AirHelp vs. Flightright: which flight compensation company is best for US travelers?

Flight disruptions happen everywhere — but if you’re a US traveler flying internationally, dealing with cancellations, delays, or denied boarding can be even more stressful. Different countries follow different rules, and knowing what you’re entitled to (and how to claim it) is often confusing.

That’s why many passengers turn to companies that specialize in helping people get the compensation they’re owed.

Two of the most recognizable names are AirHelp (that’s us 👋) and Flightright.

This guide provides a clear, fair comparison — with one important note. We believe that we have the data, experience, and global coverage to justify why we’re the best option for American travelers.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) does not require airlines to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations the way European laws do. In the US, compensation is mostly limited to denied boarding due to overbooking.

But under European and UK regulations (like EU261/UK261), passengers on flights to or from Europe can be entitled to significant cash compensation of up to $650 per person — even if they live in the US.

That means if you’re an American flying:

• from the US to Europe on a European or UK airline

• from Europe to the US on any airline

• or within Europe on any carrier

…you may have rights you don’t even know about.

So having a service that understands global rules, not just European ones, makes a big difference. That’s where AirHelp and Flightright start to diverge.

While both companies help passengers claim compensation under EU/UK regulations, they operate differently and offer different levels of support. Here’s how they compare for US travelers.

AirHelp: Built for global passengers

AirHelp supports flights covered by EU261/UK261 as well as many international itineraries, including those starting, ending, or connecting in the United States. Our team and systems are designed for cross-border cases — the kind American travelers routinely experience.

We’ve also helped over 3 million passengers worldwide get compensation — a scale that gives American travelers confidence that we’ve seen just about every type of disruption and airline situation out there.

Our online reviews (225,000 and counting) reflect that global reach. With hundreds of thousands of reviews across multiple platforms, over 1 million followers on social media, including a strong presence on Trustpilot and other US-accessible review sites, AirHelp has built a reputation for reliability, transparency, and consistent results.

Flightright: Europe-focused

Flightright is reputable, but their service is designed almost exclusively for EU and UK cases. If your disrupted journey begins in the US or involves non-European carriers, they may not be able to assist.

By contrast, while U.S. air passenger rights are far more limited than those in Europe, AirHelp also educates U.S. travelers about the protections they do have, such as refund rules and tarmac-delay rights. And for travelers seeking extra peace of mind on purely domestic flights, AirHelp+ flight protection insurance provides additional flight protection that goes beyond what U.S. law requires — something Flightright doesn’t offer. AirHelp also assists passengers traveling to a broader set of global destinations, extending beyond the EU and UK to include countries such as Brazil, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

For US travelers taking long-haul or multi-leg flights, AirHelp simply offers broader coverage.

Here’s how fees compare, using the exact style shown in your screenshot:

Unlike some European services, AirHelp does not add VAT or hidden surcharges for American customers.

You only pay the percentage fee if we win your case — nothing upfront.

AirHelp’s fee is slightly higher than some Europe-only services because the support we provide is broader and built for global passengers. For many U.S. travelers, claiming compensation under EU261/UK261 often involves complex, multi-country cases, mixed airlines, and cross-border legal challenges. That’s where AirHelp invests heavily — and where our customers benefit most.

Global legal network built for cross-border cases

AirHelp works with legal teams in multiple jurisdictions, including those needed for flights that start or end in the United States. This gives American travelers access to enforcement options that Europe-focused services may not offer.

Higher acceptance of complex itineraries

Many U.S. travelers don’t fly simple point-to-point routes. Their journeys often involve multi-leg trips, non-EU carriers, codeshares, and long-haul disruptions. AirHelp is structured to take on more of these cases, which require more time and legal resources.

No hidden fees for U.S. passengers

Unlike some European companies, AirHelp’s fee already includes everything for U.S. customers — no administrative charges, no surprise add-ons. You only pay the agreed percentage if we win.

Technology and support designed for international consumers

From automated claim screening to real-time case tracking and 24/7 multilingual support, AirHelp provides a full digital experience that caters to travelers across the world, not just within Europe.

More than a claims service

With AirHelp+ flight disruption and luggage insurance, app features including free flight tracking, real-time notifications, compensation claiming, and ongoing traveler protection, AirHelp offers benefits beyond a single claim — something EU-only services don’t typically provide.

Summary

AirHelp handles a wider range of eligible cases, invests more in global legal coverage, and provides additional tools and protections for international travelers. For U.S. customers taking long-haul or multi-stop flights, that extra capability is often the reason they choose AirHelp even if the fee is slightly higher.

AirHelp: Large global presence, consistent standards

Because we help passengers from all over the world — including many from the US — our experience spans different legal systems, languages, and airline behaviors. Our processes are standardized, and our service is designed to be intuitive even if you’ve never submitted a claim before.

Flightright: Reliable, but with a smaller international footprint

Flightright has an excellent reputation in Europe but fewer US customers and less visibility outside EU/UK routes.

Modern travelers rely on digital solutions — especially when dealing with international trips, lost time and money, and time-zone differences.

AirHelp offers:

• A free mobile app

• Real-time flight eligibility checks

• Automatic case updates

• Global legal support

• AirHelp+ (optional) with disruption insurance and airport lounge access during delays

Flightright offers:

• A web-based claim submission process

• Legal support for EU/UK cases

• Both get the job done, but AirHelp offers a more modern and comprehensive suite of tools that makes claiming from the US more convenient.

Both companies average 8–14 weeks, depending on airline responsiveness and whether the case requires legal action.

However, because AirHelp handles:

• more global cases,

• more cross-border disputes, and

• more airline negotiations across regions,

…we’re experienced at accelerating cases that involve US-based passengers or complex itineraries.

If you’re flying from the United States, to the US, or on multi-leg international routes

AirHelp is almost always the better fit.

That’s not just our bias speaking — it’s because:

• We handle global coverage, not just EU/UK cases

• Our pricing is simpler for US customers

• Our tools are designed for international travelers

• We offer additional services, including AirHelp+ flight protection for disruptions and lost luggage

• Our legal network covers cases involving airlines all over the world

Plus, American travelers frequently encounter mixed carriers, code-share flights, and complex itineraries — exactly the cases AirHelp specializes in.

We’ll say it plainly: We believe AirHelp is the best choice for US travelers, because our service is designed for global passengers — not just Europeans.

Flightright is strong in the EU market, but its narrower focus limits its usefulness for Americans who fly globally. AirHelp’s broader coverage, clear pricing, worldwide legal network, and additional services give US passengers a more complete solution when a flight goes wrong.

Whether you were delayed, canceled, or denied boarding — if your trip involved Europe or a European carrier, you may be entitled to cash compensation.

Check your flight eligibility in minutes.

(That’s where we shine!)