Why AirHelp is the best flight compensation company for US travelers

If you’ve ever flown in the US, you know that delays, cancellations, and overbooked flights are frustratingly common — and airlines usually don’t have to pay you compensation. Unlike Europe, where passengers are entitled to cash compensation for many disruptions by law, US passenger rights don’t stretch very far.

But here’s the good news: American travelers aren’t limited to US rules. The moment your flight touches international skies — whether you’re jetting to Europe, Brazil, or beyond — you could be eligible for up to $650 compensation per passenger when your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked.

That’s money many US travelers don’t even realize they’re entitled to — and it can turn a ruined trip into something a little easier to swallow. The challenge? The claims process is complicated, slow, and full of red tape.

That’s where AirHelp comes in. While several delayed flight compensation companies exist, only AirHelp combines global reach, legal expertise, and advanced technology to hold airlines accountable on a large scale. That’s precisely why we’ve helped more than 3 million passengers around the world recover money they were owed — much more than any other flight compensation company.

Here’s why AirHelp is the best choice of flight compensation company for US travelers who fly internationally.

In much of the world, air passenger rights are taken seriously. The most important regulation for US travelers is EC 261/2004, also known as EU 261 (and its UK twin, UK 261).

These laws require airlines to compensate passengers if their disruption was the airline’s fault, but doesn’t cover disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather. Compensation applies to:

• Delays over 3 hours

• Last-minute cancellations

• Denied boarding due to overbooking

For flights covered by EC 261 or UK 261, payouts range from $270 to $650 per passenger. That can quickly add up for families or groups traveling together.

Europe isn’t the only region with strong passenger protection. Brazil’s ANAC 400 also promises compensation and care when flights are delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled, and it applies to both domestic and international flights departing from Brazil.

Airlines, of course, try their best to avoid paying. They rely on passengers not knowing their rights, or giving up after too much paperwork. That’s why working with a flight compensation company makes sense — and why AirHelp is your strongest ally.

Not all delayed flight compensation companies are the same. Here’s what US travelers should weigh up before choosing who to trust with their claim.

A closer look at the numbers reveals some key differences between the main flight compensation companies available to US travelers.

At AirHelp, we keep things simple. Our no win, no fee model means you only pay if we successfully secure your compensation. Our standard 35% fee covers everything — from submitting your claim and navigating the airline’s bureaucracy, to expert customer support. There are no surprises or hidden costs — just a clean, fair service from start to finish.

Compensation timelines often depend on how quickly airlines respond, but technology and experience make a big difference. AirHelp aims to deliver results within 8–14 weeks, supported by automated systems and AI-driven claim handling that keep cases moving smoothly.

With over 3 million successful claims and industry-leading data technology, AirHelp’s global scale ensures consistent, efficient results that set the standard in flight compensation.

Good communication can make a stressful process a lot easier. AirHelp keeps passengers informed from start to finish, with regular updates and accessible customer support.Plus, our global coverage means we can support passengers wherever they are.

Our “Excellent” Trustpilot rating — backed by more than 222,000 reviews — shows the level of trust travelers place in us. Competitors like Flightright (around 3,300 reviews) or AirAdvisor (1,700 reviews) also perform well, but none match AirHelp’s reach, reputation, or customer confidence.

Some companies focus solely on the EU or UK laws, which limits their ability to help travelers around the world. But US passengers often cross multiple regions — and that’s where AirHelp makes a real difference. We operate under the broadest range of passenger rights regulations worldwide.

• Global power, local support

  Most companies only handle claims under EU or UK law — but AirHelp goes further. We work under multiple air passenger rights regulations worldwide, including those in Europe, Brazil, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. So whether you’re flying from Miami to Madrid or Los Angeles to Lisbon, we can help.

• The biggest name in the business

  With more than 3 million passengers helped and over 12 years of experience, AirHelp is the world’s largest and most trusted flight compensation service. Our size gives us serious leverage — airlines know us, and that helps get results faster.

• Legal strength that gets results

  Our in-house legal experts take on airlines every day, and we’re ready to go to court when needed. As a founding member of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA), AirHelp plays an active role in shaping passenger rights policy across the aviation industry.

• Technology that works for you

  We combine AI-driven automation with a powerful global database of flight data, so checking your eligibility and managing your claim takes just minutes. Real-time updates and seamless online tools make the process fast, accurate, and stress-free.

• Passenger-first mission

  AirHelp was founded on a simple goal — to make sure air travelers are treated fairly. We’ve built a strong team that stands up for passengers when airlines don’t, and that mission drives everything we do.

• More than just compensation

  AirHelp goes beyond getting you paid. With AirHelp+, you get up to $600 per trip in fast insurance payouts for disruptions, missed connections, and lost luggage. Through our free Flight & Claim Tracker app, you get live updates, flight tracking, and compensation alerts.

  No other flight compensation company offers this level of innovation — designed to make your trip smoother before, during, and after every flight.

Many companies can file a claim. Only AirHelp gives you global reach, unmatched experience, legal muscle, and tech-driven efficiency — all backed by a team that actually stands up to airlines.

For US travelers who see the world as theirs to explore, AirHelp is more than a service — we’re your ultimate travel sidekick, protecting your rights, your time, and your money.

Check if your flight qualifies for compensation — it only takes 2 minutes, and you’ll never pay a cent unless we win for you.