Understanding Your Rights: Flight Compensation for Delays and Cancellations

Flight Delay Compensation

Get up to €600 compensation per passenger, no matter the ticket price.

Air travel isn’t always easy. Sometimes, flights are late. If your flight is delayed, you might be able to get up to €600 as compensation under a European law called EC 261. Keep reading to find out more about your rights as a passenger and how to get compensation for flight delays.

Check Compensation, if you had a delayed flight in the last 3 years?

Delayed flight claim — When are you eligible for flight delay compensation?

Under EC 261, you could be entitled to file a delayed flight claim for €600 cash flight compensation if…

  • You arrived at your destination more than 3 hours late
  • Your flight took off in the EU (many flights into the EU also qualify)
  • You checked in for your flight on time
  • It happened in the last 3 years
  • The delay wasn’t caused by extraordinary circumstances

What to do when your flight is delayed

If you’ve just found out your flight is delayed, don’t stress, follow our easy step-by-step guide on how to make the best out of the situation.

  • Hold onto your boarding pass and any other travel documents
  • Ask why the flight was delayed.
  • Gather proof of the delay (for example photos of the departure board or communications from the airline confirming the disruption.)
  • Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
  • Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
  • Don’t sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
  • If needed, get the airline to provide you with a hotel room.
  • Keep your receipts if your delayed flight ends up costing you extra money.

If the flight delay lasts over 5 hours, under EC 261 you can choose not to fly and instead get a full refund for your flight ticket from the airline.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation with AirHelp

We understand that many air passengers do not have the time, experience or inclination to fight with airlines in order to claim the compensation they’re owed.

AirHelp is able to submit claims on passengers’ behalf:

  • We’ll tell you quickly if we think you are eligible for compensation.
  • We’ll handle all communication with the airline.
  • There’s no risk, we only charge a fee when we’re successful in getting your compensation.

Documents You Need to Claim Flight Delay Compensation

Airlines have different procedures and required documents in order to make a claim. The best advice is to hold on to all documents if your flight is delayed.

One of the advantages of filing a claim with AirHelp, is we know exactly what each airline will require. We’ll help you to find the right documents when you kick off your claim.

If you’re going to file directly with an airline, you can expect some pushback. Even with EC 261 on your side, they might not be enthusiastic – or quick – about paying you. To give your claim the best chance of succeeding, make sure you gather together all the documentation you can.

How AirHelp Can Enforce Your Rights

  • AirHelp is the leading flight compensation company in the world, helping passengers understand their rights and get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, and in instances of denied boarding.
  • AirHelp is the best-rated flight compensation company in the world with a 9.5 score on Trustpilot.
  • We have already helped more than 16 million passengers to get up to €600 in compensation.
  • To avoid the burden of time and navigating the complex legal system.
  • Airlines may deny your initial claim or ignore your claim request entirely, our team tackle bureaucratic hurdles to get you the money you deserve.
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