When Can You Claim Compensation ?
You can claim compensation if:
✓ Your flight was delayed by over 3 hours
✓ Cancelled less than 14 days before departure
✓ You were denied boarding due to overbooking
✓ Your flight was from or to the EU on a European carrier
✓ The disruption wasn’t caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, terrorist attacks, air traffic control strikes)
How Much Compensation Can You Get ?
Compensation amounts vary based on flight distance and delay duration:
- Flights <1,500 km: 3+ hour delay → €250
- Flights 1,500–3,500 km: 3+ hour delay → €400
- Flights >3,500 km within the EU: 3+ hour delay → €400
- Flights >3,500 km EU ↔ Non-EU: 4+ hour delay → €600
Example: Paris → Istanbul flight delayed by 4 hours → €400 compensation.
Additional Passenger Rights
Assistance During the Wait:
- Meals and drinks
- Access to communication (phone, email)
- Accommodation if the flight is postponed to the next day
Refund or Re-routing:
In case of cancellation or denied boarding, the airline must offer:
- A refund of your ticket
- Re-routing to your final destination
What If the Airline Refuses to Compensate You ?
Many airlines try to reject or ignore claims. Fly Claim handles the entire process:
- Free analysis of your flight
- Administrative management of the claim
- No upfront fees: we only get paid if you win
Compensation vs. Refund: What’s the Difference?”
It’s common to confuse compensation and refund. Here’s the difference:
● Refund: covers the price of your ticket if your flight is cancelled and you choose not to travel.
● Compensation: a fixed reimbursement provided under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 for cancelled, delayed, or overbooked flights — even if you have already been refunded.
Good to know: In some situations, you may receive both a refund and compensation.
Fly-Claim Makes the Process Easy
Filing a claim with an airline can be long and frustrating. Responses are often vague or non-existent. With Fly Claim, you are supported at every step:
- Free analysis of your flight
- Handling all communications with the airline
- No payment if your claim is unsuccessful
With just a few clicks, Fly-Claim takes care of everything. You stay informed and save time.
What Should I Do If My Flight Affects My Hotel or Rental Booking ?
A cancelled or delayed flight can lead to costs for a missed hotel night or check-in. Even though EU Regulation EC 261 does not directly cover these expenses:
- Some travel insurance or credit cards may refund them
- You can attempt to claim compensation from the airline
- Fly Claim can help you assert your main rights to support your additional claim
Downgraded Flight: Know Your Rights
If the airline places you in a lower class than originally booked:
- 30% of the ticket price for flights up to 1,500 km
- 50% for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
- 75% for flights over 3,500 km
This refund is independent of EC 261 compensation, so you can receive both.
How to Check the Distance Between Two Airports to Calculate Your Compensation
The distance considered is the straight-line distance between the two cities, not the flight duration.
- Fly Claim automatically calculates this distance when analyzing your flight
- You can also use our free tools to find out the exact compensation you’re entitled to
No need to calculate everything manually — Fly-Claim does it for you.
Common Questions
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
In France, you have up to 5 years from the date of the flight to request compensation.
Can I Be Compensated If I Accepted a Voucher?
Generally, no. By accepting a voucher, you often waive your right to cash compensation. Fly-Claim helps you check what you agreed to.
Does This Apply to a Flight with a Stopover?
Yes, as long as all stopovers are part of the same booking.
