What are my rights if my flight times have changed?

Has your flight been moved to an earlier time or delayed? This can be tricky, especially if you need to change your plans because of it. Airlines are sometimes allowed to change departure times, as explained in their terms and conditions. But that doesn’t mean you have no rights. What you can do and whether you can get compensation depends on your situation. Below, you’ll find information about your rights if your flight time changes.

A young woman sitting cross-legged looks surprised while holding an alarm clock in one hand and supporting her head with the other.

My flight leaves earlier

If your flight departs over an hour earlier than expected and you weren't informed about the change, it's considered a cancellation. A decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union states that you are entitled to financial compensation in this situation.

Has the airline notified you of the change at least two weeks in advance? In some cases, you can choose not to travel and receive a refund. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers this situation.

My flight leaves later

Different rules apply if your flight is delayed. Depending on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Sometimes you can also choose not to travel and get your money back. Read more about this on our page Step-by-step guide: how do I claim compensation or ask the airline for a refund?

Need help with a complaint?

The European Consumer Centre (ECC) offers free legal advice and can assist you with making a claim against a non-Dutch airline based in the EU, Norway, Iceland, or the United Kingdom.

If your complaint is about a Dutch airline, please contact:

Please note that the above links refer to Dutch websites.