Compensation for flight on your own vs through a specialized company: Which option to choose?

In the case of a cancelled or delayed flight, passengers can request compensation according to European regulations. However, the question that arises is: should you solve the problem on your own, or choose the help of a company specialized in recovering compensation? In this context, it is essential to understand the differences between the two options, and in the present article we will detail the advantages and particularities of each approach, in order to help you make the best decision in the case of an affected flight.

What rights do you have if your flight undergoes changes or problems?

European legislation (EU Regulation 261/2004) protects you if your flight is delayed, cancelled without prior notification, or if you are denied boarding because the aircraft was overbooked. These rules apply both to flights departing from the European Union and to those operated by European airlines with a destination in Europe.

Types of incidents after which you can request compensation:

• Flight delay

• Flight cancellation

• Denied boarding

• Lost or damaged baggage

For each situation, there are certain specifications and conditions that we will detail below.

The compensation amounts differ depending on the distance traveled:

• Flights up to 1500 km: €250

• Flights between 1500 km and 3500 km: €400

• Flights over 3500 km (extra-EU): €600

If your flight qualifies, and the situation is not caused by events outside the airline’s responsibility (such as extreme weather or air traffic control strikes), you have the right to claim compensation. For detailed information and practical guides, consult AirClaim, where you will also find concrete examples regarding flights operated from outside the EU.

You are also invited to explore our special section dedicated to airline passenger rights. Here you will find detailed information about European legislation, the steps you must follow to request compensation, and other useful resources that can help you navigate more easily through the compensation claim process.

Requesting compensation on your own: procedure, risks and useful information

Do you choose to recover the money yourself? Many passengers opt for this option as a first attempt to claim their rights, especially if they want to avoid paying a commission. However, you must be prepared! The procedure can be cumbersome without specialized consultancy, and if you do not have time for bureaucracy or the availability to be persistent in certain situations, it may be wise to reconsider your decision.

Clear steps for requesting compensation on your own:

1. Collect all relevant documents
   Plane ticket, boarding pass, confirmation emails, notifications from the airline
2. Complete the official form
   Many airlines have such online forms dedicated to compensation requests.
3. Send the documents and the request
   Pay attention to deadlines and requirements regarding supporting documents.
4. Wait for the reply and monitor correspondence
   You may receive a response within a few days or weeks, but it is also possible that you may need to insist for additional clarifications.
5. If the response is negative or never arrives, appeal to authorities or to court
   In Romania, you can contact the National Authority for Consumer Protection; similarly, other European countries have equivalent institutions.

What advantages do you have?

• You avoid paying the intermediary commission if you manage the process correctly.

What disadvantages appear?

• Time and patience consumed for correspondence

• Possible formal refusals (“extraordinary circumstances”) that complicate the process

• Sometimes the language barrier

• If the dispute reaches court, additional costs may occur (fees, translations, etc.)

Documents to prepare:

• Reservation and flight details (including changes)

• Boarding pass (proof of check-in)

• Correspondence with the airline (emails, automated replies)

• Any proof of additional expenses related to the delay or cancellation (accommodation, meals, etc.)

What a specialized firm offers: speed, consultancy, and professional management

You can reduce stress and effort by choosing to work with a company specialized in recovering flight compensation. AirClaim experts, for example, take over the entire process from your shoulders and handle all procedures efficiently and quickly. With teams consisting also of legal professionals or lawyers, the excuses sometimes invoked by airlines can be countered, and you can receive your money back.

What services can you benefit from?

• Experts analyze the eligibility of your case and tell you from the start whether you have real chances of recovering your money

• They gather and complete the necessary documentation on your behalf

• They negotiate directly with the airline and, if necessary, handle the legal process

• They offer support in your preferred language; for example AirClaim, AirClaim Norway, AirClaim Poland

• You pay a commission only after receiving the compensation (“no win, no fee”)

• They cover any legal costs if the case reaches court

How much do intermediary services cost?

Commissions range between 25% and 44% of the obtained amount, depending on the complexity of the case or whether a trial is necessary, and you maximize your chances of success.

Clear advantages:

• You save time and eliminate bureaucratic stress
• You avoid the risk of procedural mistakes or losing the entire compensation due to lack of experience

Moreover, a specialized firm is by your side, regardless of the severity or complexity of the unpleasant situation that occurred with your flight

What types of compensation can you receive in different situations?

