Flight delay or cancellation compensation letter
If your flight arrived more than three hours late, was cancelled at short notice, or you were denied boarding, EU Regulation 261/2004 may entitle you to fixed compensation of €250 to €600 per passenger.
Who is covered
- Flights departing from an airport in the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, on any airline.
- Flights arriving in the EU from outside it, if the airline is an EU carrier.
- Flights from the UK are covered by the UK's own version of the rule (UK261), with amounts in pounds.
How much you can claim
- €250 for flights of 1,500 km or less.
- €400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km, and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km. This can be reduced by half if you arrived less than four hours late.
When the airline does not have to pay
- Extraordinary circumstances outside the airline's control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
- Cancellations announced at least 14 days before departure.
- Technical faults are usually not extraordinary circumstances, so do not accept that reason without asking for details.
Questions people ask
How long do I have to claim for a delayed flight?
The time limit depends on the country where you bring the claim and ranges from one to six years. Claim as soon as you can, while you still have your booking confirmation and boarding pass.
Do I get compensation if the delay was caused by weather?
Usually not. Severe weather counts as an extraordinary circumstance. However, the airline still has to provide meals, refreshments and accommodation if you are stuck at the airport.
Can I claim for every passenger on the booking?
Yes. Compensation is per passenger, including children who had their own seat. Name every passenger in your letter.
Should I use a claim agency or write to the airline myself?
Writing yourself costs nothing and you keep the full amount. A claim agency takes a share of the payout, but it chases the airline for you and can go to court if the airline refuses.
This template and guide are general information, not legal advice. Rules differ between countries. For large amounts or complex cases, talk to a consumer organisation or a lawyer.