First, let’s get real: it’s not a flat rate for everyone. How much compensation you get depends on why you’re delayed and how long you’re stuck. Think of it like the airport’s version of a speeding ticket—but they’re the ones who paid for the right to go slow.
In the US, if you’re just delayed on a domestic flight, the airline’s only legal obligation is to get you a snack coupon and a side of zero guilt. Yeah, it’s basically the equivalent of a sad bag of pretzels while you watch your vacation evaporate.
But if you’re flying in or out of Europe (hello, EU Regulation 261), the game changes. You could be looking at €250 for a short hop, €400 for a medium haul, or even €600 for a long-haul nightmare. That’s enough to buy a used kayak or a week’s worth of therapy.
