Compensation Claim

Passengers can make a compensation claim after a delayed, canceled or overbooked flight and denied boarding. Although the EU have laws providing compensation for travellers in case of delayed, overbooked or canceled flights, it is well known that airlines have been known to resist making such payments as it digs into their revenues. But AirHelp is here to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

As set out in EU regulation EC 261, a delayed or canceled flight from Europe, or into Europe on a European-based airline, qualifies you for compensation unless you were given 14 days notice in advance, or the disruption was caused by circumstances outside the airline's control.

Filing a successful claim involves several steps. The first of these is making sure you keep all documents related to the flight. These, along with a copy of your passport, go a long way in supporting your claim. Secondly, contact the airline you flew in and explain your situation in as much detail as you can. File a claim supporting this, making sure you attach the aforementioned documents to your claim form. AirHelp can help you with this: just fill in our online eligibility check to see if you are due compensation. And you'll only have to pay for the service if your claim is successful.

AirHelp is the world's largest air passenger rights organization, here to help air travelers secure compensation for delayed, canceled, 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 canceled 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.
Canceled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled 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 Calculator.

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 canceled.

• Request food, drinks, and if necessary, free transport and hotel accommodation.

• If you had a canceled 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.