Other Flight Disruptions?
Claim up to
Denied boarding, airline strikes, lost baggage, or downgraded seats — you may be entitled to compensation under EU and UK law.
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Compensation depends on disruption type, flight distance, and circumstances.
Do I qualify for compensation?
Airline is responsible
You may qualify if the disruption was caused by operational issues, overbooking, or airline staff decisions within their control.
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
Not extraordinary circumstances
Technical issues, crew problems, and overbooking are NOT extraordinary circumstances — you may still be entitled to compensation.
Not sure if your situation qualifies? Check your eligibility for free — we'll review your case and let you know.
Types of disruptions covered
EU261 and the Montreal Convention cover a wide range of flight disruptions beyond delays and cancellations.
Denied boarding
Refused entry to your flight despite a valid ticket? Airlines often overbook and may owe you immediate compensation.
Up to €600
Airline strikes
Strikes by airline staff may entitle you to compensation. Third-party strikes (like ATC) are more complex.
Case dependent
Lost or delayed baggage
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for baggage issues. Claim reimbursement for essential purchases.
Up to €1,400
Downgraded seats
Involuntarily moved to a lower class? You're entitled to a partial refund based on your flight distance.
30-75% refund
Calculate your potential compensation
For denied boarding and downgraded seats, your compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 depends on your flight distance.
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?
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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
- 2Describe your disruption
- 3Upload supporting documents
- 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
- Evidence of disruption (photos, written confirmation)
- Receipts for expenses (baggage claims)
- 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 the complexity of your case.
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
- Overbooking — airline sold too many tickets
- Airline staff strikes — pilots, cabin crew walkouts
Important: Airlines often claim "extraordinary circumstances" even when it doesn't apply. We challenge invalid excuses.
Your rights during disruptions
Even if compensation doesn't apply, airlines must provide care during extended disruptions.
Meals & Drinks
Free refreshments appropriate to waiting time
Communication
Two free phone calls, emails or faxes
Accommodation
Hotel if overnight stay becomes necessary
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
- Evidence of disruption
Written confirmation, photos, or airline communication
Helpful but optional
- Receipts for expenses during disruption (meals, transport, hotel)
- Photos of damaged baggage or airport displays
- Email correspondence with airline
- PIR form for baggage claims (Property Irregularity Report)
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.