Flight Delay Rights

Flight disruption can mean a late flight, a cancelled flight or a flight that you weren't allowed to board because it was overbooked. There may also be other circumstances under which you can claim compensation from an airline. Flight delay rights mean that you may be eligible for up to £520 per claim. These claims are detailed in specific pieces of legislation which define performance rights for airlines and the rights that customers have when they book a flight.

But how do you make a claim? The good news is that you don't have to take the airline to court or deal with complex paperwork yourself. Simply enter your flight details on the AirHelp website and we'll automatically let you know if you are likely to be eligible for compensation. Our vast database tracks delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights and the great news is that you have three years in which to successfully submit a claim. Interested in knowing more? Read on to find out how the experts at AirHelp have helped millions of customers across the world understand their rights and secure the compensation that they are owed from airlines for disrupted flight services.

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.