Flight delays are frustrating — but did you know you could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation? Millions of passengers miss out every year simply because they don’t know their rights. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Who Is Eligible for Flight Compensation?You may be entitled to compensation if your flight was delayed by more than 3 hours, cancelled without sufficient notice, or if you were denied boarding due to overbooking. This applies to flights departing from the EU, UK, Turkey, and Canada, regardless of which airline you flew with.
How Much Can You Claim?
The amount depends on the flight distance. Short flights under 1,500km can receive up to €250. Medium flights between 1,500km and 3,500km can receive up to €400. Long flights over 3,500km can receive up to €600. These are per passenger — so a family of four could claim up to €2,400.
What You Need to Claim
Before you start your claim, make sure you have your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and the reason given by the airline for the delay or cancellation. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.
How to Submit Your Claim
The easiest way is to use an online compensation calculator — you simply enter your flight details and it checks your eligibility instantly. If eligible, a claim is submitted on your behalf with no upfront cost. Most services work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Common Reasons Airlines Reject Claims
Airlines often cite “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes to avoid paying. However, technical faults and crew shortages are not valid reasons — you are still entitled to compensation in those cases.
Start Your Claim Today
Use our free Flight Delay Compensation Calculator to check your eligibility in under 2 minutes. No registration required.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
The amount you can claim depends on the flight distance and delay duration. For flights under 1,500km you may receive up to €250. For flights between 1,500km and 3,500km the amount rises to €400. For flights over 3,500km you could claim up to €600. These amounts apply regardless of your ticket price.
How Long Does a Claim Take?
Most claims are resolved within 4 to 8 weeks. Some airlines respond faster, others take longer. Using a claims service speeds up the process as they handle all communication with the airline on your behalf.
Can You Claim for Old Flights?
Yes — in most countries you can claim for flights delayed in the last 3 to 6 years. This means you may have unclaimed compensation sitting there right now. Check your old boarding passes and booking confirmations.