“No Show – No Compensation”: Why Timely Airport Arrival Still Matters — Even After Delay Notifications
In a significant ruling on January 25, 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a precedent-setting decision in the case of Laudamotion v flightright (C-474/22). The court clarified that passengers are not entitled to compensation for delayed flights if they fail to check in and be present at the airport on time, even if the airline has already notified them of a delay exceeding 3 hours.
This decision underscores a critical point: a delay is not a cancellation. Your responsibilities as a passenger remain the same, regardless of how long the flight is delayed.
What You Must Do to Keep Your Right to Compensation:
- Check in by the airline's deadline.
- If no deadline is specified, check in at least 45 minutes before the original (scheduled) departure time — not the delayed time.
- Be physically present at the airport, even if you’ve checked in online.
Failing to meet these requirements can mean losing your right to claim compensation, even if your flight is delayed for several hours.
Why Is This Important?
Many passengers choose to stay home when notified of a delay, thinking there's no point in arriving at the airport on time. However, by doing so, they forfeit their legal right to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Airlines can then argue that the passenger was a “no-show,” which legally exempts them from paying compensation.
In Summary:
To protect your rights as a passenger and ensure eligibility for compensation:
- Follow check-in instructions
- Show up on time
- Stay informed — and physically present
Passenger.am — Your guide in the world of flight compensation rights.
