Flight Compensation Rules

The first step to getting compensated for flight delays or cancellations is knowing the flight compensation rules that apply to your case. When your flight is delayed or cancelled, it is important to keep your boarding pass and other travel documents. Hold onto the receipts for any extra expenses that you incur as a result of the delay. Request information about the delay and collect evidence to prove that you were inconvenienced. Record the time you arrived at your destination and avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your rights to compensation.

Once you have all your documentation intact, check your eligibility for flight compensation. AirHelp provides an easy and straightforward way to check whether you are eligible for flight compensation. You can check your eligibility on the website or the app and even get a figure for your potential compensation.

< p>Once you know you are eligible, it is time to file a claim. However, flight compensation cases can be difficult. Thankfully, AirHelp simplifies the process and makes filing claims for disrupted flights a smooth experience. With AirHelp, you don't have to or go through the legal rigours of trying to claim compensation for flight disruptions alone. AirHelp handles all the legal and administrative processes for you, making flight compensation claims quick and stress-free.

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.