Flight Delay Compensation
If your flight arrived 3 or more hours late, EU law entitles you to up to €600 in fixed compensation — regardless of what the airline tells you.
Check Your Compensation Free →When does EC 261/2004 apply?
The regulation covers specific disruption types. Knowing the difference between qualifying and non-qualifying events is the first step to a successful claim.
Qualifying events
You are entitled to fixed compensation if any of the following apply:
- ✓Arrival delay of 3 hours or more at final destination
- ✓Delay caused by airline operational issues (crew shortage, technical fault, turnaround delay)
- ✓Tarmac delay that results in 3+ hour late arrival
- ✓Delay on a connecting flight causing 3+ hour late arrival at final destination
Extraordinary circumstances
Airlines may be exempt from paying compensation if the disruption was caused by:
- ✗Delay under 3 hours at final destination
- ✗Severe weather making the flight genuinely unsafe
- ✗Air traffic control restrictions or airport closures
- ✗Security threats or political instability at the airport
How much can you claim?
EC 261/2004 sets fixed compensation amounts based on flight distance. There is no discretion — if you qualify, you are owed these amounts by law.
| Flight distance | Minimum delay | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 kme.g. London → Paris | 3 hours+ | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 kme.g. London → Cairo | 3 hours+ | €400 |
| Over 3,500 kme.g. Frankfurt → New York | 3–4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 kme.g. Frankfurt → New York | 4 hours+ | €600Maximum |
How to claim compensation
The process is straightforward. AirHelp handles the legal complexity so you don't have to chase airlines or understand EU law.
Enter your flight number and travel date. EC 261/2004 applies to flights departing from EU airports, or arriving in the EU on an EU-based carrier.
Locate your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline about the disruption. AirHelp will guide you through exactly what's needed.
Submit once through AirHelp's platform. Their legal team handles all correspondence, escalation, and court proceedings — no follow-up needed from you.
Compensation lands directly in your bank account. AirHelp charges a 35% service fee only when your claim succeeds — zero upfront cost.
Frequently asked questions
Everything passengers ask before filing their first claim.
The delay is measured at arrival, not departure. Specifically, it's the time the aircraft doors open at your final destination compared to the scheduled arrival time. A flight that departs 4 hours late but arrives only 2.5 hours late does not qualify.
Unfortunately, no. The 3-hour threshold is strict. However, the measurement is at the moment doors open, not when the plane touches down. If you landed at 2h50m delay but waited 15 minutes on the tarmac, you may qualify.
No. Airlines are required to provide care (meals, drinks, hotel if overnight) during the delay AND pay compensation. Accepting a meal voucher does not waive your right to the €250-€600 fixed compensation.
Yes. Technical faults are NOT extraordinary circumstances under EU law. The European Court of Justice has ruled repeatedly that mechanical issues are inherent to airline operations and are the carrier's responsibility.
It depends on the route. EC 261/2004 covers all flights departing from an EU airport (any airline), and flights arriving in the EU if operated by an EU-based carrier. A delay on a US airline departing from London is covered.
In most EU countries, the limitation period is 6 years. Some countries have shorter windows (e.g., 2 years in Belgium, 3 years in Germany). It's best to claim as soon as possible.
Check if your flight
owes you up to €600
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