You could be owed up to €600 / £520 in compensation. Most passengers never claim it. Here's exactly what you're owed and how to get it.
Passenger-rights rules change by jurisdiction, route, airline, and timing. Check these primary sources before filing or paying a claims service.
€600
Max EU compensation
per passenger
£520
Max UK compensation
per passenger
3 hrs
EU/UK delay threshold
at destination
6 yrs
Time to claim (UK)
EU varies by country
Answer 2–3 questions to find out what you're owed
This checker provides general guidance only. Actual eligibility depends on specific circumstances. Always verify with official sources or a legal professional.
European Union
Applies to
All flights departing from EU airports, AND flights arriving at EU airports on EU-based airlines
✅ Covered
❌ Not Covered
| Distance | Examples | EU (€) | UK (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | London → Paris, Amsterdam → Berlin | €250 | £220 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | London → Cairo, Frankfurt → Reykjavik | €400 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km (within EU/UK) | Lisbon → Azores routes | €400 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km (intercontinental) | London → New York, Paris → Bangkok | €600 | £520 |
Note: Intercontinental flights (3,500km+) with delays of 3–4 hours get 50% reduction. 4+ hours = full amount. Compensation can be reduced by 50% if the airline offers re-routing that gets you there within a certain time window.
Regardless of whether you're owed cash compensation, airlines have a duty of care obligation under EU261/UK261:
2+ hour delay
5+ hour delay
Overnight delay
Keep all receipts if the airline fails to provide these — you can claim reimbursement.
If the airline ignores you, these services fight on your behalf. They take 25–35% commission but handle everything.
Claimed $1.1B for passengers
Best for: Global, strongest database
Visit AirHelpEU/UK specialist
Best for: European routes, lower fee
Visit ClaimCompassEU specialist
Best for: EU flights
Visit MYFLYRIGHTUK legal firm
Best for: UK261 / legal escalation
Visit Bott & CoAirline refusing to pay? AirHelp checks if you're owed and handles the whole claim — no win, no fee.
Check your compensation with AirHelp →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Pro tip: Always try claiming directly from the airline first — it's free and many airlines pay without a fight. Only use claim services if the airline refuses or ignores you after 6–8 weeks.
3 hours on tarmac
Airline MUST let you deplane. Failure = fines up to $27,500 per passenger.
4 hours on tarmac
Airline MUST let you deplane. Failure = DOT enforcement action.
| Delay at destination | Compensation |
|---|---|
| 0–1 hour arrival delay | Nothing (voluntary bumping agreements may offer vouchers) |
| 1–4 hour arrival delay | 200% of one-way fare (max $775) |
| 4+ hour arrival delay or no alternative | 400% of one-way fare (max $1,550) |
Take screenshots immediately
Photo departure boards, airline app notifications, and any written announcements showing the delay reason. This evidence is invaluable.
Keep every receipt
Food, drinks, hotel, transport — if the airline fails in their duty of care, you can claim these back in addition to compensation.
Arrival time is what counts
EU261 measures delay at your destination, not departure. A 3h departure delay might be only 2.5h arrival delay — below the threshold.
Time limits to claim
UK: up to 6 years. France: 5 years. Germany: 3 years. Always claim as soon as possible — airlines have shorter response windows.
Don't sign anything under pressure
Airlines sometimes offer vouchers at the gate. Accepting a voucher can waive your right to cash. Read what you sign.
You can claim past flights
If you had a qualifying delay in the last 6 years (UK) or 3–5 years (EU countries), you may still be eligible to claim now.
Know your rights before you fly — and use our free tools to prepare every part of your journey.