.

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