EU Flight Compensation Just Changed. Here’s What It Means If You’re Flying to France
Published June 6, 2025
As of this month, the European Union has officially approved changes to its flight compensation rules. If you're heading to France, especially from within Europe, here's what you need to know.
What's changed?
Under the old rules, if your flight was delayed or cancelled, you could receive up to €600, depending on how far you were flying and how long you were stuck. The new rules lower that amount in many cases, and it now takes a longer delay before you're eligible for any money at all.
For example, delays now need to be longer than five hours on some routes before you qualify for compensation. Some of the flat-rate payments for cancellations have also been reduced.
Who this affects
Anyone flying from the EU to France
Anyone flying to France on an EU-based airline
Anyone connecting through a European city on their way to France
Why it matters
Travelers have fewer options for recourse if something goes wrong. Airlines now have more room to claim that delays are beyond their control, which makes it harder to get compensated even when the delay seems preventable.
This doesn’t mean you have no rights. It just means you need to be more proactive.
What to do if your flight is delayed
Keep your boarding pass, flight receipts, and any communication from the airline
Ask the airline to confirm in writing the reason for the delay or cancellation
If you believe you’re owed money, file a claim directly through the airline’s website
One more thing
Some travel insurance and credit cards offer their own flight delay coverage. In many cases, those are easier to deal with than the airline. Check your benefits before your trip.
The new rules aren’t traveler-friendly, but they’re here. A little preparation can save you stress, and possibly money, if your plans get disrupted.
