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Flight delays are one of the most frustrating things that can happen on a trip. But if your flight departed from Europe — or was operated by a European airline — you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation, and AirHelp can file the claim for free.
EU261: Who Qualifies
EU Regulation 261/2004 protects passengers in the following situations:
Covered:
- Flights departing from an EU airport (any airline)
- Flights departing from outside the EU, operated by an EU airline, with an EU destination
- Delays of more than 3 hours at destination
- Cancellations or rebookings without 14 days’ notice
Not covered:
- Extraordinary circumstances (extreme weather, strikes, natural disasters)
- Missed flights due to passenger error
- Non-EU airlines on routes that don’t originate in the EU
Cancellations: If the airline provides an alternative flight, compensation is calculated based on the difference between the original and new arrival times.
Compensation Amounts (2026 Rates)
| Flight Distance | 3–4 Hour Delay | 4+ Hour Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haul (< 1,500 km) | €250 | €250 |
| Medium-haul (1,500–3,500 km) | €400 | €400 |
| Long-haul (> 3,500 km) | €300 | €600 |
Note: Compensation is based on arrival time, not departure. The actual delay at destination must exceed 3 hours.
New Rights in 2026
Rebooking refund: If your flight is moved to a different time, you have the right to request a full refund within 7 days — no reason required.
Missed connections: If a delayed first flight causes you to miss a connection, the airline is responsible for the onward journey — even if it’s on a different carrier.
How AirHelp Works
The traditional way: Contact the airline directly — a process that’s slow, frustrating, takes 3–12 months, and has a low success rate. Airlines have dedicated teams whose job is to push back on claims.
AirHelp’s process:
- Enter your flight details on the AirHelp website or app
- The system automatically checks eligibility (free assessment)
- If eligible, AirHelp submits the claim on your behalf (no action required from you)
- Airlines typically respond within 2–8 weeks (AirHelp has a professional legal team)
- Upon success, AirHelp charges a success fee (typically 35% of the compensation)
Airlines AirHelp covers: All major European carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Ryanair, etc.), plus select US and Middle Eastern airlines.
How you get paid: Refund goes to your original payment card — the airline pays you directly. AirHelp doesn’t hold your payout.
Step-by-Step Claims Tutorial
Step 1: Check eligibility Visit airhelp.com/en/claim, enter your flight number and date — the system gives you a verdict in 30 seconds.
Step 2: Submit your claim Use the AirHelp app (iOS/Android) to photograph and upload your boarding pass and passport. No forms to fill out.
Step 3: Wait for processing AirHelp’s average processing time is 4–6 weeks. You’ll receive email updates throughout.
Step 4: Receive payment Compensation is deposited directly to your credit card or bank account. AirHelp only charges after you’ve been paid.
Other Claimable Situations
Lost or delayed baggage: If your baggage is lost for more than 21 days, the airline owes you €1,130–$1,669 (depending on the route). After filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), AirHelp can follow up on your behalf.
Denied boarding (overbooking): Even if you voluntarily give up your seat, you’re still entitled to compensation. Airlines typically ask for volunteers first (offering vouchers), but your EU261 rights remain intact.
Practical Information
- Time limit: Claims are valid for up to 3 years from the original departure date
- Evidence to keep: Boarding passes, itineraries, delay confirmation (screenshots from the airline app)
- VPN tip: If the airline website is obstructive, connecting via a EU-based VPN IP address when submitting can improve success rates
Platform Comparison
| Platform | Fee | Processing Time | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirHelp | 35% | 4–8 weeks | High |
| EUClaim | 25% | 6–12 weeks | High |
| Self-filing | Free | 3–12 months | Low |
Check whether your flight qualifies in 30 seconds via AirHelp.
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