Complete guide to claiming flight delay compensation. EU261 regulations, US DOT rules, how to file claims, what you're entitled to, and using claim services.
Delayed or cancelled flights are frustrating, but they can also mean you're owed significant compensation — up to €600 per passenger for European flights. Many travelers don't know their rights or don't claim. This guide covers what you're entitled to and exactly how to claim it.
EU Regulation 261/2004 is the world's strongest passenger protection law. It applies to all flights departing from EU airports (any airline) and all flights arriving in the EU on EU-registered airlines. Compensation for delays over 3 hours: €250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for flights 1,500-3,500 km, €600 for flights over 3,500 km. Airlines must also provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation for long delays. The airline must prove 'extraordinary circumstances' (severe weather, strikes, security) to avoid paying — mechanical issues and crew shortages are not exempt.
US rules are less generous than EU261 but improving. The DOT requires airlines to provide refunds (not just vouchers) for cancelled flights, including non-refundable tickets. For significant delays, airlines must offer rebooking and, as of recent rule changes, automatic cash refunds. There's no statutory compensation for delays like EU261, but airlines' own policies (Contracts of Carriage) may provide meal vouchers and hotel accommodation for overnight delays caused by the airline.
For EU261 claims: start by contacting the airline directly through their website claim form. Include your booking reference, flight details, delay/cancellation evidence, and the amount you're claiming. Airlines have 6-8 weeks to respond. If they reject or ignore your claim, escalate to the national enforcement body (CAA in the UK, BEA in France, etc.) or use a claim service. Keep all documentation: boarding passes, delay notifications, receipts for expenses.
If the airline rejects your claim or doesn't respond, claim services like AirHelp, Flightright, and ClaimCompass will pursue the claim on your behalf. They work on a no-win-no-fee basis, typically taking 25-35% of the compensation if successful. The advantage: they handle all the legal work and are experienced at overcoming airline pushback. The downside: you keep only 65-75% of the compensation. For straightforward claims, try direct first.
Document everything: take photos of departure boards showing delays, save all airline communications, keep boarding passes and booking confirmations. Note the exact arrival time (wheels down, not gate arrival). Ask airline staff at the airport for a written confirmation of the delay reason. File your claim within 30 days while details are fresh. Claims can be filed up to 3-6 years after the flight (depending on jurisdiction).
Search and compare flight prices from 100+ airlines:
Compare fares across booking platforms:
Start with your next upcoming trip. Pick the strategy above that fits your situation best, search fares using the tools mentioned, and compare the results to what you would have booked without this guide. The gap is usually eye-opening.
The biggest mistake travelers make is booking the first fare they see without comparison shopping. The second most common error is ignoring total cost: a budget airline fare that looks cheap can exceed a full-service carrier once you add baggage, seat selection, and meal fees. Third, many travelers book too late, missing the optimal booking window for their route and ending up paying peak prices.
Another frequent mistake is assuming that expensive equals better. On many routes, the cheapest flight operates the same aircraft type, same terminal, and similar schedule as pricier alternatives. Unless you specifically value a particular airline loyalty program, premium lounge access, or superior service reputation, there is often no practical reason to pay more for an equivalent journey.
Your compensation rights depend on which regulations apply to your flight. EU261 covers EU-departing flights with payouts up to €600, while US rules are weaker — knowing which regime covers your trip helps you decide how to pursue a claim.
Document everything: screenshots of delay notifications, boarding pass, and any expenses incurred. Airlines settle claims faster when presented with organized evidence, and if they refuse, small claims court or a compensation service can pursue it on your behalf.
Pick one tip from this guide and try it on your next flight search. Use the widget above to check fares, and see how the strategies here translate into actual savings on your route.
Under EU261: €250 (short-haul delay 3h+), €400 (medium-haul delay 3h+), or €600 (long-haul delay 4h+). In the US, there's no statutory delay compensation, but airlines must offer refunds for cancellations. UK rules mirror EU261 post-Brexit.
No. Most claims can be filed directly with the airline through their website. If rejected, services like AirHelp handle it on a no-win-no-fee basis (25-35% commission). A lawyer is only needed if you want to go to small claims court yourself.