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Flight delayed or canceled? Up to 600 EUR compensation

Your flight was more than three hours late at the destination, canceled or overbooked? Then under the EU air passenger rights regulation you are often entitled to flat-rate compensation, in addition to a refund and regardless of the ticket price.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Demand compensation

Your chances of getting your money back

The compensation is 250 EUR (up to 1,500 km), 400 EUR (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 600 EUR (over 3,500 km), from 3 hours' delay at the destination, on cancellation or denied boarding.
In 'extraordinary circumstances' (for example severe weather, an air traffic control strike) the compensation does not apply. Technical defects usually do NOT count as extraordinary.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the claim

    It applies to departures from the EU (all airlines) and arrivals in the EU with an EU airline. What matters is the arrival delay at the final destination (from 3 hours).

  2. 2

    2. Secure your documents

    Keep the booking, boarding pass and, if possible, a confirmation of the delay or cancellation and the reason.

  3. 3

    3. Write to the airline directly

    Ask the airline in writing to pay the specific amount, with a deadline. Do not hastily give up cash in favor of vouchers.

  4. 4

    4. If refused, keep at it

    If the airline refuses, the conciliation body for public passenger transport (söp) or legal enforcement can help. The claims only become time-barred after years.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get money or only a voucher?

You are entitled to a cash payout; a voucher is only permitted with your consent. Do not let yourself be pushed toward a voucher if you prefer the cash payment.

Does this also apply to only a short delay?

The flat-rate compensation only applies from 3 hours' delay at the destination. For shorter delays, however, you may be entitled to care services (meals, possibly a hotel) and the reimbursement of resulting costs.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.