Unexpected delays are a normal part of the travel experience. Thankfully, the European Union cares about you when this happens. The EU Air Passenger Rights are a series of regulations that apply to passengers flying within European Union countries, to passengers on flights arriving in a member country from non-E.U. countries on flights operated by E.U.-based airlines and to passengers leaving the EU on any airline. If you experience delays of two hours or more, you are eligible for assistance from the airline. Benefits range from free meals to monetary compensation. The type and amount (ranging from €250–500) are determined by the length of the delay and the distance of the trip. Compensation is provided when flights are delayed for reasons such as technical difficulties or aircraft maintenance issues, but not when the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as political instability, severe weather conditions, or security risks. For help determining if you may be owed compensation, contact your airline or the European Consumer Centres Network. When traveling in other parts of the world including the United States, check with your airline for their most current compensation rules. They do vary.