File your own EU261 claim without a lawyer. Step-by-step guide to claiming up to €600 for cancelled or delayed EU flights.
Quick answer:
You don't need a lawyer or a claims company. Here's what you need:
Or skip the DIY — check your eligibility in 30 seconds →
EU261 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport (any airline) and flights arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline.
You qualify if your flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, arrived 3+ hours late at your final destination, or you were involuntarily denied boarding.
The disruption must have been within the airline's control. Technical faults, crew issues, and operational decisions qualify. Severe weather and ATC strikes generally don't.
You'll need your booking confirmation or e-ticket, the flight number and date, and the departure and arrival airports. A boarding pass helps but isn't always required. Save any written communication from the airline about the disruption.
The amount depends on distance, not ticket price:
A passenger who paid €30 for a budget flight gets the same compensation as someone in business class.
Your letter should include your full name and contact details, the flight number, date and route, the nature of the disruption, the specific EU261 articles (Article 5 for cancellations, Article 6 for delays, Article 4 for denied boarding, Article 7 for the compensation amount), the exact amount you're claiming, and a 14-day deadline for response.
Keep it formal and factual. Cite the regulation, state the amount, set the deadline.
Find the airline's claims contact. Some accept email, others require their online portal. Send your letter and save a copy with the date.
Airlines typically respond within 4-8 weeks. If you hear nothing in 14 days, send a follow-up referencing your original claim.
If they reject your claim, read the rejection carefully. If they cite extraordinary circumstances for a technical fault, crew shortage, or IT failure, the rejection is likely invalid. Push back citing the relevant EU case law.
For more on handling rejections: What to do when your EU261 claim is rejected →
If the airline won't pay, file a free complaint with the National Enforcement Body in the departure country. They'll review the case and can compel payment.
The DIY process works if you're persistent. But airlines drag their feet, reject valid claims, and count on you giving up.
FlightComp's Flight Compensation Kit ($14.99) gives you a ready-made, legally-cited letter tailored to your flight, plus follow-up templates.
Or hand it off entirely — our managed service handles submission, follow-ups, and escalation for 25% of whatever we recover. No win, no fee.
Check if you're owed up to €600 → Free, no signup
Do I need a boarding pass to claim? It helps, but a booking confirmation or e-ticket receipt is usually sufficient.
Can I claim if I booked through Expedia or another third party? Yes. Your rights under EU261 are based on the flight, not where you booked it.
What if I already contacted the airline and they said no? You can still pursue the claim. Read our guide to handling rejected claims.
Is there a deadline to claim? Most EU countries allow up to 3 years. Some allow up to 6. Don't wait.
Can I claim for multiple passengers on one booking? Yes. Each passenger is entitled to the full compensation amount individually.
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).
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