How the checker works
The eligibility checker assesses your case the way the EU261 law would. From your answers it looks at three things: whether your flight is covered by the law (the route and the airline), whether the problem crosses the threshold to be paid (3 hours' delay, less than 14 days' notice…), and whether the reason is the airline's responsibility or an extraordinary circumstance.
With all that, it gives you a clear result: likely, possible or unlikely. It is free guidance; to know the exact amount, use the calculator.
Why we ask for the reason
The reason for the problem is key. The airline only escapes payment if it proves an extraordinary circumstance, something outside its control:
Usually gives a right to be paid
- A technical fault on the aircraft
- A shortage of crew
- Organisational problems
- A strike by the airline's own staff
There may be no compensation
- Severe weather
- An air traffic control strike
- A closure of the airport
- Security problems
Even so, many airlines claim "force majeure" without justification. That is why, when in doubt, it is worth claiming: the burden of proof is on them.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the calculator?
They complement each other. The eligibility checker tells you whether you are likely to be entitled, taking the reason for the problem into account. The calculator tells you how much money you would be owed. You can use both.
What does "possible" mean?
That you meet the requirements but something could change the result: usually that the reason might be an extraordinary circumstance, or that a detail such as whether your airline is European still needs confirming.
Does "unlikely" mean I cannot claim?
Not necessarily. It is guidance based on the data you give us. If you think your case has merit, you can check it in more detail or claim anyway; many airline refusals are not valid.
Do I need to know the exact reason?
No. If you do not know why your flight was delayed or cancelled, choose "I don't know" and we will give you guidance based on the rest of the data.