Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify Your Issue
First, determine what happened to your flight:
- Delay: You arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late
- Cancellation: Your flight was cancelled and you were given less than 14 days notice
- Denied Boarding: You were bumped from an overbooked flight despite having a valid ticket
- Missed Connection: A delay on your first flight caused you to miss your connecting flight
Step 2: Enter Your Flight Details
Provide information about your disrupted flight:
- Airline name
- Flight number (e.g., BA123, FR456)
- Date of travel
- Departure and arrival airports
- Booking reference (optional but helpful)
We use this to identify which regulation applies (EU261, UK261, etc.) and calculate your compensation amount based on flight distance.
Step 3: Get Your Claim Letter
Our system generates a professional compensation claim letter that includes:
- Your personal details and flight information
- Reference to the applicable regulation (EU261/2004, UK261, etc.)
- The correct compensation amount based on flight distance
- Legal arguments supporting your claim
- A clear request for payment within a reasonable timeframe
- Warning of escalation if the claim is rejected
Step 4: Send Your Claim
You have several options to get your letter:
- Copy to Clipboard: Paste directly into an email
- Download TXT: Save as a text file
- Email to Yourself: Send a copy to your own email
📧 Finding Airline Contact Details
Most airlines have a dedicated customer relations or complaints email. Search "[Airline name] customer relations email" or check the airline's website under "Contact Us" or "Customer Service".
Compensation Amounts
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (and UK261), compensation is based on flight distance:
What Happens After You Send Your Claim?
Typical Timeline
- 0-2 weeks: Airline acknowledges receipt
- 2-6 weeks: Airline reviews your claim
- 6-8 weeks: Decision and payment (if approved)
If Your Claim Is Accepted
The airline will usually pay directly to your bank account or issue a cheque. Some may offer vouchers - you are NOT obligated to accept vouchers in place of cash compensation.
If Your Claim Is Rejected
Don't give up! Many initial rejections are overturned. You can:
- Ask for a detailed explanation of why they rejected your claim
- Send a follow-up letter addressing their concerns
- Escalate to the national enforcement body (e.g., UK CAA, national aviation authorities)
- Use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes
- Take the matter to small claims court
⚠️ Common Rejection Tactics
Airlines often reject claims citing "extraordinary circumstances" when the disruption was actually their fault. Technical issues, crew shortages, and operational problems are NOT extraordinary circumstances according to European Court rulings. Don't accept a rejection without questioning it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really free?
Yes! Generating your claim letter is 100% free. We make money through advertising and optional premium features - you never pay for the basic letter generation.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Time limits vary by country. In the UK, it's 6 years. In most EU countries, it's 2-3 years. Some countries allow even longer. Check our guides for specifics.
Can I claim for flights from years ago?
Potentially yes, within the time limits. Many passengers have successfully claimed for flights several years in the past.
What if I booked through a travel agent?
Your claim is against the airline, not the travel agent. The airline operated the flight and is responsible for compensation.
Do I need a lawyer?
For most straightforward claims, no. Our letters are designed to be legally sound. If you need to go to court, small claims procedures are designed to be handled without lawyers.