Delayed or canceled flight?

Your Rights as a Passenger

International Standards

Compensation rights depend on the specific route and airline. The main documents that may protect your rights are:

• Montreal Convention 1999 — regulates international air transport
• EU Regulation 261/2004 — applies only to flights to/from the EU or on European airlines
• Airline terms and conditions — may provide compensation in individual cases

When You Have the Right to Compensation

1. Flight Delay (under EU Regulation 261/2004)

• More than 3 hours arrival delay for all flights covered by EU261
• Delay is calculated by arrival time, not departure time
• Only applies to flights to/from the EU or on European airlines

2. Flight Cancellation (under EU Regulation 261/2004)

• Notification less than 14 days before departure
• Cancellation not due to extraordinary circumstances (weather, security, strikes, etc.)

3. Denied Boarding (Overbooking)

When the airline sold more tickets than seats on the plane.

4. Missed Connection

Arrival delay of more than 3 hours due to missed connecting flight.

Compensation Amounts (under EU Regulation 261/2004)

Compensation amount depends on flight distance only for flights covered by EU261:

• Compensation is paid in addition to ticket refund or alternative flight provision
• These amounts apply only to flights covered by EU Regulation 261/2004
• For other flights, compensation depends on airline terms and conditions

Why AirHelp is the Best Choice for Getting Compensation

Getting compensation from airlines can be complex. AirHelp handles the process and has helped over 10 million passengers.

Why Choose AirHelp

• Proven expertise — Over 10 million passengers helped since 2013; experience in various jurisdictions and legal systems.
• Process simplification — File claim in 2 minutes; help with collecting documents; AirHelp handles the legal work.
• Transparent terms — 35% commission (may be higher for legal procedures); payment only upon successful compensation; no hidden fees or upfront payments.
• Professional support — Lawyers negotiate with the airline; they represent your interests in court if necessary and keep you informed about case progress.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting Compensation

Step 1: Document Collection

You will need:

• Boarding pass (including alternative flights)
• Booking confirmation or email from the airline
• Reason for delay/cancellation (if known)
• Final arrival time
• Receipt for additional expenses (if any)

Step 2: Filing a Claim through AirHelp

1. Go to AirHelp
2. Enter your flight details
3. Upload necessary documents
4. Wait for compensation eligibility check

Step 3: Waiting for Results

• AirHelp analyzes your case
• Negotiates with the airline
• Notifies you about results
• Transfers compensation to your account

Claim Filing Deadlines

Do not miss the deadline. Claim filing deadlines:

• EU261 flights: up to 3 years from incident (varies by country)
• Other flights: depends on airline terms and applicable legislation
• Recommendation: file your claim as soon as possible for better success chances
• Each case is individual; deadlines may vary

Additional Passenger Rights

Right to Assistance

The airline must provide:

• Food and drinks for delays over 2 hours
• Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
• Transfer to hotel and back to airport

Right to Choose

In case of flight cancellation you can:

• Get full refund of ticket cost
• Reschedule flight to a convenient date
• Get alternative route to destination

Common Mistakes in Getting Compensation

• Mistake 1: Missing deadlines — Do not delay filing your claim; the sooner, the better.
• Mistake 2: Incomplete documents — Make sure you have all necessary documents.
• Mistake 3: Filing independently — Without legal expertise it is difficult to achieve fair compensation.
• Mistake 4: Accepting first offer — Airlines often offer smaller amounts; do not agree immediately.

AirHelp Plus — Protection for Future Flights

In addition to getting compensation for past incidents, AirHelp Plus offers protection for future trips: insurance payouts for delays, help getting compensation from airlines, lounge access for delays (subject to availability), baggage protection and more. Terms and payout amounts depend on the specific case and AirHelp Plus policy.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Before Flight

• Download AirHelp app for flight tracking
• Save all documents electronically
• Photograph boarding passes and tickets
• Check in for flights in advance

During Delay or Cancellation

• Contact airline representatives for assistance
• Request written confirmation of delay reason
• Keep receipts for additional expenses
• Do not accept vouchers instead of monetary compensation

After Trip

• File claim through AirHelp as soon as possible
• Monitor updates in your personal account
• Do not accept small amounts without consultation
• Remember: each case is considered individually

Key Takeaways

• Check EU261 applicability to your flight
• AirHelp simplifies the process
• Do not miss deadlines — file claims on time
• Keep documents — they are critically important
• Each case is individual — result is not guaranteed
• Consider future trip protection with AirHelp Plus

Ready to check your eligibility? Check compensation through AirHelp — 2 minutes, no obligation.