EU261 Claim Rejected? Here's What to Do Next

Quick answer:

Don't accept it. Most rejections can be challenged if:

• The airline cited "extraordinary circumstances" for a technical fault, crew issue, or IT failure
• The rejection didn't specify the actual cause of the disruption
• The airline simply didn't respond

Your next steps: formal follow-up → NEB escalation (free) → payment.

Check if your rejected claim is still valid →

Why Airlines Reject Valid Claims

Simple economics. If most passengers accept the first "no," the airline saves money. The rejection email is designed to look final. It usually isn't.

A significant number of rejected claims are eventually paid after follow-up or escalation to a National Enforcement Body.

Step 1: Read the Rejection Carefully

Look for the specific reason. Generic statements like "operational reasons" or "circumstances beyond our control" are not legally sufficient. The airline must identify the actual cause.

If the rejection doesn't state a specific reason, that alone is grounds for a follow-up.

Step 2: Check If Their Reason Is Valid

• Technical fault → Not extraordinary (Wallentin-Hermann, C-549/07)
• Hidden defect → Not extraordinary (Van der Lans, C-257/14)
• Crew shortage → Airline's responsibility
• IT failure → Within airline's control
• Bird strike → May qualify, but airline must prove all reasonable measures were taken
• Severe weather, ATC strikes, security threats → Generally valid

Step 3: Write a Follow-Up

Reference your original claim date. Quote the airline's stated reason. Cite the relevant case law. Restate the compensation amount. Set a new 14-day deadline.

Airlines take legally-cited follow-ups more seriously than frustrated complaints.

Step 4: Escalate to the NEB

If the airline doesn't budge, file a free complaint with the National Enforcement Body in the departure country. The NEB reviews the evidence and can compel payment. Takes 2-6 months but costs nothing.

For more on the full process: How to claim EU261 compensation yourself →

Should You Claim Yourself or Use a Service?

If you've already been rejected, you're in the persistence game. You can continue yourself with a follow-up letter and NEB escalation.

Or let FlightComp handle the rest — we deal with rejected claims, follow-ups, and escalation for 25% of whatever we recover. No win, no fee.

Let us take over your rejected claim → Free check

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I follow up with the airline? As many as needed. Two formal follow-ups (14 and 30 days) followed by NEB escalation is standard.

Can the airline change their reason for rejection? They sometimes do. Evaluate each response on its merits.

Is small claims court worth it? In some countries, yes — it's inexpensive and airlines often settle once a case is filed. Try the NEB route first.

Can FlightComp help after I've already been rejected? Yes. Many of our managed service claims involve passengers initially rejected by the airline.

Find out in 2 minutes if you can claim

Free eligibility check — no signup required. If you qualify, get your Flight Compensation Kit for $14.99 or let us handle everything for 25% (no win, no fee).