Compensation for delayed flight

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 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.

Understanding what constitutes a delayed flight

A flight is considered delayed when your plane arrives at its final destination more than three hours late compared to the scheduled time, and this delay is caused by the airline. This is not just an inconvenience—according to 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 plane doors open, not when the aircraft touches down. This distinction ensures that passengers are treated fairly for the actual time lost.

When are you entitled to compensation?

Under European law, if your flight arrives more than three hours late, you may be entitled to compensation — unless the delay is due to "extraordinary circumstances" such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions or political unrest.

Eligibility depends on:

• Regarding the cause of the delay (which must be attributable to the airline)

• From the flight distance

• The total duration of the delay upon arrival

If you're unsure whether your flight qualifies, our AirClaim eligibility checker makes it easy. Simply enter your flight details, and in seconds you'll know if you can file a claim and how much you could receive.

How much can you claim?

Compensation amounts are standardized by the European Union. Depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay, passengers can receive between €250 and €600.

These rules apply to all companies operating in, to or from the EU, ensuring fairness and consistency for all travelers.

Your additional rights under Regulation (EC) 261/2004

In addition to financial compensation, passengers are also entitled to assistance in the event of a long delay. Airlines must provide:

• Meals and refreshments proportional to the waiting time

• Two free communications (phone calls, emails or faxes)

• Hotel accommodation and transport if an extended stay is required

• A refund and a return flight to the point of departure if the delay exceeds five hours

These measures protect passengers from additional inconvenience while waiting.

How to file a claim for a delayed flight with AirClaim?

At AirClaim, we handle the complex aspects of the process so you don't have to. Here's how it works:

1. Check your eligibility.
Use our free compensation calculator to check if your flight is eligible. You only need basic information: flight number, date, and itinerary.

2. Submit your claim.
If you are eligible, complete our online form. Provide some additional details and attach your documents (boarding pass, booking confirmation, etc.).

3. We handle the legal aspects.
Once the claim is filed, our team takes over. We contact the airline, manage all communications, and ensure your rights are respected.

4. Receive your compensation.
If your claim is accepted, the amount will be transferred directly to your bank account. AirClaim operates on a "No win, no fee" basis — you only pay if we recover your money.

Why choose AirClaim?

With more than six years of experience, 100,000 satisfied customers and more than 20 million euros recovered , AirClaim is one of the leaders in defending passenger rights.

We believe that every traveler deserves fair treatment. Our multilingual team will assist you every step of the way.

Choosing AirClaim means choosing peace of mind.

Missed connections, cancellations and denied boarding

The same European regulation also covers other travel disruptions. You may receive compensation if:

• Your flight has been cancelled without 14 days' notice.

• You were denied boarding due to overbooking

• You missed your connecting train and arrived more than three hours late

• Your luggage has been lost, damaged, or delayed.

To learn more, consult our dedicated guides:

• Compensation in case of cancellation

• Compensation in case of missed connection

• Rights in case of denied boarding

• Compensation for lost or damaged luggage

What to do if the company refuses to provide compensation?

Sometimes airlines reject valid claims. In such cases, AirClaim represents you. We work with airlines and, if necessary, with the relevant authorities to defend your case.

Our experience allows us to anticipate and counter the most common strategies used by companies.

Travel informed and with confidence

Knowing your rights makes every trip safer and less stressful. If you've experienced a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or baggage issue, let AirClaim handle your claim.

👉 Check your flight now and find out if you are entitled to compensation.