Claim it yourself: the free way to get flight delay compensation (with letter)

Compensation is not paid automatically. You have to ask. The good news: asking is free, and you don’t need anyone’s help.

Before you start

Check you’re likely to have a case. Our three-question check takes under a minute. Then gather:

• Your booking reference and flight number.
• The date and the scheduled and actual arrival times.
• Names of everyone on the booking (each passenger can claim).
• Receipts for anything you paid for while waiting: food, a hotel, transport.
• Any message from the airline giving a reason for the delay.

Step 1: claim from the airline

Most airlines have an online claim form. Use it if there is one. If not, email customer services with the letter below.

Step 2: wait up to 8 weeks

If the airline pays, you’re done. If it refuses, read the reason carefully. “Extraordinary circumstances” is the usual one. Ask for the details in writing.

Step 3: escalate

If the airline says no and you disagree, or it hasn’t replied after 8 weeks:

• Flights under UK261: go to the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme the airline belongs to. If it doesn’t belong to one, the CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT) can help.
• Flights under EU261: contact the national enforcement body of the country where the problem happened, or an ADR scheme if the airline uses one.

Court is the last resort, and usually not needed.

The letter

Copy it, fill in the brackets, delete what doesn’t apply.

Subject: Compensation claim under UK261/EU261 – flight [number], [date]

Dear [airline],

I was booked on flight [number] from [airport] to [airport] on [date], booking reference [reference]. The flight arrived [number] hours late / was cancelled on [date].

Under Regulation 261/2004 (as it applies in the UK and/or the EU), I am claiming compensation of [£220/£350/£520 or €250/€400/€600] per passenger for [number] passengers: [names].

I also claim [amount] for meals / accommodation / transport while I waited. Receipts are attached.

If you believe the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, please give me the specific reason in writing, with evidence, and explain why the delay could not have been avoided.

Please pay to [bank details or “the original payment card”] within 14 days.

Yours faithfully, [name, address, email]

Should I use a claim company instead?

You can, and they do the chasing for you. But they keep a share of your money. If the airline has a simple form, it’s worth trying yourself first.