The laws are different for different countries. But if you’re flying from or to a European airport you’re usually protected by some of the strongest air passenger rights anywhere in the world. A regulation known as EC 261 says that airlines must compensate their passengers if they disrupt their journey.

So if your flight is canceled at short notice, delayed by 3 hours or more, or you’re denied boarding through no fault of your own, you could receive up to $700 in compensation.

The USA has clear laws about overbooking passengers on flights. If you’re denied boarding due to your flight being overbooked, you could be owed up to $1,350 in compensation.

Passengers in the US also benefit from clear regulations on tarmac delay and luggage issues, but in many other respects, US air passenger rights are unfortunately lacking.