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EU Compensation

Did you know that each year thousands of people are entitled to compensation that they do not claim? EC 261 is legislation that covers many, if not all, of the most frustrating moments you've had at an airport. It makes it the airline's problem when things go badly wrong. In short, you are entitled to EU compensation in the event of a flight cancellation, delay or if you're denied boarding - unless any of these occurred due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control. So, if you look out your terminal window and can't find your plane because it's obscured by a snow blizzard, you might be out of luck. For almost everything else, it makes sense to know your rights!

Let's explore some key points regarding EU compensation:

  • EC 261 compensation rights: Discover your entitlement to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding under EC 261, covering frustrating airport situations.

  • EU compensation benefits: Learn about financial compensation up to £520, along with free meals, communication, and hotel stays for qualifying delays, cancellations, or boarding denials.

  • AirHelp assistance: The world's largest air passenger rights organization, ensures a stress-free claiming process, offering expertise for those unsure of their rights.

  • EU flight regulations: Understand EU flight regulations and compensation coverage for flights departing from or landing in the EU with a European airline, based on distance.

  • Claiming process guidelines: Get a clear breakdown of when to claim compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, with easy compensation checks using our tool.

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Find out what you're entitled to when things go wrong on your EU flight

So, how do you know if your flight falls under the EU compensation act EC 261? Most routes within Europe are covered, even those not officially travelling within EU airspace. Many international flights are also covered if they are due to land in the EU and are operated by an EU-based carrier. If you are confused, insist that the airline inform you of your rights. They may not go out of their way to highlight the fact, but EC 261 includes an obligation for airlines to make passengers aware of any compensation they may be entitled to.

And what are those compensations? For delays, cancellations and denials of boarding, passengers are entitled to financial compensation of up to £520 as well as access to free meals, communication and hotel stays when required. Get lucky with your alternate flight and you may even find yourself sipping on champagne with an upgrade at no extra charge!

AirHelp is here to help you get compensation for flight delays and cancellations. Find out what you could be entitled to.

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About AirHelp

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.


Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

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:

Claim up to £520 in compensation if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or overbooked within the last 3 years.

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How Much Flight Compensation?

DistanceCompensation
All flights under 1,500 kmUp to £220 per person
Internal EU flights over 1,500 kmUp to £350 per person
Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 - 3,500 kmUp to £350 per person
Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 kmUp to £520 per person

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.


What to Do if Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled

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.

Have AirHelp claim your compensation

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Recent delays and cancellations

Airline (e.g. Lufthansa)

Departure airport (e.g. Frankfurt or FRA)

Date

Flight number

Airline

Route

Status

13/07/2025

06:00

KL1702

KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines

Brussels (BRU)

Amsterdam (AMS)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:35

AA5685

American Airlines

Middletown (MDT)

Philadelphia (PHL)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:30

S6817

Sunrise Airways

Saint Vincent (SVD)

St. George's (GND)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:30

AV9309

Avianca

Medellin (MDE)

Bogota (BOG)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:26

9K8641

Cape Air

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Christiansted (STX)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:25

8P1307

Pacific Coastal Airlines Limited

Vancouver (YVR)

Penticton (YYF)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:25

S6827

Sunrise Airways

Dominica (DOM)

Antigua (ANU)

CancelledCheck Compensation

12/07/2025

22:25

LA2014

Latam Airlines Group

Pucallpa (PCL)

Lima (LIM)

CancelledCheck Compensation
Your flight isn't here? Use our full compensation check and we'll look into it. Check your flight
  • KL1702

    KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines

    Cancelled

    Brussels

    Amsterdam

    BRU

    AMS

    13/07/2025

    06:00

    Check Compensation
  • AA5685

    American Airlines

    Cancelled

    Middletown

    Philadelphia

    MDT

    PHL

    12/07/2025

    22:35

    Check Compensation
  • S6817

    Sunrise Airways

    Cancelled

    Saint Vincent

    St. George's

    SVD

    GND

    12/07/2025

    22:30

    Check Compensation
  • AV9309

    Avianca

    Cancelled

    Medellin

    Bogota

    MDE

    BOG

    12/07/2025

    22:30

    Check Compensation
  • 9K8641

    Cape Air

    Cancelled

    Charlotte Amalie

    Christiansted

    STT

    STX

    12/07/2025

    22:26

    Check Compensation
  • 8P1307

    Pacific Coastal Airlines Limited

    Cancelled

    Vancouver

    Penticton

    YVR

    YYF

    12/07/2025

    22:25

    Check Compensation
  • S6827

    Sunrise Airways

    Cancelled

    Dominica

    Antigua

    DOM

    ANU

    12/07/2025

    22:25

    Check Compensation
  • LA2014

    Latam Airlines Group

    Cancelled

    Pucallpa

    Lima

    PCL

    LIM

    12/07/2025

    22:25

    Check Compensation
Your flight isn't here? Use our full compensation check and we'll look into it. Check your flight

More airlines we can help you get compensation:

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AirHelp is a part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) whose mission is to promote and protect passengers’ rights.

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