Flight Delayed? Here's Exactly How Much You're Owed (2026 Guide)

Did your flight get delayed or cancelled? Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you could be entitled to €250 to €600 in compensation — and most passengers never claim it. This comprehensive flight delay compensation guide explains exactly how much you're owed, when you're eligible, and how to file your EU261 claim.

What Is EU261/2004?

EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly called "EU261") is a European law that protects air passengers. It requires airlines to compensate passengers for:

• Flight delays of 3 hours or more at your final destination
• Flight cancellations with less than 14 days' notice
• Denied boarding due to overbooking
• Missed connections where you arrive 3+ hours late

This law applies to all flights departing from EU airports (regardless of airline) and all flights arriving in the EU on EU-based airlines. It also covers the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

How Much Flight Delay Compensation Are You Owed?

The amount of your EU261 claim depends on the distance of your flight. You can also use our compensation calculator to see exactly how much you'd keep with WairHelp vs. other services:

When Are You Eligible for Flight Compensation?

Flight Delays

You're eligible for flight delay compensation when you arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours late. The delay is measured by when the aircraft doors open at your arrival airport, not when the plane lands.

Flight Cancellations

If your flight was cancelled, you're entitled to compensation unless the airline informed you at least 14 days before departure, or offered an alternative flight that arrives within a certain window of the original schedule.

Denied Boarding

If you were bumped from an overbooked flight against your will, you're entitled to denied boarding compensation — this is one of the strongest claims under EU261.

The "Extraordinary Circumstances" Exception

Airlines don't have to pay compensation if the delay was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" — events outside the airline's control. These include:

• Severe weather (not just bad weather — it must be genuinely dangerous)
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Security threats or political instability
• Bird strikes (in some jurisdictions)

What's NOT an extraordinary circumstance: technical problems, crew shortages, operational issues, or IT failures. These are considered within the airline's control, and you're entitled to compensation.

How to File a Flight Compensation Claim

You have three options for filing your EU261 claim:

Option 1: Claim Directly With the Airline

You can contact the airline yourself. However, airlines routinely reject valid claims, delay responses, and make the process as difficult as possible. Many passengers give up after the first rejection — which is exactly what airlines count on.

Option 2: Use a Traditional Claims Company (Like AirHelp)

Companies like AirHelp handle the claim on your behalf. The downside? They take 25–35% of your compensation. On a €600 claim, that's up to €210 gone. Read our full AirHelp fees breakdown.

Option 3: Use an AI-Powered Service (Like WairHelp)

WairHelp uses AI to automate the entire process for a flat fee of $25 / €20. No percentage cuts. The AI checks your eligibility, calculates your compensation, and files the claim — all in under 2 minutes.

Common Questions About Flight Delay Compensation

How far back can I claim?

In most EU countries, you can claim for flights from the past 3 years. In the UK, it's 6 years. Some countries allow even longer.

Do I need to have booked directly with the airline?

No. You're entitled to compensation regardless of where you booked — airline website, travel agent, Expedia, or any other booking platform.

What if the airline offered me a voucher?

Under EU261, you have the right to cash compensation. Airlines often try to offer vouchers or miles instead, but you're not obligated to accept them. You can still claim your full monetary compensation.

What if my flight was with a non-EU airline?

If the flight departed from an EU airport, you're covered regardless of the airline. If it departed from outside the EU and arrived in the EU, you're only covered if the airline is EU-based.

Don't Leave Money on the Table

Airlines count on passengers not knowing their rights — or giving up when the process gets difficult. Every year, billions of euros in valid claims go uncollected.

Whether you choose to file yourself, use a traditional service, or try an AI-powered AirHelp alternative, the most important thing is to file your claim. You earned that compensation — don't let it disappear.

Check your eligibility with WairHelp — it's free and takes 30 seconds.