Delta flight diverted to Portugal with smoke in the cabin — what are passengers actually owed?
A Boston-bound Delta flight made an emergency landing in Portugal this week after smoke was reported in the cabin. I fly this route and it got me thinking: when a flight diverts mid-route like that, what does the airline actually owe you — rebooking, hotel, meals? Does EU261 apply when a US carrier diverts into an EU airport, or is that only for flights departing the EU? Asking before I ever need it.
1 answer
- Get everything in writing and save every receipt.
Does not matter what rule applies on paper. What matters: do not leave the airport without a rebooking confirmation in writing, and keep receipts for every meal, hotel, and taxi. Take screenshots of the delay notices. Then file a claim with the airline and, if they stonewall, a DOT complaint. Paper trail beats knowledge of EU261 every single time. Without receipts you are begging.