Enforcing flight compensation: when the airline does not pay

Many airlines pay the justified compensation only after persistent follow-up. Do not let yourself be brushed off: you can set a deadline, involve the free conciliation body and, if necessary, enforce the claim in court. It is important to keep an eye on the limitation period.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Your claim to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 in Germany generally only becomes time-barred after three years (the end of the third year after the flight). So you have time to enforce it.

For disputes with airlines there is a free conciliation body (söp or the Conciliation Body for Air Transport). The procedure is low-threshold and free of charge for you.

What you should do now

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1. Quantify the claim
Calculate the compensation payment by distance and put together evidence (booking, delay/cancellation).
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2. Demand with a deadline
Ask the airline in writing with a concrete payment deadline and announce further steps.
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3. Use conciliation
If it does not pay, involve the free conciliation body for air transport.
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4. Note the limitation period
Enforce your claim in time, as a rule within three years. For larger amounts, legal help is possible.

How to spot the scam

The airline does not respond to inquiries at all or only with boilerplate text.
A voucher is offered instead of money.
The limitation period expires without you having acted.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have for the flight compensation?

In Germany the claim generally becomes time-barred after three years, counted until the end of the third year after the affected flight. Within this period you should assert and, if necessary, enforce the claim.

What can I do if the airline does not pay?

Demand in writing with a deadline, document everything and involve the free conciliation body for air transport. If the airline remains inactive, you can enforce the claim in court; legal expenses insurance often helps.

Is a debt collection or air passenger rights service provider worth it?

Such services enforce claims for a success commission. That can be convenient, but it costs part of the compensation. Asserting the claim yourself is free, and the conciliation body supports you in doing so.

Take action now

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

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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.