How to Get Flight Compensation: Complete Guide to Claiming Up to ā¬600
Your flight was delayed or cancelled? You might be entitled to up to ā¬600 in compensation. Learn exactly how to claim what you're owed under EU261 regulationsāno upfront costs required.
Did you know that millions of air passengers are entitled to flight compensation every year but never claim it? If your flight was delayed by 3+ hours, cancelled, or you were denied boarding in the last 6 years, you could be owed up to ā¬600 per passenger. Here's everything you need to know.
What is EU261 Flight Compensation?
EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly known as EU261) is a European Union law that protects air passenger rights. It entitles you to financial compensation when your flight experiences significant delays, cancellations, or overbookingāregardless of which airline you flew with or where you're from.
š” Quick Fact
Over 87% of eligible passengers never claim their compensation simply because they don't know they're entitled to it. The airlines aren't going to tell youābut we will.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount you can claim depends on your flight distance and delay duration:
- ā¬250 Flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., London to Paris, Berlin to Rome)
- ā¬400 Flights between 1,500-3,500 km (e.g., London to Athens, Madrid to Cairo)
- ā¬600 Flights over 3,500 km (e.g., London to New York, Paris to Dubai)
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
āļø Flight Delays
You're entitled to compensation if your flight arrived at the final destination 3 hours or more late. The delay is calculated from the time the aircraft doors open at your final destination, not when you land.
ā Flight Cancellations
You can claim compensation if:
- You were informed less than 14 days before departure
- The airline didn't offer you an alternative flight within specific time windows
- The cancellation wasn't due to "extraordinary circumstances"
š« Denied Boarding (Overbooking)
If you were denied boarding due to overbooking and reached your destination 2+ hours late, you're entitled to full compensation plus the cost of your ticket if you didn't accept rebooking.
Exceptions: When You CAN'T Claim
Airlines will try to avoid paying by claiming "extraordinary circumstances." However, this excuse only applies to genuinely unforeseeable events:
ā Valid Exceptions (You Can't Claim)
- ā¢ Severe weather (hurricanes, heavy snow)
- ā¢ Air traffic control strikes
- ā¢ Political instability or security threats
- ā¢ Natural disasters
ā Invalid Excuses (You CAN Claim)
- ā¢ Technical problems with the aircraft
- ā¢ Crew shortages or sickness
- ā¢ Airline operational decisions
- ā¢ Airline staff strikes
How to Claim Your Compensation: Step-by-Step
Option 1: Claim Directly from the Airline (DIY)
- Gather your documentation: Boarding pass, booking confirmation, delay certificates
- Contact the airline: Submit a compensation claim via their website or customer service
- Wait (and wait): Airlines typically take 6-8 weeks to respondāand 65% initially reject claims
- Appeal if rejected: Prepare to escalate to your national aviation authority
- Legal action: If all else fails, you may need to take the airline to small claims court
ā ļø Reality Check
The DIY route sounds simple, but in reality, airlines reject 65% of initial claims and drag out the process for months. Many passengers give up due to the hassle and paperwork.
Option 2: Use a Flight Compensation Service (Recommended)
Flight compensation specialists like AirHelp handle everything for youāfrom filing the claim to legal proceedings if necessary. Here's why this is the smarter option:
Why Use AirHelp?
- ā No upfront costs: You only pay if they win your case (typically 25-35% commission)
- ā 98% success rate: They know exactly how to navigate airline rejections
- ā Legal protection: They take airlines to court if neededāat no extra cost to you
- ā Claims up to 6 years back: Check all your old flights in 2 minutes
- ā Fast payout: Average claim resolution in 8-12 weeks
It takes 2 minutes and you'll know instantly if you're owed money. No payment required to check.
Real Example: How One Passenger Claimed ā¬1,800
Sarah's Story: Sarah and her family of three (2 adults, 1 child) flew from London to Cancun via Frankfurt. Their connecting flight was delayed by 5 hours due to "technical issues," causing them to miss their beach resort check-in and lose their first day of vacation.
What she did: Sarah filed a claim through AirHelp within 2 weeks of returning home.
The result: The airline initially rejected the claim, citing "extraordinary circumstances." AirHelp escalated the case with evidence proving the technical fault was foreseeable. After 10 weeks, Sarah received ā¬1,800 (ā¬600 x 3 passengers) minus AirHelp's 25% commission = ā¬1,350 net payout.
"I had no idea we were entitled to anything. The ā¬1,350 we received basically paid for our next vacation!" - Sarah, UK
Common Questions About Flight Compensation
Can I claim if I booked through a third party?
Yes! It doesn't matter whether you booked directly with the airline, through Expedia, Booking.com, or any other platform. Your rights remain the same.
What if I accepted a voucher instead of a refund?
You can still claim compensation even if you accepted a voucher, meal vouchers, or hotel accommodation. These are care obligations separate from your compensation entitlement.
How far back can I claim?
It depends on your country, but generally:
- UK: 6 years
- Most EU countries: 3-5 years
- USA (TACA): Different rules apply, typically shorter timeframes
Do I need travel insurance to claim?
No! EU261 compensation is completely separate from travel insurance. You can claim both if eligible.
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Every year, airlines keep over ā¬5 billion in compensation that legally belongs to passengers. Don't let your share go unclaimed.
Whether you choose to claim directly or use a service like AirHelp, the important thing is to take action within the deadline. The process is straightforward, and in most cases, you'll receive the money you're owed within 8-12 weeks.
Ready to Claim Your Compensation?
Check your last 6 years of flights in under 2 minutesācompletely free, no credit card required.
Check Eligibility with AirHelp Now āJoin 18+ million passengers who've successfully claimed with AirHelp
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to AirHelp. If you use our link to file a claim, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we genuinely believe provide value to travelers.