My American flight is delayed 5 hours – compensation?

In the United States, airlines are not automatically required to pay cash compensation for delays. However, in certain international routes, especially those covered by European or UK regulations, you may have stronger passenger rights.

This in-depth guide explains your legal rights, how compensation works, when American Airlines must assist you, and how to file a claim successfully.

Understanding Delay Compensation: The Legal Framework

1. U.S. Domestic Flights (Departing the United States)

In the U.S., airline passenger rights are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

According to DOT guidelines:

• Airlines are not required by federal law to provide monetary compensation for flight delays.

• Compensation is typically only required for involuntary denied boarding (oversales).

• Airlines must follow their contract of carriage, which outlines policies for delays.

If your American Airlines flight is delayed 5 hours within the U.S.:

You may receive:

• Meal vouchers (in some cases)

• Hotel accommodations (for overnight delays caused by the airline)

• Rebooking at no extra charge

But cash compensation is not guaranteed under U.S. law.

2. Flights Covered by European or UK Law (EC 261 / UK 261)

If your flight:

• Departs from the European Union

• Departs from the United Kingdom

• Is operated by an EU/UK carrier arriving into those regions

You may be protected under:

• European Commission passenger rights regulation (EC 261/2004)

• Civil Aviation Authority (UK 261 equivalent)

Under EC 261, if your flight arrives 3+ hours late, you may be entitled to:

This applies unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances (weather, air traffic control strikes, political instability).

If American Airlines operates a flight departing from Paris to New York and it arrives 5 hours late due to mechanical issues, you may qualify for up to €600.

3. Flights from Canada

Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations may apply if departing from Canada, regardless of airline nationality.

The Canadian Transportation Agency outlines compensation rules:

• Delays over 3 hours due to airline control: CAD $400–$1,000 depending on delay length.

• Meals and accommodations must be provided.

What Causes the Delay? It Matters

Compensation eligibility depends heavily on the reason for delay.

Within Airline Control (Compensation More Likely)

• Mechanical issues

• Crew scheduling problems

• Maintenance delays

• Aircraft swaps

Outside Airline Control (Compensation Unlikely)

• Severe weather

• Air traffic control restrictions

• Security incidents

• Airport operational issues

Under EC 261, airlines must prove extraordinary circumstances to deny compensation.

What American Airlines Typically Offers for a 5-Hour Delay

According to publicly available information from American Airlines’ contract of carriage:

For significant delays, American may:

• Rebook you on the next available flight

• Provide meal vouchers (depending on airport availability)

• Offer hotel accommodation for overnight delays

• Provide refund if you cancel

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on guaranteed fixed compensation amounts for domestic U.S. delays.

Step-by-Step: What to Do During a 5-Hour Delay

Step 1: Confirm the Reason

Ask a gate agent:

• Is the delay within airline control?

• Is this due to mechanical issues or weather?

Document their response.

Step 2: Request Assistance Immediately

Politely request:

• Meal vouchers

• Lounge access (if applicable)

• Hotel accommodation (if overnight)

Step 3: Keep All Documentation

Save:

• Boarding pass

• Delay notifications

• Receipts for food, transport, hotels

Step 4: Check If International Law Applies

If departing from EU/UK/Canada:

• Calculate arrival delay (actual arrival time, not departure delay)

• Compare with compensation thresholds

Step 5: File a Formal Complaint

You can file directly through American Airlines’ website or escalate to:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (for U.S. flights)

• Civil Aviation Authority (for UK claims)

• European Commission (for EU-based claims)

Refund vs. Compensation: Important Distinction

Many passengers confuse these two.

Refund

If your flight is significantly delayed and you choose not to travel:

You are entitled to:

• Full refund of unused ticket

• Refund of optional fees (bags, seat selection)

This right is enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Compensation

Compensation refers to additional money beyond refund.

• Not required for U.S. domestic delays.

• Required under EC 261 if criteria met.

Real-World Example

Example 1: Dallas to Miami (Domestic U.S.)

• 5-hour delay due to crew scheduling

• No overnight stay required

Outcome:

• Rebooking

• Possible meal voucher

• No automatic cash compensation

Example 2: London to New York (Departure from UK)

• 5-hour arrival delay

• Caused by mechanical issue

Outcome:

• Eligible for up to £520 under UK 261

Comparison Table: Your Rights by Region

Health & Well-Being During Long Delays

Long delays increase stress and fatigue. Research published in public health databases like PubMed highlights travel stress impacts on:

• Blood pressure

• Sleep disruption

• Anxiety

The World Health Organization emphasizes hydration, movement, and rest during extended travel disruptions.

Practical tips:

• Walk every 1–2 hours

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid excessive caffeine

• Use airport quiet zones when available

How to Write a Strong Compensation Claim

Key Elements:

1. Flight number and date

2. Booking reference

3. Actual arrival time

4. Clear mention of applicable regulation (EC 261 if relevant)

5. Supporting documents attached

Example wording:

I am requesting compensation under EC 261/2004 due to a 5-hour arrival delay on Flight AA___ from ___ to ___ on [date]. The delay was confirmed as mechanical.

When to Escalate

Escalate if:

• No response within 30 days

• Claim denied without explanation

• Airline cites vague “operational reasons”

Escalation options:

• U.S. Department of Transportation complaint form

• Alternative dispute resolution (UK)

• National enforcement body in EU country of departure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I automatically get money for a 5-hour delay in the U.S.?

No. U.S. law does not require airlines to provide cash compensation for delays.

2. Does arrival time or departure time matter?

Under EC 261, arrival delay determines eligibility.

3. What counts as “arrival time”?

When at least one aircraft door opens at the gate.

4. What if weather caused the delay?

Weather is considered extraordinary circumstances. Compensation is usually not required.

5. Can I get both a refund and compensation?

Yes, if you qualify under EC 261 and choose not to travel.

6. How long do I have to file?

Depends on country. In the UK, generally up to 6 years.

7. What if I missed a connection?

If booked on one ticket, airline must rebook you.

8. Are meal vouchers guaranteed?

No. They depend on airline policy and location.

9. Can I claim for emotional distress?

U.S. law generally does not provide compensation for inconvenience alone.

10. Should I use a claim company?

You may, but they take 20–40% commission.

Key Takeaways

• A 5-hour delay on American Airlines does not automatically mean cash compensation.

• U.S. domestic flights rarely provide monetary payouts.

• EU/UK departures may qualify for €250–€600.

• Canada has structured compensation rules.

• Documentation is critical.

• Refund rights are separate from compensation rights.

Final Thoughts

If your American flight is delayed 5 hours, your compensation depends on jurisdiction, cause, and arrival delay length. U.S. rules are limited, but international regulations may significantly strengthen your claim.

Start by confirming the reason for delay, request assistance immediately, document everything, and escalate if necessary.

Air travel disruptions are frustrating—but knowing your rights transforms uncertainty into leverage