Flight Delay Facts

If you are stuck at the airport, you should get two free phone calls, faxes or emails, plus food and drink 'appropriate to the delay'. If you are delayed overnight, you should get hotel accomodation and transfers. But whether you are entitled to any of this depends on where you are flying to and the length of delay.

• A two-hour delay for flights under 932 miles (i.e. short-haul EU destinations)
• A three hour delay for flights between 932 and 2,174 miles.
• A four-hour delay for flights that are over 2,174 miles.
• If the delay lasts five hours or more (and the flight isn't cancelled), you can choose not to travel and get the cost of your tickets refunded.

[Good Housekeeping July 2013]