How to proceed with a compensation claim against an airline

The first thing you should do when filing a claim for compensation for a delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight is to contact your airline. You can do this by calling them, writing to them, or asking a gate agent for the best method to file a complaint.

1. What happens if an airline won't pay compensation?
2. How do I file a claim against an airline?
3. How long do airlines have to respond to compensation claims?
4. How does flight compensation work?
5. Can I claim compensation if my flight is rescheduled?
6. How long of a delay before you get compensation?
7. How do I make a formal complaint against an airline?
8. How do I complain about an airline to get the best results?
9. How much do airlines pay for damaged luggage?
10. How long does an airline have to pay compensation?
11. How much compensation do you get for a Cancelled flight?
12. Is there a time limit on claiming flight compensation?

What happens if an airline won't pay compensation?

If the airline has denied your compensation, the next step is to take them to court. There are lawyers that specialise in air passenger rights that may be happy to help you with your case. You never know, you could win your compensation and help set precedence for other air passengers at the same time!

How do I file a claim against an airline?

It's often best to email or write to the airline's consumer office at its corporate headquarters. DOT requires airlines that fly to, from, or within the United States to state on their websites how and where complaints can be submitted. There may be a form on the airline's website for this purpose.

How long do airlines have to respond to compensation claims?

The Civil Aviation Authority is quoted as saying that claims should be forwarded to them if the airline fails to respond within 28 days, but warns that these claims can take a long time to resolve. You can also take your claim to the CAA if the airline refuses to pay compensation.

How does flight compensation work?

Claim compensation for a cancelled flight

You're legally entitled to get compensation if the cancellation is the airline's responsibility and either: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 2 or more hours. your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.

Can I claim compensation if my flight is rescheduled?

If you've been informed of your schedule change or rebooking 14 days or more before your departure date, you are, unfortunately, not entitled to claim compensation.

How long of a delay before you get compensation?

If you have a delayed flight, you are entitled to care from the airline — this includes food, drinks, access to communication, and accommodation if necessary. If the delay exceeded 3 hours and was not caused by a circumstance outside of the airline's control, then you may also be eligible for compensation.

How do I make a formal complaint against an airline?

Any consumer that wishes to proceed with their case, or did not receive information from Flight Reclaim Ltd about the conclusion of their case and the Civil Aviation Authority's opinion, can email our passenger advice and complaints team at [email protected], including their Civil Aviation Authority case ...

How do I complain about an airline to get the best results?

Send your claim to the airline's customer relations department. You can escalate your complaint if you don't get the result you hoped for.

How much do airlines pay for damaged luggage?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. airlines are liable for up to $3,500 in damages on domestic flights. However, you may only receive compensation up to $1,780 for incidents on international travel. Also, items packed improperly and carry-on items may not qualify for airline reimbursement.

How long does an airline have to pay compensation?

The airline is required to compensate you for a canceled flight if you were notified less than 14 days before your original scheduled departure date. However, compensation is not required if the airline proves that extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather) caused the cancellation.

How much compensation do you get for a Cancelled flight?

If you're delayed by more than three hours or your flight's cancelled, you're often entitled to between £110 and £520 in compensation – and it's possible to claim this for free using our step-by-step guide and free online tool.

Is there a time limit on claiming flight compensation?

The Civil Aviation Authority, the UK's enforcement body when it comes to Regulation EC 261/2004, established that you have up to six years after the date of your disruption to claim compensation and you are awarded the same timeframe in Ireland.