When are you entitled to compensation?
You are entitled to compensation under EU261/2004 if:
- Your flight is more than 3 hours late on arrival at the final destination
- Your flight is cancelled within 14 days before departure
- You are denied boarding due to overbooking
The regulation applies to:
- All flights departing from an EU airport (including Schiphol)
- Flights to an EU airport with an EU airline
The regulation does not apply in extraordinary circumstances: severe storms, attacks, political instability. Airlines regularly invoke this (sometimes wrongly).
Good to know
Every year, more than 20 million passengers in Europe face a delayed or cancelled flight. Only some of them actually claim compensation — even though they are entitled to it.
How much compensation can you get?
The compensation depends on the flight distance:
| Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km (e.g. Amsterdam–London) | €250 per person |
| 1,500–3,500 km (e.g. Amsterdam–Canary Islands) | €400 per person |
| Over 3,500 km (e.g. Amsterdam–New York) | €600 per person |
For a delay of 3–4 hours on a flight over 3,500 km, €300 applies (a 50% reduction is allowed if you still arrive less than 4 hours late).
The compensation is per person — for a family of 4 this can add up to €2,400.
Right to care during a delay
In addition to financial compensation, with a delay of more than 2 hours you are also entitled to:
- Meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time
- Two free phone calls or emails
- Hotel accommodation if you have to stay overnight
- Transport to and from the hotel
Ask for this actively at the airline's desk. If you buy something yourself, keep your receipts — you can claim them later.
Important: the right to care applies regardless of the reason for the delay — even in 'extraordinary circumstances'.
How do you claim compensation?
Step 1: Report the delay or cancellation straight away at the airline's desk at Schiphol
Step 2: Keep all documents: boarding pass, booking confirmation, receipts for any expenses
Step 3: Submit a claim via the airline's website (look for 'passenger rights' or 'flight compensation')
Step 4: If the airline does not respond or refuses: turn to the Geschillencommissie Luchtvaart (Dutch aviation disputes committee) or use a claims company (they take a percentage, but handle everything)
Good claims companies in the Netherlands: AirHelp, EUclaim, Flightright.
Good to know
Airlines initially refuse around 70% of compensation claims — even when the passenger is entitled to it. Persist, or call in a claims company.
What happens to your taxi if your flight is cancelled?
Is your flight cancelled while you are already at Schiphol or on your way there? Call AMS Taxi Schiphol as soon as possible:
- Still on the way: we turn around and drive you back home — you only pay for the distance already driven
- Already at Schiphol: we plan a new return journey as soon as you know when you are leaving or want to be home
You can reach us 24/7 on +31 85 400 5400 or WhatsApp +31 6 11645043. We monitor your flight — if it is delayed, the driver automatically adjusts the pick-up time on your return.
