How to claim flight compensation

Delayed or cancelled flight? Here is exactly how to claim your €250–€600 under EU261 — the steps, the evidence, and what to do if the airline says no.

Step-by-step guide

Start my claim

Before you start

First, make sure you qualify: you generally need a delay of 3 hours or more at your final destination, a cancellation with under 14 days' notice, or denied boarding — on a flight within EU261 scope, caused by the airline. Not sure? Run your case through the eligibility checker and the calculator first.

The claim in five steps

1. Confirm eligibility and the amount you are owed.
2. Collect your evidence — booking, boarding passes, and delay/cancellation messages.
3. Write to the airline quoting EU261 and stating the amount claimed.
4. Wait for the reply (a few weeks is normal) and reject any low-ball voucher offer.
5. Escalate to the national enforcement body or the courts if it refuses without a valid reason.

Writing to the airline

Claim in writing (email or the airline's online form) so you have a record. Include your booking reference, flight number and date, the names of all passengers, a short factual account, and a clear statement of the amount claimed under Regulation 261/2004. Ask for payment in cash to your original payment method, not a voucher, and give a deadline to respond.

Evidence to keep

• Booking confirmation and boarding passes.
• Any emails or texts about the delay or cancellation.
• The actual arrival time (photos of the arrivals board or gate help).
• Receipts for meals, transport or a hotel you had to pay for.

If the airline refuses

A first refusal is common and often wrong. If the airline blames "extraordinary circumstances", ask it to prove them — the burden is on the airline, and technical faults or its own staff strikes usually do not count. If it still refuses, escalate to the national enforcement body or bring a small claim in court. Many passengers win at this stage.

The no-win, no-fee option

Chasing an airline takes time and persistence. If you would rather not, start a claim with us: we assess it, write to the airline, and escalate where needed. It is free to check and we only take a commission if your compensation is paid — no win, no fee.

How long you have

Deadlines are set nationally and typically run from about 2 to 6 years after the flight (6 in the UK, 5 in Spain, 3 in Germany, for example). Do not assume an old flight is too late — check it.

Doing it yourself vs using a service

Claiming yourself costs nothing but your time, and keeps 100% of the payout. A service costs a commission but does the chasing, the legal argument and any escalation for you. Either way, start by checking your flight below.