How to claim flight compensation yourself — for free

If a flight to or from Europe was delayed by three hours or more, cancelled, or overbooked, you may be owed up to €600 under EU261 (or £520 under UK261). You do not need a claims company — you can claim directly and keep 100% of the payout. Here is how.

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Step 1 — Gather your details

You will need your flight number, the date, your booking reference, and what happened (how many hours late you arrived, or how much notice you got for a cancellation). Note any reason the airline gave.

Step 2 — Contact the airline directly

Find the airline's customer-relations or EU261 claim form on their website, or email customer relations. Always claim in writing so you have a record.

Step 3 — Send a clear claim

State the regulation, the disruption, and the exact amount you are claiming. You can copy and adapt this template:

Dear [Airline] Customer Relations,

Re: Claim for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
Flight: [flight number]    Date: [date]
Booking reference: [reference]

My flight from [departure airport] to [arrival airport] was [delayed by X hours / cancelled / overbooked]. Under EC Regulation 261/2004, I am entitled to compensation of EUR [250 / 400 / 600] for this disruption.

I have not been informed of any extraordinary circumstances that would exempt you from paying compensation. I therefore request payment of EUR [amount] within 14 days, to the bank details below.

[Your name]
[Your contact details]
[Your bank details]

Step 4 — If they refuse or ignore you

Give them a deadline (14 days is reasonable). If they refuse or go silent, you can escalate for free: in the UK, to the CAA or an approved ADR scheme such as AviationADR or CEDR; in the EU, to the National Enforcement Body in the relevant country, or via the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net). Small claims court is a last resort.

Frequently asked questions

How much compensation can I get?

Under EU261 it is €250, €400 or €600 depending on flight distance. Under UK261 it is £220, £350 or £520. It is a fixed amount based on distance, not the price of your ticket.

How long do I have to claim?

It varies by country — commonly around three years, and up to six in the UK. If in doubt, claim sooner rather than later.

Does claiming myself cost anything?

No. Claiming directly from the airline is free, and you keep the full amount. Claims services are optional and take a percentage only if they win.

What if the delay was caused by weather or a strike?

Genuinely extraordinary circumstances — severe weather, air-traffic-control strikes, security risks — can exempt the airline. Problems within the airline's control, such as most technical faults, usually do not.

This guide is general information based on EC Regulation 261/2004 and its UK retained version, not legal advice. Your situation may differ.