How to Claim Compensation When Your Flight Gets Delayed or Canceled

ByEm

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Flight delays and cancellations can disrupt even the best-planned trips, leaving travelers frustrated and unsure of their rights. However, many passengers are entitled to compensation when airlines fail to deliver on their schedules. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of claiming compensation for a delayed or canceled flight, explain your rights under various regulations, and show you how services like AirHelp can simplify the process.

Understanding Your Rights as a Passenger

Different laws protect air travelers depending on where they are flying. The most important regulations include:

  • EU Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261) – Covers flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU with an EU-based airline.
  • UK Passenger Rights (Post-Brexit EC 261 Equivalent) – Similar to EU law but applicable to flights from and to the UK.
  • US Passenger Rights – While the US does not require airlines to compensate passengers for delays, refunds are mandatory for cancellations.
  • Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) – Grants compensation for flight delays and cancellations in certain circumstances.

Each of these regulations sets specific compensation amounts based on the length of the delay and the reason for the disruption.

When Are You Eligible for Compensation?

To claim compensation, your flight delay or cancellation must meet certain conditions:

Flight Delays

You may be entitled to compensation if:

  • Your flight is delayed by three hours or more upon arrival.
  • The delay is caused by the airline’s fault, such as technical issues or staffing problems.
  • You are flying on an eligible route covered by regulations like EC 261 or APPR.

Flight Cancellations

You may be entitled to compensation if:

  • Your flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure.
  • The airline did not offer an alternative flight that arrives at a similar time.
  • The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather, political unrest, or air traffic control strikes).

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay. Under EC 261, passengers can receive:

  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km.

In Canada, compensation for flight delays can range from $125 to $1,000 CAD, depending on how long you were delayed.

How to Claim Compensation

1. Check Your Eligibility

Use a flight compensation service like AirHelp to quickly determine if you are eligible. You can enter your flight details, and they will assess whether you qualify under relevant laws.

2. Gather Required Documents

To submit a claim, you will need:

  • Your boarding pass and flight details (flight number, date, and booking reference).
  • Proof of delay or cancellation (e.g., airline notifications, emails, or airport screens).
  • Any receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay (hotel, food, transportation).

3. Submit a Claim to the Airline

You can file a compensation request directly with the airline. Airlines usually provide online claim forms, but some may require written requests. Be sure to:

  • Clearly state the reason for your claim.
  • Mention the relevant passenger rights regulation (e.g., EC 261).
  • Keep records of all correspondence.

4. Use AirHelp to Simplify the Process

If dealing with airlines seems overwhelming, AirHelp can handle the entire process for you. Their experts:

  • Assess your case to see if you qualify.
  • Contact the airline and negotiate on your behalf.
  • Take legal action if the airline refuses to pay.

AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you only pay a service fee if they successfully secure compensation for you.

5. Take Legal Action If Necessary

If an airline denies your claim unfairly, you can escalate the matter.

  • In the EU, you can file a complaint with the national enforcement body in the country where the disruption occurred.
  • In Canada, you can contact the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).
  • In the US, complaints can be filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Additional Compensation for Expenses

Apart from compensation for delays and cancellations, passengers may be entitled to:

  • Food and refreshments after two hours of delay.
  • Hotel accommodation if the delay requires an overnight stay.
  • Transportation to and from the hotel if necessary.

These benefits apply under EC 261 and Canada’s APPR.

Why Use AirHelp?

Claiming compensation can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially when airlines refuse to cooperate. AirHelp makes it easy by handling everything from assessing your eligibility to filing legal claims if needed.

Benefits of using AirHelp:
✔ Hassle-free claims process – No need to negotiate with airlines.
✔ High success rate – Experts handle claims professionally.
✔ No upfront costs – You only pay if you receive compensation.

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you don’t have to accept the inconvenience without compensation. Knowing your rights under EC 261, UK laws, Canada’s APPR, and US regulations can help you get the refund or compensation you deserve.

Rather than navigating the claims process alone, let AirHelp do the work for you. Their expertise ensures that you have the best chance of getting compensated—quickly and stress-free.

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