How can I check if my flight is eligible for compensation through AirClaim before paying for the service?

A delayed or canceled flight can disrupt important plans, whether it’s a long-awaited vacation or a business trip. Beyond the discomfort, a legitimate question arises: am I entitled to compensation, and how can I check this without unnecessary risks or costs?

At AirClaim, we meet daily with passengers who are unsure about their rights, what they are legally entitled to, or whether their situation qualifies for compensation. This article is designed as a simple, practical guide to help you understand how to check your flight’s eligibility before paying for any service and what steps to take.

Why is it important to check eligibility before taking any action?

Not every flight delay or cancellation automatically entitles you to compensation. There are clear criteria set at the European level that must be properly analyzed. Many passengers give up their rights either because they are unaware of the legislation or assume the process is too complicated.

Checking eligibility in advance helps you:

• Avoid unnecessary costs

• Understand whether your situation legally qualifies

• Make an informed decision about continuing the claim process

A key point is that AirClaim does not charge any upfront fees. Payment occurs only if the compensation is obtained. This is why the first step is always a proper evaluation of your case.

You can quickly check if your flight is eligible and estimate the compensation amount using the AirClaim compensation calculator.

Types of incidents eligible for compensation

To determine if your flight may qualify, it’s important to correctly identify the type of incident. The most common situations analyzed by our team are:

Delayed flight

A flight is generally relevant for compensation if it arrives at the final destination with a significant delay. The actual arrival time is what matters, not the departure time.

Canceled flight

Cancellation, especially if announced shortly before departure, may entitle you to compensation depending on the circumstances.

Overbooking

If you were denied boarding due to overbooking, despite having a confirmed reservation, the situation may be eligible for compensation.

Baggage issues

Delayed, lost, or damaged baggage is another type of incident for which compensation can be claimed, under clearly defined conditions.

For detailed explanations of each situation, see the Know Your Rights as an Airline Passenger section, where the legislation is explained in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

Legal framework: what you need to know

Air passenger rights are regulated in Europe by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. This establishes the conditions under which you can request compensation for delayed, canceled, or denied boarding flights.

In short, the following factors matter:

• Flight route (departure from the EU or arrival in the EU with a European carrier)

• Delay duration at the final destination

• Cause of the incident

• Timing of notification

You do not need to know all legal details. Our role at AirClaim is to analyze these aspects and tell you clearly whether your situation qualifies.

Simple steps to check your flight’s eligibility

1. Identify exactly what happened

Note the type of incident: delay, cancellation, denied boarding, or baggage issue. Details matter.

2. Verify the delay duration or cancellation timing

The actual arrival time is essential. For cancellations, also consider when you were notified.

3. Keep your travel documents

For eligibility assessment, the following are useful:

• Plane ticket or booking confirmation

• Boarding pass, if available

• Any notifications received from the airline

You don’t need all documents immediately. Our team can guide you step by step.

4. Consult reliable information sources

Articles on the AirClaim travel blog provide real-life examples and practical explanations. For instance, you can learn what information should be included in a compensation claim letter for a delayed flight.

Why use AirClaim to check eligibility?

Many passengers try to evaluate their case themselves but encounter difficulties when airlines cite technical reasons or special circumstances. This is where our experience comes in.

At AirClaim, we:

• Analyze each case individually

• Verify flight details and incident context

• Clearly communicate whether you have a real chance of compensation

An important advantage is transparency. There are no costs if compensation is not obtained, allowing you to check eligibility without financial risk.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the airline rejects my compensation claim?

How long does the process take?

What costs are involved in using AirClaim?

What if I lost my baggage?

Common mistakes that can affect eligibility

It’s important to avoid a few common errors:

• Giving up on the claim too quickly

• Accepting vouchers without verifying your rights

• Missing minimal necessary documents

Accurate information and timely action make the difference.

Use AirClaim to check your rights and start the compensation claim process. Our team provides clear, professional support with no upfront costs.