If the airline advances a flight by more than one hour, travelers are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 up to €600. However, if the airline (and only the airline) notifies with more than 14 days, only the refund of the ticket amount will be available.

Since December 2021, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) recognizes the right of air passengers to compensation when their flights are advanced by more than one hour. It considers that compensations should be similar to flight cancellations.

The ECJ recognizes that the serious inconveniences caused to passengers when there is a significant advance in the departure time of their flight are similar to those suffered if it is delayed. Therefore, they are entitled to be compensated. After all, people who want to fly, whether they are advanced or delayed, lose the option of freely disposing of their time, of organizing as they decide. Perhaps they are unable to rearrange their schedules and may be unable to reach boarding.

Let's say a tourist visiting Valencia during Fallas decides to fly back home after lunchtime, and books a restaurant and a morning tour. If their airline advances the departure time, it causes not only economic harm but also personal. Their expectations are damaged.

It is not common for a traveler to experience an advance in their flight, but it can happen when buying a combined trip at a travel agency but not getting a confirmed reservation. Later, when the flight is confirmed, it may be the case that it is advanced from the scheduled time.

If the flight departure time is advanced by more than one hour, travelers are entitled to claim financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600 depending on the distance. Other economic damages, such as purchasing new tickets or additional expenses, can also be claimed.

Compensation amounts vary according to the distance. If it is a flight of less than 1,500 km, €250 will be awarded. If the distance is between 1,500 and 3,500 km, compensation will be €400. And for trips of more than 3,500 km, compensation of €600 can be obtained.

To obtain compensation, any document proving the reservation can be used. In some cases, travel agencies provide a document called "travel registration".

Who will pay the compensation? The airline company.

It must be taken into account that if the airline communicates with 14 days notice, the traveler will not be entitled to the mentioned financial compensation, but will still have the right to claim a refund of the ticket cost if desired.

Regarding this 14-day advance notice of flight, we must know that, even if the ticket is not purchased directly from the airline (perhaps through an online portal or a travel agency), the airline is still responsible and must be the one who refunds the ticket cost to the passenger.

Wings to Claim will help you obtain the maximum guaranteed compensation

In any of these cases, if the airline refuses, a legal claim can be filed.

If you have issues with your flight. You only need to click on ">Claim, spend 2 minutes following the steps, and upload your boarding pass. Our colleagues will contact you within 12 hours on the same day. And they will help you upload the necessary documents for free and securely until you receive compensation from the airline.