How to File EU261 Compensation for Flight Delays & Cancellations

Travel disruptions are a reality we all face, but fortunately, the European Union has set up regulations under EU261 to help protect passengers when things go wrong. If your flight has been delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation. Filing for compensation under EU261 doesn’t have to be a daunting process, and in this blog post, I’m going to walk you through the steps to file your own claim and potentially get compensated for your inconvenience.

Step 1: Know Your Rights

First things first, it’s important to understand that EU261 applies to passengers flying within, into, or out of the European Union. If your flight meets the following criteria, you might be eligible for compensation:

• Flight Delay: The delay is more than 3 hours, and the cause is not due to extraordinary circumstances (such as weather or security issues).

• Flight Cancellation: If your flight is canceled and you weren’t notified at least 14 days in advance, you’re likely eligible.

• Denied Boarding: If you were denied boarding even though you were on time for your flight, you may also be entitled to compensation.

Tip: If the cancellation or delay is caused by something outside the airline’s control, like bad weather or a strike by air traffic control, compensation may not apply.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

Before you begin the claim process, collect the necessary documents to support your case. This will help you avoid unnecessary delays in your compensation request. You will need:

• Booking Confirmation: Your flight details, including the booking reference number.

• Boarding Pass: This can be an electronic or printed boarding pass.

• Flight Information: Keep records of the original departure time and the actual departure and arrival times.

• Proof of Expenses (if applicable): If the delay caused additional expenses (like food, accommodation, or transport), keep those receipts as they may be reimbursed as part of your compensation.

  
  

Step 3: Contact the Airline

Now that you have your documentation, it’s time to contact the airline directly. Most airlines offer an online form or email address for compensation requests. When contacting them, be sure to:

• Provide Detailed Information: Include your flight details, the reason for the delay or cancellation, and the compensation you're seeking.

• Be Clear and Concise: Politely state that you're requesting compensation under EU261. Provide any additional details they might need to verify your claim.

• Keep a Record of Communication: Whether you’re contacting them by email or filling out an online form, keep a copy of all communication for your records.

To make this process even easier, I’ve created a free, easy-to-use template that you can download. It’s fully customizable, ensuring you can quickly put together a professional and clear compensation request for the airline. You can access the template by clicking here. (The link will also prompt you to sign up for my email list, where I share more travel tips and tricks.)

Step 4: Wait for a Response

Once you've submitted your claim, the airline should respond with a decision. Airlines typically take up to 6 to 8 weeks to process compensation claims, though it may vary depending on the carrier and the complexity of the case.

If you receive a response but are dissatisfied with their decision (e.g., they reject your claim or offer insufficient compensation), don’t worry—there are steps you can take next.

Step 5: Escalate if Necessary

If the airline refuses your claim or you don’t receive a response within a reasonable amount of time, you can escalate the situation by:

• Contacting the National Enforcement Body: Each EU country has a national body responsible for enforcing EU261. You can file a complaint with them for further assistance.

• Using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Many airlines offer ADR schemes, which allow you to settle disputes without going to court.

• Taking Legal Action: As a last resort, you can pursue legal action or use a third-party service such as AirHelp that specializes in claiming EU261 compensation. They may charge a fee but can handle the entire process for you.

Step 6: Stay Persistent

The most important tip when filing for EU261 compensation is to be persistent. Airlines are not always eager to provide compensation, but by following the steps above, you increase your chances of a successful claim.

Don’t Want to Deal with the Airline? Use AirHelp

While filing your EU261 claim directly with the airline is relatively simple—especially with the free template I’ve created for you—it’s understandable if you don’t want to handle the back-and-forth with the airline yourself. If you’d rather avoid the hassle, there’s an alternative: AirHelp.

AirHelp is a company that specializes in claiming EU261 compensation for passengers. They handle everything from filing your claim to negotiating with the airline on your behalf. They charge a fee (typically a percentage of your compensation), but for many travelers, the convenience is worth it, especially when dealing with unresponsive airlines.

With AirHelp, you don’t have to worry about gathering documents, filling out forms, or following up with the airline. They do it all for you, and if you're eligible for compensation, they make sure you get it.

Tip: Using AirHelp can be a great option if you’re short on time or prefer to leave the claims process to the experts.

Conclusion:

Filing an EU261 compensation claim on your own may take a little time, but with the right knowledge and persistence, you can get the compensation you deserve. And if you prefer to have someone else handle it for you, AirHelp is a great option for a smooth, stress-free resolution. Use the template to save time and streamline the process, and let me know how it goes in the comments!