Flight compensation:how long does payment take?
European rules set fixed compensation amounts but no single universal deadline for paying them after a claim. The seven-day period concerns ticket reimbursement, not automatically the fixed compensation.
This guide provides general information. Eligibility always depends on the specific facts of the case.
There is no single EU-wide payment deadline for fixed compensation
Processing time depends on the airline, the evidence and the applicable procedure. Ask for acknowledgement and a written decision.
Do not confuse compensation of €250, €400 or €600 with ticket reimbursement: the latter is due within seven days where that remedy applies.
Compensation of up to €600
Where the conditions of European passenger-rights rules are met, the amount mainly depends on the flight distance.
These amounts are not automatic. Notice, rerouting, the cause and the facts of the case must be checked.
Check the file before following up
A complete request reduces avoidable delays.
Claim reference
Keep the reference and acknowledgement.
Airline decision
Distinguish pending, accepted, refused and unanswered claims.
Payment details
Check the account holder, IBAN and any legitimately requested document.
Promised timing
Keep the date stated by the airline so your follow-up is precise.
What can you do when payment is late?
Proceed step by step and retain every exchange.
Follow up in writing
Restate the reference, amount and evidence already supplied.
Set a reasonable deadline
Request a decision or payment by a clear date.
Formalise the demand
A formal notice may be appropriate under the relevant national procedure.
Escalate the case
ADR, a competent body or court may be considered depending on the case.
Seven days for a ticket refund is not a universal compensation deadline
Fixed compensation and ticket reimbursement are separate claims. Refer to the correct right when following up.
Why can payment be held up?
Identify the bottleneck before sending another message.
Incomplete file
Missing booking proof, evidence or payment details can slow processing.
Eligibility disputed
The airline may contest cause, notice, distance or final delay.
Internal processing
An accepted claim may still await approval or execution of the transfer.
Documents to keep
Boarding pass
Keep the pass and booking confirmation.
Notification
Keep the email or text with its date and time.
Original itinerary
Save the scheduled times and final destination.
Proposed solution
Keep proof of the refund or rerouting offered.
Reason given
Save messages and photographs of airport screens.
Expenses
Keep reasonable receipts if care was not provided.
Your request in four steps
Enter the flight
Add the number, date and full itinerary.
Describe the disruption
State the notice, timings and reason communicated.
Attach evidence
Provide messages, booking and relevant receipts.
Check your rights
The case is assessed before any action is taken.
Related pages to read
FAQ about compensation payment time
Must compensation be paid within seven days?
The seven-day rule applies to the prescribed ticket reimbursement, not as a universal deadline for every fixed compensation payment.
When should I follow up?
Follow up after the promised time or, if none was given, after a reasonable period with all references.
What should the message include?
Flight, date, booking, claim reference, amount and the documents already supplied.
The airline accepted but has not paid. What now?
Ask for a transfer date, verify bank details and formalise the demand if needed.
Can interest be claimed?
That depends on the applicable law and procedure and may require country-specific assessment.
How long do I have to act?
Limitation periods vary under the applicable law. Preserve evidence and do not wait unnecessarily.
Could your flight qualify for compensation?
Enter your journey for an initial assessment, with no upfront fees.