Flight delays and cancellations are more than just travel headaches. In many cases, they come with legal rights and financial compensation that airlines don’t openly advertise. Each year, millions of passengers miss out on compensation simply because they don’t know they’re entitled to it or don’t know how to claim it properly.
If your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked, you could be entitled to up to €600 per passenger, depending on the circumstances.
Why Passenger Rights Are Important
Passenger rights laws exist to protect travelers from unfair treatment and to hold airlines accountable when disruptions happen. These rules apply regardless of whether you flew with a full-service carrier or a low-cost airline. Knowing your rights puts you in control and prevents airlines from dismissing valid claims.
When You Can Claim Flight Compensation
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- Your flight arrived at its final destination at least 3 hours late
- Your flight was canceled with less than 14 days’ notice
- You were denied boarding due to overbooking
These rights generally apply to flights departing from the EU or UK, or flights operated by EU or UK airlines. Connecting flights booked under one reservation are also covered.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Compensation amounts are based on flight distance:
- Short-haul flights may qualify for up to €250
- Medium-haul flights for up to €400
- Long-haul flights for up to €600
Airlines may offer vouchers instead of cash, but passengers are not required to accept them.
How Claim Assistance Helps
Filing a claim directly with the airline can work, but many claims are delayed or rejected without clear reasons. Claim assistance services handle the legal process, communicate with the airline, and escalate the claim if needed. These services usually charge a fee only if compensation is successfully recovered.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Passengers often lose compensation by accepting vouchers too quickly, missing legal deadlines, or assuming “extraordinary circumstances” automatically cancel their rights. Airlines must prove these circumstances, not just claim them.
Final Thoughts
Flight compensation is a legal right, not a bonus. If your travel plans were disrupted, it’s worth checking your eligibility. Many valid claims go unpaid simply because passengers never take action.
Take the next step: Check your flight details and find out if you’re owed compensation. It takes only a few minutes—and the payout can be worth it.
