What do I need to claim a delayed flight?

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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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.

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After such time, airlines must provide: a reasonable amount of food and drink (often given in the form of vouchers to be used at the airport); accommodation, if you're rerouted the next day; and transport to and from the accommodation (or your home, if you're able to return there).

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Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late. Canceled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.

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Tweeting at the airline's customer service team, submitting a request for compensation online or writing a letter the old fashioned way are other options that have met with success…

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If there is a flight delay of 2 hours, the airline staff will usually provide you with vouchers that can be redeemed at local airport restaurants and snack bars.

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So it can delay the flight for an hour to several hours until the problem is fixed. Technical issues are pretty rare, but airlines are liable to pay compensation to their passengers if the delay is of more than 3 hours. The amount of compensation, however, depends upon the flight distance.

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If you arrive at your destination within 1 hour of your original scheduled arrival time, you will not be compensated. If you arrive at your destination between 1 to 2 hours after your original arrival time, you will be compensated for 200% of your one-way ticket price or a $775 maximum.

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There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers. If your flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

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Beyond Airline Compensation: Other Rights That Come With EC 261. In addition to compensation for your loss of time, if your delay exceeds 5 hours, you are entitled to a full or partial refund of your original ticket and a return flight to your point of departure, if needed.

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The amount of flight delay compensation United States travelers can claim varies. There's a maximum of $700 (excluding accommodation and food costs, which airlines may have to cover). But even short delays can incur penalties of $200 or more.

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Common Complaints and Lawsuits Against Airlines
  • An airline has damaged your luggage.
  • An airline has breached a term under its contract of carriage.
  • An airline has canceled your flight.
  • You were bumped from a flight because the airline overbooked it.
  • An airline has lost or delayed delivery of your luggage.


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Delayed aircraft are estimated to have cost the airlines several billion dollars in additional expense. Delays also drive the need for extra gates and ground personnel and impose costs on airline customers (including shippers) in the form of lost productivity, wages and goodwill.

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DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send consumers written responses addressing these complaints within 60 days of receiving them (30 days for disability-related complaints). DOT also asks that ticket agents respond to consumer who file complaints with them.

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If the airline resists, tell them you know you are legally entitled to a full refund. The law says you can't be forced to accept a credit or voucher instead of all of your money back, including baggage fees, seat selection fees, taxes, etc.

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Generally, yes you can sue an airline in small claims court. The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”), which is a federal agency that regulates airlines operating in the U.S, even publishes a Consumer's Guide to Small Claims Court.

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Yes, there are many circumstances under which you may rightfully sue an airline. Common situations giving rise to airline complaints include: Personal Injury. Physical and Emotional Distress.

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