Can I file for compensation on my own?
Absolutely! You can contact the airline directly to start the process of getting compensated. Some people are DIY-ers and like to file their own taxes, change the oil in their own car, or sell their own house. Others feel like they already have a lot going on in their life and would rather outsource some of their tasks and use the services of an accountant or a mechanic or a realtor. EU Flight Delay offers a service for people who would rather have professionals deal with the airline. We are a “no win, no fee” company, which means that we only get paid if we are successful in securing your compensation. Our fee is 30% of whatever the airline pays you.
What flights and airlines are covered under EU regulation EC 261/2004?
• all flights – irrespective of the particular airline – leaving from an EU airport
• flights arriving to an EU airport on a European airline
What should I do if my flight was delayed?
If your flight to, from, or within Europe was significantly (more than three hours) late and the airline is responsible for the delay, you are entitled to compensation according to EU regulation EC 261/2004. The amount of this compensation depends on the length of the route and varies between 250 and 600 euros but for all flights between Europe and North America, the compensation amount prescribed by law is 600 euros (or about 700 dollars) for flights delayed by more than four hours and 300 euros (or about 350 dollars) for flight delayed between three and four hours. If you would like to be sure to receive this compensation, please fill out our online survey, or get in touch with us via email at info@euflightdelay.com.
What should I do if my flight was canceled?
If your flight to, from, or within Europe was canceled within two weeks of your departure and the airline is responsible for the cancellation, you are entitled to compensation according to EU regulation EC 261/2004. The amount of this compensation depends on the length of the route and varies between 250 and 600 euros but for all flights between Europe and North America, the compensation amount prescribed by law for canceled flights or flights delayed by more than four hours is 600 euros (or about 700 dollars). For flights delayed between three and four hours, the compensation amount is 300 euros (or about 350 dollars). If you would like to be sure to receive this compensation, please fill out our online survey, or get in touch with us via email at info@euflightdelay.com.
When is the airline NOT responsible for the delay or cancellation?
In cases when the delay or cancellation was caused by bad weather, a strike, an accident, or an unexpected airport closure, you are not entitled to monetary compensation (though the airline is still supposed to pay for your food and hotel costs). It is important to note that in the case of mechanical problems, the airline is held legally responsible and the passengers should receive compensation.
How can I know whether I am entitled to compensation?
Fill out our online questionnaire or get in touch with us via email and we will let you know within 48 hours whether you are legally entitled to receive compensation and if so, how much you might receive.
How can I go about receiving compensation?
Fill out our online questionnaire or get in touch with us via email info@euflightdelay.com.
What about flights within the U.S.?
Unfortunately, there is no law in the United States that protects the rights of air passengers the way the European law does. If your flight within the U.S. is significantly delayed or canceled, it is up to the airline whether they offer any monetary compensation. Not surprisingly, they usually don’t.
What about flights to Asia?
Since the law requiring compensation for delayed or canceled flights is a European regulation, the only flights to Asia that are covered are ones leaving from an EU airport.
What is considered a “significant” delay?
For the purposes of EU regulation EC 261/2004, if you reach your final destination more than three hours after your scheduled arrival, you are entitled to monetary compensation of up to 600 euros (about 700 dollars).
Where can I find my booking reference or e-ticket number?
A booking reference is a six-character alphanumeric code that is specific to an individual flight reservation. It is also known as a confirmation number or reference number. You should be able to find it in the email confirmation of your reservation. Your e-ticket number can be found in the email ticket you have received after booking your flight. You can also try logging into the airline’s website to locate one of these numbers.
What documents do you need to handle my claim?
We need a signed authorization and a copy of your passport.
How long will it take to get my money?
Depending on the airline, the time of year, and some other factors, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get your claim processed and paid by the airline. In our experience, if everything goes smoothly, it takes 2-3 months on average from the time you submit your claim to us until you get paid. If we end up having to go to court to get your payment, this process can take a lot longer. Rest assured, we won’t quit until you have received the compensation you’re entitled to.
How much money will I get? How will I receive my payment?
The amount of money the airlines must pay for a delayed or canceled flight depends on the distance of the flight and is either 250 euros, 400 euros, or 600 euros. For all flights between the U.S. and Europe, the compensation amount is 600 euros with the only exception of flights that are delayed by more than three but less than four hours: in these cases, the compensation amount is 300 euros. Our commission is 30% of the compensation amount. You don’t pay us anything unless we have successfully secured your compensation from the airline.
Are there extra costs in case of litigation?
No, there aren’t! Our 30% fee includes the cost of our European legal team that takes the airlines to court if necessary. After some of the court decisions in the past, airlines have paid many other claims besides the specific one that the court decision was about.
What happens if the airline pays me directly? Do I still owe you money?
In some cases, the airline might reach out to you directly to settle your claim. Once you have signed the authorization entrusting us with your claim, we start working on it immediately and submit it to the airline within a few days. So even if the airline tries to settle with you directly later, you will still owe us our commission (see our Terms of Service for more information).
How can I check the status of my claim?
We will email you as soon as there is new information regarding your claim. However, you are welcome to reach out to us as well. We are available via email (info@euflightdelay.com) at any time. You may also send us a private message via our facebook page and we will promptly get back to you.