How To Claim Flight Compensation

This section provides some details on how to claim flight compensation under EC 261/2004. Current EU flight legislation means you can get compensation for delayed, cancelled, and overbooked flights. To qualify, your claim must fulfil specific requirements and you will need to submit a claim form to the airline or ask a company to submit this for you. AirHelp assists passengers to make a claim by offering a free Eligibility Check (available as an online form) and submitting the claim forms and relevant documents on their behalf.

Since each airline company has its own forms and specific requirements, choosing a professional company to submit the claim has substantial benefits for our clients. Not only will it greatly increase your chance of submitting a successful claim but it means you can also avoid the stress and strain of the legal process.

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Procedures for claiming flight compensation

To make a flight delay claim, you will need to keep all the documentation which is relevant to the claim. This may include your ticket/boarding pass, and any other documentation which is applicable, including online reservations, if necessary. These will be attached to the individual airline's claim forms which must be filled in and submitted according to their specifications.

AirHelp consultants have years of experience in submitting flight delay and cancellation forms so they can appeal for you if your claim is rejected. Legal procedures for claims can be time-consuming and expensive and most people don't have the legal expertise to argue a claim successfully. Many claims are denied because of incorrect procedures being followed and a lack of appropriate paperwork. Using a professional company to help file your claim makes it much easier for you to get compensation for the inconvenience you experienced.

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.

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