Flight Delay Compensation in Europe

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers on delayed or cancelled European flights are entitled to up to €600 in compensation — regardless of ticket price. Most people never claim it. Here’s how to check in 2 minutes.

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This is a legal right, not a refund policy. EU261/2004 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, or arriving in the EU on an EU-based carrier. Airlines are legally required to pay — but they won’t remind you.

How much can you claim?

Flight distance Delay at destination Compensation
Up to 1,500 km (e.g. Milan → Berlin) 3+ hours €250
1,500–3,500 km (e.g. London → Athens) 3+ hours €400
Over 3,500 km (intercontinental, EU carrier) 3+ hours €600
Over 3,500 km Delay between 3–4 hours €300 (50% reduction)

Who qualifies?

You are entitled to compensation if all three of the following apply:

  • Your flight departed from an EU airport, or arrived in the EU on an EU-registered carrier
  • You arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late
  • The delay was not caused by “extraordinary circumstances” (severe weather, political unrest, air traffic control strikes)

Technical failures, staff shortages, overbooking and operational delays all qualify. Airlines frequently claim extraordinary circumstances incorrectly — a specialist service will challenge this on your behalf.

Best services to claim compensation

AirHelp
The largest flight compensation specialist in Europe
RECOMMENDED
✅ No win, no fee ✅ 30% commission only if successful ✅ Handles legal action if needed ✅ Covers flights up to 3 years old ✅ 45M+ passengers helped
Check your claim — free, 2 minutes →
Compensair
Fast processing, good for straightforward cases
ALTERNATIVE
✅ No win, no fee ✅ 25% commission if successful ✅ Average payout in 4–8 weeks ✅ Covers flights up to 6 years old
Check eligibility on Compensair →

How to claim — step by step

  1. Check eligibilityClick the link above and enter your flight number and date. The tool checks EU261/2004 rules automatically — takes under 2 minutes.
  2. Submit your claimIf eligible, you submit basic details. The service handles all communication with the airline.
  3. Airline respondsMost airlines respond within 4–8 weeks. If they refuse incorrectly, the service escalates to legal action at no extra cost to you.
  4. Receive compensationMoney is transferred to your bank account. The service deducts its commission (25–30%) only after you receive payment.

Frequently asked questions

How far back can I claim flight compensation?
It depends on the country. In most EU countries the limit is 3 years from the date of the flight. In the UK it’s 6 years. Compensair covers up to 6 years; AirHelp covers up to 3 years. Don’t assume it’s too late — always check.
Does the airline have to pay even if I got a voucher?
Yes. Accepting a voucher does not waive your right to cash compensation under EU261/2004 unless you explicitly signed a form doing so. If you accepted a voucher under pressure, you may still be able to claim cash.
What counts as “extraordinary circumstances”?
Genuine extraordinary circumstances include: severe weather that grounds the specific aircraft, political instability, ATC strikes (not airline staff strikes), security emergencies, and bird strikes. Technical faults, staff shortages, late aircraft from a previous flight and overbooking do NOT count as extraordinary circumstances.
Can I claim if my flight was cancelled, not delayed?
Yes. Cancellations are covered by EU261/2004. You are entitled to either a full refund of your ticket or re-routing to your destination, plus compensation of €250–€600 depending on flight distance — unless you were notified more than 14 days before departure.
Do budget airline tickets qualify?
Yes. EU261/2004 applies to all ticket types and all fare classes. A €9 Ryanair ticket gives you the same legal rights as a €900 business class ticket. The compensation amount is fixed by law, not by what you paid.
This page provides general information about EU passenger rights under Regulation 261/2004. It is not legal advice. Affiliate disclosure: AirHelp and Compensair links are affiliate links — we earn a commission if you make a successful claim, at no extra cost to you. See our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.