Flight disruptions can happen to anyone. Whether you’re traveling for business or heading off on a long-awaited vacation, a delayed flight can quickly turn excitement into frustration. At AirClaim, we understand how stressful these situations can be, especially when you’re left waiting at the airport with little information. That’s why our team is here to help you understand your passenger rights and guide you through every step of the compensation process.
A flight delay occurs when your plane arrives at its final destination more than three hours later than scheduled, and the delay is caused by the airline. This is not just an inconvenience - under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to compensation if the airline is at fault.
What matters most is the arrival time - that is, the moment the aircraft doors open, not when the plane touches down. This distinction ensures passengers receive fair treatment for the time they truly spend waiting.
According to EU law, if your flight arrives over three hours late, you may have the right to compensation — unless the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, or political unrest.
Eligibility depends on:
The cause of the delay (it must be the airline’s responsibility)
The distance of your flight
The total duration of the delay upon arrival
If you’re unsure whether your flight qualifies, our AirClaim eligibility checker makes it simple. Enter your flight details, and in seconds, you’ll know whether you have a valid claim and how much you could receive.
Compensation amounts are standardized by the European Union. Depending on the flight distance and delay duration, passengers may receive between €250 and €600.
| Flight Distance | Length of Delay | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | Over 3 hours | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | Over 3 hours | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | 3–4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 km | Over 4 hours | €600 |
These rules apply equally across all airlines operating within, into, or out of the EU, ensuring consistency and fairness for every traveler.
Beyond financial compensation, passengers are also entitled to assistance and care during extended delays. Airlines must provide:
Meals and refreshments proportional to the waiting time
Two free communications (phone calls, emails, or faxes)
Hotel accommodation and transportation if an overnight stay is required
Reimbursement and a return flight to the original departure point if the delay exceeds five hours
These measures are designed to protect passengers from additional inconvenience while waiting for their flight to resume or an alternative to be arranged.
At AirClaim, we handle the complex parts of the process so that you don’t have to. Here’s how it works:
Use our free online compensation calculator to find out if your flight qualifies. You only need basic details such as the flight number, date, and route.
If eligible, fill out our simple online form. Provide a few more details about the flight disruption and attach any supporting documents (like your boarding pass or booking confirmation).
Once your claim is submitted, our team of experts takes over. We contact the airline on your behalf, manage all communication, and ensure that your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 are upheld.
If your claim is successful, the compensation will be transferred directly to your bank account. At AirClaim, we operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis - you only pay a small service fee if we successfully recover your money.
With over six years of experience, 100,000 satisfied clients, and more than €20 million recovered, AirClaim is one of the most trusted partners in passenger rights advocacy.
We believe that every traveler deserves to be treated fairly. Airlines have legal obligations - and our mission is to ensure those obligations are met. Our multilingual support team provides assistance in four languages, offering personalized help at every step.
Choosing AirClaim means choosing peace of mind. From start to finish, we manage your claim efficiently, keeping you informed throughout the process so you can focus on what matters most - your travel experience.
While delayed flights are among the most common disruptions, the same European regulation also covers other travel issues. You can claim compensation if:
Each of these situations can result in compensation, depending on the circumstances and the airline’s responsibility. To learn more about these cases, explore our dedicated guides on:
Understanding these scenarios ensures you’re never left uncertain about your rights, no matter what happens with your flight.
Sometimes airlines reject valid claims or delay responses. When that happens, AirClaim steps in to represent you. We collaborate directly with the airlines, and if necessary, with regulatory bodies or legal entities to ensure that your case is properly evaluated.
Our experience allows us to anticipate the most common defense strategies airlines use - and to counter them effectively. This means your chances of receiving compensation increase significantly when you work with us.
Knowing your rights as a passenger makes every journey more secure and less stressful. We encourage travelers to stay informed about airline obligations and the procedures for claiming compensation.
If you’ve experienced a delayed, canceled, or overbooked flight - or if your luggage was lost or damaged - let our team at AirClaim handle the process for you. We’ll manage your claim from start to finish, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve quickly and effortlessly.
👉 Check your flight now and find out if you’re entitled to compensation.
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