Paris Charles de Gaulle Flight Delay Compensation - Up to €600
Flight delayed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport? Discover your rights to compensation up to €600 for delays over 3 hours under EU Regulation 261/2004 at France's busiest airport.
Quick Answer
If your flight from Paris CDG is delayed by 3 hours or more at arrival, you may be entitled to compensation of €250-€600 depending on flight distance - unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control.
The 3-Hour Rule at Paris CDG
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, compensation for flight delays at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is based on arrival time, not departure time. Here's what matters:
How Delay is Measured:
- Arrival time counts: The moment when at least one aircraft door is opened at destination
- 3+ hours late: Compare scheduled vs. actual arrival time
- Departure time doesn't matter: A 4-hour departure delay arriving 2.5 hours late = no compensation
Example: Long Departure Delay, Short Arrival Delay
Your CDG→New York flight is delayed 5 hours at departure, but the pilot makes up time. You arrive only 2 hours 45 minutes late. Result: No compensation (under 3 hours at arrival).
Compensation Amounts from Paris CDG
Flights up to 1,500 km
Example routes:
- • CDG → London
- • CDG → Brussels
- • CDG → Barcelona
Flights 1,500-3,500 km
Example routes:
- • CDG → Athens
- • CDG → Lisbon
- • CDG → Morocco
Flights over 3,500 km
Example routes:
- • CDG → New York
- • CDG → Dubai
- • CDG → Tokyo
How to Calculate Your Delay
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- 1. Find your scheduled arrival time
Check your original booking confirmation or ticket
- 2. Find your actual arrival time
The time when the aircraft door opened (not when you left the plane)
- 3. Calculate the difference
If 3 hours or more, you're likely eligible for compensation
Need Help Calculating?
Use our free calculator to instantly check if you're eligible and how much you can claim.
Check Your Compensation →Your Rights During the Delay
While waiting at Paris CDG, the airline must provide "care and assistance" depending on delay length and flight distance:
2+ Hour Delays
- Meals and refreshments
- 2 phone calls or emails
- Access to communication
Overnight Delays
- Hotel accommodation
- Transport to/from hotel
- All meals during wait
Important: Keep All Receipts
If the airline doesn't provide assistance at CDG, buy what you need (food, hotel, transport) and keep receipts. You can claim reimbursement later - but be reasonable (no luxury hotels or expensive meals).
Common Delay Causes at Paris CDG
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Issues
CDG is in one of Europe's busiest airspaces. ATC delays are common, especially during peak hours and summer months.
Your rights: ATC strikes and unusual ATC restrictions may be extraordinary circumstances, but normal ATC delays are NOT. Airlines often falsely blame ATC.
Weather-Related Delays
Winter fog, summer storms, and snow can cause delays at CDG. The airport has excellent de-icing facilities but weather still causes issues.
Your rights: Severe weather affecting YOUR specific flight = extraordinary. Normal winter conditions or minor delays = you CAN claim.
Technical Problems
Aircraft maintenance issues, technical faults, and last-minute aircraft changes are common delay causes.
Your rights: Technical problems are almost NEVER extraordinary circumstances. You can claim compensation.
Previous Flight Delays (Knock-on Effect)
Your aircraft is delayed arriving at CDG from a previous flight, causing your departure to be late.
Your rights: This is an airline operational issue. You CAN claim compensation even if the airline blames "previous flight."
When You're NOT Eligible
- Delay under 3 hours: Even 2 hours 59 minutes = no compensation
- Extraordinary circumstances: Proven severe weather, security threats, etc.
- You missed check-in: Late arrival or didn't follow airline procedures
- Free tickets: Staff travel, frequent flyer awards, or promotional tickets may not be covered
How to Claim Your Compensation
Simple 3-Step Process:
- 1. Gather evidence: Booking confirmation, boarding pass, photos of departure board showing delay
- 2. Contact airline: Submit claim through their website or customer service (required first step)
- 3. Escalate if needed: If rejected or ignored, use French civil aviation authority (DGAC) or a claims service
Let ClaimWinger Handle It
We specialize in CDG delay claims. Our team deals with airlines daily and knows exactly how to maximize your compensation. No win, no fee.
Final Tips for CDG Delays
- Always keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation
- Take photos of departure boards showing delays
- Ask airline staff for written confirmation of delay reason
- Keep all receipts if you pay for food/hotel yourself
- Don't accept airline vouchers instead of cash compensation