Delayed? Use a Flight Delay Checker and Claim Compensation

Flight delays have become a common theme in recent times: whether due to a conflict abroad, growing climate instability or traffic control strikes; the trend is clear. There always seems to be uncertainty on your flight day (or sometimes even the day before flying), this can lead to stress and sometimes even missing flights completely. It’s not uncommon for an airline to communicate a flight delay, only to go back to the original time without warning. While airlines provide flight updates, dedicated flight tracking tools can offer additional real-time information, including live flight status, estimated arrival times and delay notifications..

If your flight has been delayed for more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261, this regulation was put into law to protect passengers’ rights. Using a flight delay checker will help you during this process.

Excessive flight delays shouldn't cost you. As the world's largest passenger rights expert, at AirHelp we handle your entire claim from start to finish. Check your eligibility risk-free today—if we don't win, you don't pay.

A flight delay checker app or website allows you to track flights in real time. These apps give information such as the plane’s location, flight status, expected arrival or departure time and even live maps for precise tracking.

Using our app, you can effortlessly track flights free in real time, receive alerts when you’re owed compensation, and add insurance. Here are some of our features for flight delays:

• Tracking flights in real time

• Get notifications for issues like gate changes and delayed departures or arrivals.

• Automatic compensation checks: receive notifications if your flight disruption may qualify for compensation under EC 261.

• Sync your calendar: connect your email or calendar to auto-import bookings, including past trips, which we then cross-reference for compensation eligibility.

Even if you're using a flight delay tracker, stay in close contact with your airline—delays can resolve faster than expected. To remain eligible for compensation, you must still check in and arrive at the gate on time. Use your tracker to keep track of your flight status and delay duration, which can be useful when reviewing your compensation eligibility..

Under EC 261/2004, flights departing from an EU airport (or arriving in the EU on a European carrier) qualify for compensation if delayed by more than three hours, provided extraordinary circumstances aren't involved. Your flight delay tracker can provide all the details required to submit a claim:

• Original departure time and date

• Origin and destination

• Total flight distance

• Length of the delay

Claiming compensation for flight delays doesn't have to be a headache. With years of experience behind us, AirHelp handles the legal heavy lifting to enforce your rights—so you don’t have to.

Once you submit your info, our travel law experts take care of the claims process and communicate with the airline on your behalf.. You only pay if we win your case. Checking your eligibility takes just a few minutes and comes with zero obligations. We’ll keep you updated as the process advances, requiring no more effort from your side.

By connecting your flight details to our app, we’ll reach out automatically if your flight may qualify for compensation. Requiring even less input from you, our flight delay checker will flag potential claims.

A delayed flight is stressful, and it's easy to panic and grab the first solution in sight. But staying calm and taking the right steps in the moment can save you serious time—and money—later. 

• Save everything: Hang onto all boarding passes, tickets, and travel documents.

• Ask why: Get airline staff to state the exact reason for the delay or cancellation.

• Claim basic care: Ask for meal/drink vouchers and accommodation if you're stuck overnight.

• Rebook or refund: Know your rights and ask about your options, including an alternative flight or a refund.

• Keep every receipt: Hold onto receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses caused by the delay.

• Protect your rights: Avoid accepting vouchers or signing waivers without checking the terms, as they may affect your ability to claim EC 261 compensation..

If you’ve misplaced your booking confirmation or boarding passes, not to worry, we’ll help you to recover them.

You can handle the claim yourself by tracking down the airline’s internal claim form or calling customer support. You'll need to gather all your travel documents, research EU laws to verify your eligibility, and submit the paperwork. If the airline ignores your request—or flat-out rejects it—you may have to escalate the issue to an aviation authority or hire a lawyer at your own expense.

The second way is via a third party expert like AirHelp, in a few simple steps you’ll have completed the process:

1. Check your claim: Instantly verify if your flight qualifies with our Eligibility Checker.

2. Submit details: Upload your basic flight documents in a few clicks.

3. Let us handle the rest: We deal directly with the airline—and fight for your rights in court if necessary.

At AirHelp, we believe air travel should be fair. As the world's largest passenger rights organisation, we take the hassle out of claiming compensation for flight disruptions.

AirHelp is a team of over 400 experts in air passenger rights, laws and regulations. Since 2013, we’ve helped millions of passengers all over the world because we believe everyone deserves the best and smoothest travels possible.

Get feedback in minutes: Use our free, zero-obligation claim checker to see if your disrupted flight qualifies. Whether you faced a cancellation, delay, or missed connection, add in your details and leave the rest to us.

We believe in complete transparency, which is why we only get paid if you do. Enjoy your peace of mind while our travel law experts uphold your rights and keep you updated throughout the process.

1. How does the flight delay checker work?

The tool cross-references your flight number and date against global aviation databases, weather records, and air traffic control logs. Using the AirHelp, we’ll help you determine whether your delay meets the legal criteria for compensation under EC 261.

2. Is the flight delay checker free to use?

Yes, using the flight delay checker is 100% free. It helps you track your flight and check if you may qualify for compensation, with no obligation to file a claim.

3. How far back can I check a delayed or canceled flight?

In most cases, you can check and claim compensation for flight disruptions within the last 3 years. 

4. What information do I need to check my flight status?

You only need your flight number and the date of travel. If you don't have your flight number handy, you can usually check by entering your departure and arrival airports instead.

5. What is the 3 hour delay rule?

Under EC 261, you may be entitled to compensation if you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.