Airline Delay Compensation

The good news is that you also have three years, and sometimes even longer, to submit a claim for airline delay compensation. Other similar laws protect you for flights taken (or cancelled!) in other parts of the world. AirHelp exists to help millions of passengers every year to understand their rights when it comes to flights. Not only do we provide comprehensive advice, but we also submit claims on our customer's behalf. You don't need to worry about completing tricky paperwork or trying to understand complex laws. We make it easy and quick.

To get started, simply add your details to our database and our records will show whether your flight was disrupted and eligible for a compensation payment. Don't be like the 55% of passengers who know that they are eligible to make a claim, but choose not to do so because they are put off by the complexity of the process. Simply add a few details into our website and our database will do the hard work for you. It is quick, easy and costs nothing to do - and you could be eligible for a compensation payment of up to £520. Don't let your passenger rights go unclaimed - read on to find out more.

AirHelp is the world's largest air passenger rights organisation, here to help air travellers secure compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights .

We make claiming compensation easy and stress-free. Whether you are unsure of your rights, lack the time, or simply want an expert to handle your entire claim for you, AirHelp can help you get what you are rightfully owed.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can check your compensation risk-free.

How do you know when you should claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight? Though the law can be complicated, we're here to break it down for you:

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late.
Cancelled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.
Overbookings: you are owed compensation any time you are denied boarding through no fault of your own — so long as you didn't voluntarily give up your seat.

We should note that if extraordinary circumstances were involved, arirlines are under no obligation to pay compensation. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include bad weather, travel restrictions, and air traffic control strikes. Though these situations cause delays and cancellations, the airline isn't at fault, so can't be expected to offer compensation.

Remember these are European flight regulations and so only apply to flights departing from an EU airport, or flights landing in the EU with a European airline. The table below makes it clear which flights are covered:

Table shows values in € as specified in EC 261

In some circumstances the compensation amount may differ from the standard amounts shown above. The easiest way to find out what you’re owed is to use our Compensation Check.

If you experience a flight delay or cancellation, here's what you should do:

• Hold onto your boarding pass and other travel documents.
• Ask why the flight was delayed or cancelled.
• Request food, drinks, and if necessary, free transport and hotel accommodation.
• If you had a cancelled flight, ask for an alternative flight or a refund.
• Keep all receipts of any extra expenses you may have had, including necessary food, clothing, etc.
• Be careful not to sign any waivers or accept vouchers that will require you to waive your right to compensation.