Flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding can disrupt your travel plans significantly. Fortunately, EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 gives passengers the right to claim compensation under specific conditions. But to receive what you’re entitled to, you need to submit a formal complaint to the airline. This article walks you through a step-by-step guide on how to file a compensation claim without unnecessary hassle.

1. Check if You’re Eligible for Compensation

Before starting the process, make sure you meet these conditions:

  • Your flight was delayed by 3 or more hours, canceled, or you were denied boarding.

  • The flight departed from an EU country or was operated by an EU-based airline.

  • The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g. severe weather, political unrest).

2. Gather All Relevant Documents

You’ll need to prepare the following:

  • Boarding pass and flight ticket

  • Booking confirmation (email or text message)

  • Receipts for extra expenses (meals, hotel, transport)

  • Screenshots or photos of information boards or announcements

3. Contact the Airline

Most airlines offer online forms for submitting claims. When filing:

  • Clearly and briefly describe what happened.

  • Attach all supporting documents.

  • State the exact amount you’re requesting (based on the regulation: €250, €400, or €600 depending on the flight distance).

Airlines usually respond within 30 days, but it may vary.

4. What to Do If the Airline Refuses or Doesn’t Respond

If the airline:

  • Refuses compensation without a valid reason

  • Doesn’t respond within a reasonable time

…you can:

  • Submit a complaint to the national authority for air passenger rights

  • Use a specialized service like ClaimHelp, which handles communication and legal procedures on your behalf

5. What NOT to Do

  • Don’t give up after the first rejection — this is a common airline tactic.

  • Don’t accept vouchers if you prefer cash compensation — this may waive your right to a payout.

  • Don’t submit incorrect or incomplete information — it can delay or jeopardize your claim.

Filing a compensation claim isn’t as complex as it seems. With the right documents, a clearly stated claim, and some patience, you can successfully defend your passenger rights. And if you don’t want to deal with it yourself, ClaimHelp is ready to take care of everything for you.