Travel Rights & Flight Compensation
Did your flight get delayed or cancelled? You could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation. Learn about your passenger rights under EU261 and other regulations, and discover how to claim the money you deserve.
Compensation Guides & Tools
Flight Delay Compensation
Learn how to claim up to €600 when your flight is delayed by 3+ hours.
Flight Cancellation Rights
Your rights when airlines cancel your flight and how to get compensated.
EU261 Explained
Complete guide to EU passenger rights regulation EC 261/2004.
Missed Connections
Compensation for missed connecting flights due to airline delays.
Baggage Delay & Loss
Claim compensation when your luggage is delayed, damaged, or lost.
AirHelp Claims Service
Let experts handle your claim. 35% fee only if successful.
Compensair Claims Service
Budget-friendly option with lower fees. 25% success fee.
AirHelp vs Compensair
Compare the two leading compensation services side by side.
How Much Can You Claim?
| Flight Distance | Compensation | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | €250 | London-Paris, Berlin-Rome |
| 1,500 - 3,500 km | €400 | London-Athens, Paris-Moscow |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 | London-New York, Paris-Tokyo |
* Compensation amounts are per passenger and apply to flights delayed by 3+ hours or cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
Understanding Your Travel Rights
Every year, millions of flights experience delays, cancellations, or overbooking. What many travelers don't realize is that they may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly known as EU261), passengers have strong legal protections when flying to, from, or within Europe.
What is EU261?
EU261 is a European Union regulation that establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. It applies to:
- All flights departing from an EU airport (any airline)
- Flights arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU airline
- Flights within the EU operated by any airline
When Are You Eligible for Compensation?
You may be entitled to compensation when:
- Flight Delay: Your flight arrives at its final destination more than 3 hours late
- Flight Cancellation: Your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure
- Denied Boarding: You were denied boarding due to overbooking against your will
- Missed Connection: You missed your connecting flight due to the first flight being delayed, and you arrived at your final destination 3+ hours late
Extraordinary Circumstances
Airlines are not required to pay compensation if the disruption was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" beyond their control. These include:
- Severe weather conditions (storms, fog, volcanic ash)
- Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
- Security threats or political instability
- Bird strikes
Important: Technical issues, crew sickness, or operational problems are generally not considered extraordinary circumstances. If your flight was delayed due to a "technical fault," you likely still qualify for compensation.
How to Claim Compensation
You have three options for claiming flight compensation:
- Claim directly with the airline: Free but often involves lengthy negotiations and airline pushback
- Use AirHelp: The largest claims service with 35% success fee. Great for complex cases and comprehensive support
- Use Compensair: Lower 25% success fee — keep more of your money. Great for straightforward claims
Not sure which service to choose? Check our AirHelp vs Compensair comparison to see which is right for your situation. Both services handle all paperwork and legal proceedings, charging only if your claim is successful.
AirHelp vs Compensair: Quick Comparison
Both services operate on a "no win, no fee" basis. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | AirHelp | Compensair |
|---|---|---|
| Success Fee | 35% | 25% ✓ |
| Processing Time | 8-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Rating | 4.6/5 ✓ | 4.4/5 |
| Legal Support | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?
Under EU261 regulations, you can claim €250 for flights under 1,500km, €400 for flights between 1,500-3,500km, and €600 for flights over 3,500km when delayed by more than 3 hours.
What is EU261 regulation?
EU261 (Regulation EC 261/2004) is a European law that protects air passengers. It entitles you to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding on flights departing from EU airports or operated by EU airlines.
How long do I have to claim flight compensation?
The time limit varies by country, but generally ranges from 2-6 years. In the UK, you have 6 years to claim. In many EU countries, it's 3 years. We recommend claiming as soon as possible after your disrupted flight.
Can I claim compensation if my flight was cancelled?
Yes, if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure and the airline cannot prove extraordinary circumstances, you're entitled to compensation of €250-€600 depending on flight distance.
What are extraordinary circumstances?
Extraordinary circumstances are events outside the airline's control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security threats, or political instability. Technical issues and crew shortages are generally NOT considered extraordinary.
Had a Disrupted Flight Recently?
Check your eligibility in under 3 minutes. You could be owed up to €600 per passenger for flights in the last 6 years.
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