On this page, discover when you're eligible, how compensation works, and how to check your right to compensation for free.
When can you get compensation for a disrupted flight?
European Regulation EC 261/2004 governs air passenger rights in case of disruption. Under this regulation, you may be entitled to financial compensation if certain conditions are met.
Flight delayed by more than 3 hours
If your flight arrived at its final destination with a delay exceeding 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation.
The amount depends on the flight distance:
- € €250 for flights under 1,500 km
- € €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- € €600 for flights over 3,500 km
Delay is calculated upon arrival, not departure.
Cancelled flight
You may also be compensated if:
- Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure
- You were not notified sufficiently in advance
- The airline did not offer you an equivalent alternative
Even if a replacement flight is offered, compensation may still be due depending on the final arrival time.
Denied boarding (overbooking)
Overbooking is a common airline practice. If you are denied boarding against your will despite having a valid reservation, you may be compensated.
Diverted flight or missed connection
A diverted flight or missed connection caused by an initial delay may also qualify for compensation if your final arrival is delayed by more than 3 hours.
What are the exceptions?
Certain situations may exclude compensation:
- Extreme weather conditions
- Air traffic control strikes
- Political instability
- Security risks
However, internal technical issues with the airline are generally not considered extraordinary circumstances.
Eligible flights
You may be covered if:
- Your flight departed from a European Union country
- Or if the airline is European and the flight arrived in the EU
Even if you are not a European citizen, you may be eligible.
How long do you have to claim?
The statute of limitations depends on the country. In some states, you can claim up to 3 to 5 years after the flight.
How to check your eligibility for free?
Rather than attempting a sometimes complex procedure on your own, you can use a specialized engine that checks your case for free in minutes.
👉 Check your compensation hereAutomatic eligibility check for compensation
You can use the engine below to immediately check if your flight is eligible:
This engine allows you to:
- Enter your departure airport
- Your final destination
- The flight date
- The nature of the disruption
Analysis is free and without obligation.
Why use a specialized service?
Airlines often reject initial claims or invoke extraordinary circumstances.
A specialized service:
- Analyzes case law
- Manages communications with the airline
- Initiates legal proceedings if necessary
- Handles your case from A to Z
Compensation is typically based on a success-only commission. No payment is requested if you receive nothing.
How much can you actually receive?
Examples:
Paris – Rome flight delayed 4 hours → €250
Paris – New York flight cancelled → €600
Barcelona – Bangkok flight with missed connection → €600
Each passenger is compensated individually.
A family of 4 could therefore recover up to €2,400.
Can you combine compensation and refund?
Yes.
Compensation for disrupted flights is separate from:
- Airport tax refunds
- Ticket refunds
- Meal or hotel expenses
You can combine these rights depending on your situation.
Why check even if the airline already refused?
An initial rejection doesn't mean you're not eligible.
Some airlines automatically reject claims without thorough analysis. A specialized service can contest this refusal.
How to maximize the value of your ticket?
An unused or disrupted ticket can generate multiple opportunities:
Resell your ticket if possible
Recover airport taxes
Claim flight compensation
It's essential to explore all options to avoid losing money unnecessarily.
Simple procedure in 3 steps
Check your eligibility for free
Confirm your claim
Receive your compensation
Quick FAQ
Does this work for low-cost flights?
Yes, if the airline operates within the EU or the flight departs from a European country.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the case. Some claims are settled in weeks, others may require legal action.
Do I need to pay upfront?
No, the model is based on a success-only commission. No payment is requested if you receive nothing.
Can I apply myself?
Yes, but the process can be lengthy and complex. A specialized service increases your chances of success.
Conclusion
A delayed or cancelled flight isn't just an inconvenience: it can represent significant financial compensation.
Millions of euros are recovered each year by passengers unaware of their rights.
Before giving up, take two minutes to check your eligibility.
👉 Check my compensation for free