Airline Delay & Cancellation Compensation: What You're Owed and How to Claim It

Airlines delay or cancel millions of flights every year. Most passengers accept a travel voucher or nothing at all — not knowing they may be legally entitled to cash compensation. Whether your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, this guide explains exactly what you're owed and how to claim it.

The rules vary significantly depending on where your flight departed from. Passengers flying from the EU or UK have some of the strongest consumer protections in the world. US passengers have fewer automatic rights, but still have options worth pursuing.

EU and UK Flights — Your Legal Rights Under EC 261/2004

If your flight departed from an EU or UK airport, you are protected by EC Regulation 261/2004 — one of the strongest passenger rights laws in the world.

You may be entitled to compensation of:

• €250 (~$270) for flights under 1,500 km delayed by 3+ hours
• €400 (~$435) for flights between 1,500–3,500 km delayed by 3+ hours
• €600 (~$650) for flights over 3,500 km delayed by 3+ hours or cancelled

This applies regardless of which airline you flew. The airline must pay unless the delay was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" — meaning weather events, air traffic control strikes, or security incidents outside the airline's control. Mechanical failures and staffing issues do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.

Time limit: You have up to 6 years to file a claim in the UK and up to 3 years in most EU countries.

US Flights — What the DOT Requires

US regulations are less generous, but you still have rights:

Cancelled flights: If your flight is cancelled for any reason, the airline must offer you a full cash refund if you choose not to rebook. You are not required to accept a travel voucher.

Significant delays: As of 2024, the US DOT defines a "significant delay" as 3+ hours for domestic flights and 6+ hours for international. Airlines are now required to provide cash refunds for significant delays if you choose not to travel.

Overbooking (involuntary bumping): If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, you are entitled to:

• 200% of your one-way fare (max $775) for delays of 1–2 hours on domestic flights
• 400% of your one-way fare (max $1,550) for delays over 2 hours

How to File a Claim

Step 1: Gather your documentation. You need your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any communication from the airline about the delay or cancellation.

Step 2: Calculate your eligibility. Use the free calculator at the bottom of this page to estimate your compensation amount and likelihood of success.

Step 3: Contact the airline directly. Submit a written claim to the airline's customer relations department. Reference the specific regulation (EC 261/2004 for EU/UK flights, DOT rules for US flights). Airlines are more likely to pay when you cite the specific law.

Step 4: If the airline refuses, use a claims service. Companies like AirHelp handle the entire claims process on your behalf and only charge a fee if they recover compensation for you — typically 25-35% of the recovered amount.

Common Questions

How long does a claim take? Direct claims typically take 4–8 weeks. Claims filed through a service like AirHelp may take longer but require no effort on your part.

Does it matter which airline I flew? For EU/UK departures, the regulation applies to all airlines regardless of their home country. A Delta flight from London to New York qualifies.

What if the airline offered me a voucher and I accepted? Accepting a voucher does not necessarily waive your right to cash compensation under EC 261/2004. Consult a claims service if you're unsure.

Not sure if your flight qualifies? Use the free calculator below. Answer three questions and you'll get an estimated compensation amount and the likelihood of a successful claim in under 60 seconds.