Glossary

The words you will meet in the check, the letter and the airline's reply, in a line or two.

Extraordinary circumstances: An event the airline could not have avoided even with all reasonable measures, such as extreme weather or a closed airspace. If the airline proves it, cash compensation may not be due, but the duty of care (meals, hotel) remains.
Connecting flight: Two or more flights on the same booking. The delay is usually measured at the final destination, not on each flight separately.
Booking reference (PNR): A 6-character code of letters and numbers on your booking confirmation and boarding pass. The airline finds your booking with it, so add it to every request.
Operating airline: The airline that actually flew the plane. On codeshare flights it can differ from the airline that sold you the ticket, and it is usually the one you contact.
EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261): The EU rules on passenger rights for delays, cancellations and denied boarding. They cover flights departing the EU, and flights landing there on an EU airline.
Israeli Aviation Services Law: The Israeli passenger rights law (Aviation Services Law, 2012). It covers flights departing from or landing in Israel.
Arrival delay: The gap between the scheduled arrival time and when you actually reached the destination. Under EU261 it is usually measured when the aircraft doors open.
Denied boarding: When you are not allowed to board against your will, for example because of overbooking, although you arrived on time with valid documents.
Alternative flight (re-routing): Another flight the airline offers instead of a cancelled one. When it arrives can affect the compensation amount.
Right to care: What the airline must provide while you wait: meals and drinks, and a hotel and transfer if you need to stay overnight. It is separate from cash compensation. If you paid yourself, keep receipts.
Voucher: Credit for a future flight instead of money. Under EU261 compensation is paid in money, and in vouchers only if you agreed in writing.
Boarding pass: The document (printed or on your phone) with your name, flight number and seat. Keep it after the flight, as it proves you were on it.

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General information, not legal advice. Whether compensation is due depends on the facts and the applicable law.