Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Norwegian have transformed air travel in Europe and beyond, making it more affordable than ever. However, when things go wrong — such as flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding — many passengers aren’t sure what their rights are or whether they’re entitled to compensation.
The good news is that EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 provides clear protection for passengers, even when flying with budget airlines. If your flight is delayed, cancelled or overbooked, and you are traveling on a low-cost airline, you will be as protected as when traveling on a traditional airline.
Check your compensation online.
Low Cost Airlines: Compensation for Flight Delays and Other Disruptions
When you travel with a low-cost airline, you are entitled to the same passenger rights as with any full-service carrier.
Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, the rules apply equally to all airlines operating from the EU, EEA, or UK — regardless of the ticket price or level of service.
This means that even if you’re flying with a budget carrier like Norwegian, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, or Norse, you still have the right to compensation for delays or cancellations, refunds, and care and assistance when your flight is disrupted.
The law makes no distinction between low-cost and traditional airlines, ensuring that every passenger receives fair treatment and protection when travel plans don’t go as expected.
Low cost airlines. Compensation is due? Yes!
Your Rights Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
This regulation applies to:
- All flights departing from an EU, EEA, or UK airport, regardless of the airline.
- Flights operated by an EU or UK-based airline, even if departing from outside the EU.
That means if your flight with a low-cost carrier is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you may be entitled to financial compensation or care and assistance, depending on the circumstances.
To be covered under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, your flight must depart from an EU, EEA, or UK airport, or, if you’re flying to Europe, it must be operated by a European or UK-based airline.
Since Norwegian is a European airline, all its flights are covered under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 — whether you’re departing from Europe or flying to Europe from outside the EU. This means you’re always protected by the same passenger rights, including compensation, refunds, and the right to care and assistance, no matter where your journey begins.
Read more: Your Rights on Norwegian Flights to Egypt and Morocco
Compensation for Flight Delays
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to low cost airlines compensation for the inconvenience, depending on the distance and duration of the delay.
If your flight arrives at its destination three hours or more later than planned, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the flight distance — up to €250 for short flights, €400 for medium-haul, and €600 for long-haul journeys. However, compensation doesn’t apply if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.
Read more: Flight Delay Compensation
Compensation for Flight Cancellations
When a flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, passengers may claim compensation unless the airline can prove that the disruption was beyond its control. In addition, you can choose between a refund, re-routing, or a new flight at a later date, depending on what suits you best.
Yes, you can get both a new flight and flight compensation! If you choose not to travel, you can get both a refund and compensation.
Read more:
Compensation for Denied Boarding (Due to Flight Overbooking)
If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to denied boarding compensation, as well as care and assistance while waiting for the next available flight. The amount of compensation is the same as for delays and depends on the flight distance.
Read more: Denied Boarding Compensation
How Much Is Flight Compensation?
Passengers are often unaware that low cost airlines compensation rights are the same as those for full-service carriers under EU Regulation 261/2004. The amounts are also the same.
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
How to Claim Compensation From Norwegian or Other Low-Cost Airlines?
1. Submitting a Claim Yourself
You can file a compensation request directly with the airline through its official website or customer service. Most airlines have an online claim form where you’ll need to provide details such as:
- Your flight number, booking reference, and travel date
- A brief explanation of what happened (delay, cancellation, denied boarding)
- Any supporting documents, such as boarding passes, tickets, and receipts
This method is free, but you’ll need to handle all communication and follow-ups yourself.
Airlines sometimes reject claims — especially if they argue that “extraordinary circumstances” caused the disruption (when in fact it was a technical problem) — so it’s important to understand your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 before submitting your claim.
Be aware that not all airline rejections are justified. Passengers have the right to question and appeal decisions that appear inconsistent with EU Regulation 261/2004.
If you believe your claim is valid, it’s worth challenging or seeking further review.
2. Using a Flight Compensation Company
If you prefer not to deal with the airline directly, you can use a flight compensation company to handle the process on your behalf. These companies specialize in EU flight compensation claims and typically work on a no win, no fee basis — meaning they only take a commission (usually 25–35%) if your claim is successful.
This option is convenient and can save time, especially if your initial claim was rejected or if you’re unsure how to navigate the process. The company will collect all necessary information, contact the airline, and even take legal steps if needed.
Our partners offer such a service.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.