Flight delays - claiming compensation?

panther

I've just read Martin's "Flight Delays - claim compensation" article and wondered if there is a time limit in which to submit a claim?
3 of us booked a holiday to Australia and flew out on 11 Dec 07. It included a BMI flight from Manchester to Heathrow and then boarding a Cathay Pacific at 6:05pm to stop over in Hong Kong and then to Perth.

The Heathrow to HK flight was delayed due to technical difficulties with the aircraft. I can't remember the exact delay time but would say it was over 6 hours. All we got was a voucher to cover a meal at Heathrow airport. According to Martin's article, under EU regulation flights over 3500km and delayed more than 4 hours the passenger gets 600 Euros compensation. Just wanted to know if we are still within the time limit to claim? For 3 of us this would be a total of around £1400 so well worth pursuing if that's the case.

dzug

You are not entitled to compensation. You've either misread Martin's article or it's wrong.

Compensation under the EU regs is only payable if the delay is due to overbooking or cancellation. Even then 'technical difficulties with the aircraft' can be used as a get out clause by the airline - sometimes legitimately, sometimes not.

panther

Yes you're right. Just re-read it again. Jeez I just opened a beer to celebrate as well