Flight Delayed?
Claim up to
If your flight arrived 3+ hours late and the delay was the airline's responsibility, EU and UK law may entitle you to compensation.
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Compensation depends on flight distance and delay circumstances.
Do I qualify for flight delay compensation?
Arrival delay of 3+ hours
Compensation is based on the arrival time at your final destination, not departure time. The delay is counted when aircraft doors open.
Airline responsibility
You may qualify if the delay was caused by operational, technical, or crew-related issues.
Applicable routes
EU261 / UK261 generally applies to:
- Flights departing from the EU/EEA/UK
- Flights arriving in the EU/EEA/UK with an EU/UK carrier
If you're unsure about the delay reason — it's still worth checking. Airlines often reject claims incorrectly.
How much compensation can I get?
Your compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 depends on your flight distance. Use this calculator to find out how much you could receive.
Compensation amounts:
Short-haul flights
Under 1,500 km
Medium-haul flights
1,500 – 3,500 km
Long-haul flights
Over 3,500 km
Distance is calculated using the "great circle" method — the shortest path between two airports on Earth's surface. We cover 230+ airports worldwide.
Don't know your flight distance?
Select your airports to calculate
How to claim compensation
Option 1: Claim with FlightDelays.eu
Why use us:
- Simple online process — submit in under 3 minutes
- We handle all airline communication on your behalf
- Legal escalation if required — at no extra cost to you
- No win, no fee — you only pay if we succeed
- Expert team with 98% success rate on valid claims
Process:
- 1Submit your flight details
- 2Upload documents (if needed)
- 3Sign digital authorization
- 4We handle the rest — you get paid when we win
Option 2: Claim directly from the airline
Pros
- Direct contact with the airline
- No service fee if successful
- Full control over the process
Cons
- Long response times (often 2-4 months or more)
- Complex legal wording and airline jargon
- High rejection rates — airlines often deny valid claims
- No legal support if airline refuses to pay
- Time-consuming follow-ups required
Required documents:
- Booking confirmation / boarding pass
- Flight details (flight number, date, route)
- Proof of delay (sometimes requested)
- Personal ID and bank details
Typical timeline:
- Initial response: 4-8 weeks
- Resolution: 2-6 months (if not rejected)
- Legal escalation: 6-12+ months (if needed)
How long does it take to claim compensation?
The timeline depends on airline cooperation and whether legal action is needed.
Simple cases
2-8 weeks
Airlines cooperate quickly. Direct settlement without disputes.
Disputed cases
1-3 months
Airline initially rejects claim. Requires follow-up negotiation.
Legal escalation
6-12+ months
Court proceedings required. We handle this at no extra cost.
When compensation may NOT apply
"Extraordinary circumstances" can exempt airlines — but they often misuse this excuse.
Usually not eligible
True extraordinary circumstances
- Severe weather — storms, volcanic ash, heavy snow
- ATC restrictions — air traffic control strikes or closures
- Security threats — terrorism, political instability
- Medical emergencies — passenger health crises onboard
Often still eligible
Airlines wrongly claim exemption
- Technical issues — mechanical failures, part malfunctions
- Crew problems — staff sickness, scheduling errors
- Operational issues — overbooking, late aircraft arrival
- IT failures — booking system crashes, check-in errors
Important: Airlines often claim "extraordinary circumstances" even when it doesn't apply. We challenge invalid excuses.
Your rights during long delays
Even if compensation doesn't apply, airlines must provide care during extended delays.
Meals & Drinks
Free refreshments proportionate to waiting time
Communication
Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Accommodation
Hotel for overnight delays with transport included
Transport
Free transfer between airport and hotel
Tip: If the airline doesn't provide assistance, keep all receipts. These expenses may be reimbursable on top of your compensation.
What documents do I need?
Gathering the right documents helps speed up your claim. Here's what to prepare.
Required documents
- Boarding pass or booking confirmation
Email confirmation or e-ticket works too
- Flight details
Flight number, date, departure and arrival airports
Helpful but optional
- Receipts for expenses during delay (meals, transport, hotel)
- Photos of departure boards showing delay
- Email correspondence with airline
- Passenger ID (if specifically requested)
Compensation amounts shown are the maximum payable under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. Actual amounts depend on flight distance and circumstances.
Don't let airlines keep your money
Was your flight
You could be owed up to €600 under EU Regulation EC 261/2004
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This website provides general information and does not constitute individual legal advice. Eligibility depends on specific flight circumstances.