How do I file a claim for a delayed flight?

The first thing you should do when filing a claim for compensation for a delayed, canceled, or overbooked flight is to contact your airline. You can do this by calling them, writing to them, or asking a gate agent for the best method to file a complaint.



To file a claim for a delayed flight in 2026, you should first identify which passenger rights law applies: EC 261 (EU), UK 261 (UK), or the newly strengthened DOT rules (USA). If your flight was delayed over 3 hours for reasons within the airline's control (like mechanical issues or crew scheduling), you are often entitled to cash compensation. Start by visiting the airline's official website and searching for "Claims" or "Compensation Form." You will need your flight number, booking reference (PNR), and the length of the delay. In the U.S., the 2026 DOT guidelines now mandate automatic cash refunds if a flight is significantly delayed (over 3 hours domestic, 6 hours international) and you choose not to travel. For EU/UK flights, if the airline rejects your claim, you can escalate it to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Always keep copies of your boarding passes and any expense receipts for food or hotels during the delay.

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However, if your first flight is delayed for more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline that caused the delay. In addition to compensation, the airline must offer you a choice between: Reimbursement of your ticket and a return flight to your departure airport if you have a connecting flight.

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To receive compensation, you must file a claim with the airline for the delay, and the delay must have been caused by a factor within the airline's control (so a weather delay wouldn't count).

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When a flight delay occurs, you are entitled to assistance and a choice between rerouting, reimbursement, or rebooking. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to the same reimbursement, rerouting, and rebooking structure as a denied boarding.

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You're legally entitled to get compensation if the cancellation is the airline's responsibility and both the following apply: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 2 or more hours. your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.

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According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are tarmac delay rules that US airlines must follow: Carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours and an international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems it's ...

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Start by searching your airline's name with EU261.
You'll need to file the claim with the operating airline responsible for the flight delay or cancelation. It can take some time to get a response from an airline, so give it a few weeks to a month or so before following up if you don't get a response.

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If an airline is not honoring its refund policies or the airline's refund policies seem unfair or deceptive consider suing the airline in small claims court. In small claims court, the judge will be the ultimate decider of whether an airline's refund terms are fair or enforceable.

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In the event an airline refuses to acknowledge your claim, you need to seek legal advice or file a complaint with the airport's authority. However, you need to understand the reasons for the denial of the claim. Sometimes the extraordinary circumstances are legitimate.

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If you arrive at your domestic destination 2+ hours later than your original arrival time, international destination 4+ hours later than your original arrival time, or if the airline does not make substitute travel arrangements for you, you will be compensated for 400% of your one-way ticket price or a $1,550 maximum.

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Schedule Change/Significant Delay - A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline made a significant schedule change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel. DOT has not specifically defined what constitutes a “significant delay.”

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With this protection, you are assured a compensation in the event that your flight is delayed for more than 1 hour or if your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours.

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Similar to flight delay compensation amounts, you are entitled to reimbursement when a EU261-covered flight is canceled of up to 600 euros ($645). If your flight is canceled, the airline will also offer you three options, which are: Rerouting you to your final destination.

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If you have a travel insurance policy with delay coverage, it will pay claims for reasonable costs incurred while you wait for your trip to continue. However, reimbursement is only possible if the delay meets the minimum requirements laid out by the insurance company for time length and cause.

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According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are tarmac delay rules that US airlines must follow: Carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours and an international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems it's ...

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Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


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' If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: Yes, in many cases, especially during significant delays or cancellations not due to extraordinary circumstances, airlines may cover the cost of hotel accommodations for passengers.

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Passengers are only entitled to claim under the law if the delay or cancellation was within the airline's control. EU Reg 261 requires airlines to compensate passengers when flight delays or cancellations result in passengers reaching their final destination more than three hours later than originally scheduled.

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There is no set timeframe in which the airline must respond to you, but, in our experience, you should usually receive a response within 30 days, even if it is simply to say they are looking into the matter for you. If you don't receive a response, then you may wish to complain to the Civil Aviation Authority.

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Individuals can sue airlines in small claims court for damages caused by an airline's negligence. For example, damages can arise from personal injuries (for example a broken arm) or from emotional distress caused by an airline's negligent treatment.

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