BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – Passengers from Europe have the right to claim compensation if their flight is delayed or brought ahead by more than one hour. This was confirmed Tuesday by the European Union’s highest court.

EU regulations allow passengers to claim compensation if their flight is cancelled more than 14 days prior to departure, arrives less than 3 hours late, or denied entry due overbooking.

The cost of compensation varies from 250 euros to 600 euros (282.38 to $677.70). A 50% discount is possible if an airline offers to change the route so the passenger arrives a few hours early.

Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that an aircraft should be cancelled if it is delayed for more than 1 hour.

Judges held that passengers might experience similar inconvenience as those who are delayed, had to modify their plans, or could miss their flight.

Compensation should be equal to that for cancellations or delays, and no reduction of 50% allowed if the company offers to re-route passengers so they reach their final destination without any delay.

If they are able to do this in sufficient advance, airlines can offer to reroute passengers.

Also, the court found that a passenger is able to confirm their reservation if they are carrying a ticket, but also if their tour operator has offered assurances regarding transport for specific flights.

CJEU was notified by Austrian courts about the CJEU’s case concerning flights operated in Austria by Corendon Airlines and Lufthansa affiliates Austrian Airlines and Eurowings.

($1 = 0.8853 euros)