I love getting emails about the EU 261 from readers like Andrew Rapp, who never misses my weekly column, The Travel Troubleshooter.

Fixing your own flight is easier thanks to our new EU 261 FAQ

In Europe, a regulation called EU 261 protects passengers like Andrew Rapp. And although a United Airlines representative at the check-in counter said that he “might be eligible” for compensation based on the length of the delay, no promises were made. Rapp’s story is a reminder that a little self-advocacy can take you a long way, especially if you know what to ask for. (We can help with that.)