International Flight Delay Compensation

If you've ever experienced a delayed, cancelled, or otherwise disrupted flight service, then you'll know how stressful and expensive it can be to make alternative plans, especially if you are travelling with a family, for work, or for a much-needed holiday! But the law is on the side of passengers when it comes to bad airline services and affected passengers may be owed international flight delay compensation worth up to £520 per incident.

In Europe, operating standards for airlines and passenger rights are primarily governed by EU-261/2004, a regulation which says that flight disruption must be compensated. So if your flight was delayed or cancelled, or if you were prevented from boarding because the airline overbooked the flight, then you have three years - and sometimes longer - to claim up to £520.

85% of passengers don't realise that the law is on their side, but AirHelp exists to explain your rights and help you to claim. In fact, we have helped millions of passengers across the world to access international flight delay compensation from airlines that have failed to uphold mandated service standards. And we make it easy - just add your flight details to our online database for an instant search. If you have a claim, just complete the online form in a few clicks and we will take it forward for you - fast, efficiently and without charge.

Don't be like the 55% of airline passengers who discover that they have a claim, but who don't take it forward because the process seems confusing. We take away the hassle to get you the compensation you are owed. Read on to find out more.

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.