EU Flight Compensation

EC Regulation 261/2001 is a European regulation designed to protect passengers travelling from or within the EU who haves experienced a delayed or cancelled flight, or who have been denied boarding because their flight has been overbooked. Under the provisions of the legislation, passengers can be eligible to receive up to £520 in compensation from the airline. It's also worth knowing that in some cases, this compensation can be paid up to three years after the flight disruption.

If you have flown from a European airport, you will be covered by EC Regulation 261/2001. If your flight was cancelled, delayed, or overbooked, you may be able to claim compensation. The easiest way to find out if you are eligible is to submit your flight details at AirHelp online. It's quick and free to do, and our comprehensive database will tell you whether or not your flight disruption is likely to make you eligible for compensation under the regulation. Up to 85% of passengers don't realise that this regulation is in place so it's well worth a look, especially as you could get up to €600 in compensation for the disruption that you experienced. Add your details now to get the ball rolling.

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.