• Flights delayed more than 3 hours
  You can request compensation if the delay exceeds 3 hours, depending on the flight distance. Amounts vary from €250 for flights up to 1500 km to €600 for flights over 3500 km (extra-EU).
• Flights cancelled without prior notification
  If the flight is cancelled and you were not notified sufficiently in advance, you are entitled to compensation ranging between €250 and €600, depending on the distance.
• Denied boarding due to overbooking
  If boarding is refused due to overbooking, you have the right to compensation between €250 and €600, as well as other rights such as transportation and accommodation.
• Lost or damaged luggage
  If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, you can request compensation under international regulations, with amounts of up to €1500 depending on the case.
• Missed connections between flights
  If you missed a connecting flight due to the delay of the initial flight, you have the right to compensation. You can also request assistance to be re-routed to your final destination.

Resolution time: on your own vs. specialized firm

If time matters to you, compare how long you have to wait in each option.

On your own:

• Resolution can stretch from a few weeks to 6 months or more

• You must follow up on every contact, gather documents, and possibly make trips to the post office or court

Through a firm:

• Many clients receive compensation within 4–8 weeks

• Your process is reduced to completing a form, uploading a document, and possibly giving a digital signature

• The rest of the steps remain at back-office level, managed by the firm’s team

However, if the file reaches court, it is possible to wait longer in both scenarios.

Limits and risks: what you must consider before choosing?

On your own:

• You do not have free legal consultancy; procedures may become difficult to manage

• There is a risk of receiving negative responses even if you are eligible

• If you lose in court, additional expenses may appear

With a specialized firm:

• The final amount received will be lower, because the commission is deducted, but you recover your passenger rights while minimizing the risk of being refused, even though your situation may qualify for compensation

• Sometimes firms do not take cases involving very old flights or flights operated by small airlines

• You must check the provider’s reputation and reviews

How to choose between acting on your own or resorting to a specialist?

Your decision must reflect your needs and your personal way of managing unforeseen situations.

It is worth trying on your own if:

• You like to research and manage files

• You have time available

• You want to receive the maximum amount, even if it means investing more time

It is more appropriate to seek specialists if:

• You do not have time or do not want to invest energy in documentation and correspondence

• Your situation involves multiple airlines or has additional complications (connections, lost luggage)

• You want to minimize stress and let an expert manage the procedure

Passenger profiles:

• DIY (on your own): People with legal knowledge, patience, and the desire to manage every detail themselves

• With a specialized firm: People who appreciate promptness, safety, and prefer to dedicate their time to other activities

Criteria for choosing a firm:

• Transparency regarding commissions and procedure

• Real reviews, not just testimonials on their own websites

• Support available in your language and easy access to documentation

• Experience in managing your specific case (charters, international connections, lost luggage, etc.)

Regardless of whether you choose to handle the process yourself or collaborate with a firm, you have a chance to obtain the compensation due, if you follow the steps above and correctly verify your rights.

Comparative table: On your own vs. specialized firm

Practical tips for passengers and tricks for saving money

• Keep all messages or documents sent by the airline, even if they seem insignificant at the beginning.

• If you report issues quickly (on the spot, directly at the counter), you save time later.

• Always ask for clear information about proposed alternatives and your rights — some operators do not mention them, but you have the right to accommodation, meals, or additional transport in certain situations.

• Pay attention to the statute of limitations in the country where the flight takes place.

• For combined flights (e.g., return + charter, or direct flight + connecting flight), stay in contact with all operators involved. Experienced firms manage these complex cases more easily.

Additional resources for passengers

For access to official information and support in your preferred language, consult the dedicated websites:

• AirClaim Romania, Denmark, Norway, Poland

• For situations related to charter flights or the specifics of certain routes, access the explanatory article what is a charter flight and when should you choose one?

Choose to recover your rights with AirClaim. Turn an unforeseen situation into financial advantages for yourself!

Be informed before traveling and keep in mind that the compensation process may vary depending on your experience or the external help you choose. Regardless of whether you choose to act on your own or work with specialists, the important thing is to know your rights and not miss the compensation owed after a problematic flight.

A well-prepared journey brings fewer headaches and more joy, whether you are flying for vacation, business, or reuniting with loved ones. Continue to explore new places with confidence, and for any unforeseen situation, you now have the tools you need.