EU passenger rights for change in departure time announced on short notice

A European airline just announced that my intercontinental flight to Europe will depart 3.5 hours later than originally planned, leading to a different connecting flight with an arrival at final destination 8.5 hours later than originally planned. They announced that less than three days before departure.

The airline now asks me in an email whether I'm accepting this change or whether I want to travel at a different date (absolutely not possible for me).

What can I expect regarding my passenger rights? Do I forfeit my rights for compensation by sending my acceptance of these changes? Am I entitled to compensation at all?

Pictures about "EU passenger rights for change in departure time announced on short notice"

EU passenger rights for change in departure time announced on short notice - Man in airport waiting for boarding on plane

EU passenger rights for change in departure time announced on short notice - Worried young businesswoman with suitcase hurrying on flight on urban background

EU passenger rights for change in departure time announced on short notice - Positive young businesswoman with suitcase hurrying on flight on urban background

How do I file a EU 261 claim?

To file a EU261 claim, you must have a valid ticket and booking confirmation. Although revenue and award tickets qualify for compensation, free or reduced fares that are not available to the public are excluded from compensation.

How long does your flight have to be delayed before compensation?

For flights within the U.S., if you are delayed on the tarmac for more than 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation per the DOT guidelines.

What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?

The airline legally has to give you all of the following: a full refund for the flight. a full refund for other flights from the airline that you won't use in the same booking, eg an onward or return flight. if you're part-way through a journey, a flight back to the airport you originally departed from.

Can a flight leave before departure time?

Planes cannot leave until the precise departure time, correct? Planes can and do leave early, though such departures are rarely more than a few minutes before the official departure time stated on your ticket.

EU Air Passenger Rights

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Charlotte May, JESHOOTS.com, Gustavo Fring, Gustavo Fring