Urbane

Recently, my flight from Geneva, CH to Newark, NJ was delayed for about 24 hours. With nothing to do on the tarmac for a couple hours, I researched what United would be likely to pay in compensation. I stumbled upon EU 261. This regulation entitles passengers delayed more than 4 hours on a flight departing from the EU to outside of the EU €600 in compensation. While website information is limited, United does have an article on their website here. To make this claim, you simply go to http://www.united.com/customercare and provide your flight information and a request to elect compensation under EU 261. United will mail you a check in the coming weeks.

Further, while disappointed in the flight delay, United customer service was extremely supportive. Initially, at the Geneva airport they provided us vouchers that were un-usable (e.g., we couldn’t get back through security for lunch and 20 CHF was not enough to cover an entree at the hotel for dinner). Luckily, the customer service reimbursed the entire bill, including multiple cocktails, steaks, and dessert. I was pleasantly surprised they were willing to cover the entire bill, and my opinion of United remains positive. So, keep all your receipts. Note, receipts are not necessary for the compensation, that is required by law.