At Aireclaim, we simplify the legal and technical terms behind flight disruption claims. Whether you're dealing with a delay, cancellation, or missed connection, this glossary will help you understand what you're entitled to — and how we help you get it.
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Passenger Rights
A set of protections established by EU Regulation 261/2004 and other laws that ensure compensation, care, and assistance for air travellers in case of flight disruptions.
Boarding Pass
A document (digital or printed) that grants access to board the flight. Although not always required for compensation claims, it helps verify that the passenger was present and ready to travel.
Cancelled Flight
A flight that was scheduled but did not operate. If you were notified less than 14 days before departure and arrived late at your final destination, you may be entitled to compensation.
Care Rights (Right to Care)
The right to receive meals, drinks, accommodation, and transport during a delay or cancellation, depending on the length of the delay and the flight distance.
Claim
The formal process of requesting compensation or a refund under passenger rights laws. Aireclaim handles this process for passengers.
Compensation
Financial payment owed to passengers under EU Regulation 261/2004 when flights are significantly delayed, cancelled, or boarding is denied. The amount can be 250€, 400€ or 600€ and it depends on the flight distance and the duration of the disruption.
Connecting Flight
A subsequent flight in a journey. If a delay or cancellation causes you to miss a connection and arrive late at your final destination, you may qualify for compensation — if all flights were booked under one reservation.
Denied Boarding
When a passenger is not allowed to board the plane, typically due to overbooking, despite having a valid ticket and being on time. This qualifies for up to €600 in compensation.
EU Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261)
The European law that governs air passenger rights in the EU. It applies to:
- All flights departing from the EU
- All flights arriving into the EU with an EU-based airline
It outlines the rules for compensation, care, rebooking, and refunds.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Situations beyond the airline’s control that may exempt them from paying compensation, such as air traffic control strikes, natural disasters and severe weather conditions. Other situations that do not qualify as extraordinary can be technical faults, crew scheduling errors or airline staff strikes.
Final Destination
The last stop in your itinerary. Compensation depends on the delay at your final destination, not the location of the initial disruption.
Flight Distance
Used to calculate compensation:
- Up to 1,500 km → €250
- 1,500–3,500 km → €400
- Over 3,500 km → €600
Flight Disruption
Any unplanned change to your flight, such as delays, cancellations, or denied boarding, which may give rise to legal rights for compensation.
Itinerary
The full route of your journey, including connections. Important for determining if a missed connection or delay affected your final destination arrival time.
Missed Connection
Occurs when your first flight is disrupted, causing you to miss your next flight under the same booking. Eligibility requires a 3+ hour delay at your final destination and a single reservation.
No Win, No Fee
Aireclaim’s model: We only charge a fee if your claim is successful. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees.
One Booking / Single Reservation
All flight segments purchased together under one reference number. This is required for claims involving missed connections.
Overbooking
A common airline practice of selling more tickets than seats. If this leads to denied boarding, you are legally entitled to compensation.
Passenger Locator Form
A form some countries require passengers to complete before travel. Not related to compensation directly, but sometimes requested during claims for identification.
Rebooking
An alternative flight offered after a cancellation. Even if you're rebooked, you're still entitled to compensation if you arrive at your destination 3+ hours late.
Refund
The return of your ticket cost, usually when you choose not to travel due to a disruption. This is separate from compensationand you might be eligible for both.
Right to Information
Airlines must inform you of your rights in case of disruption — including your right to compensation, rebooking, or refund.
Right to Refund
If your flight is cancelled or delayed over 5 hours and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket.
Right to Reimbursement
Covers additional expenses (meals, hotels, transport) caused by disruption, provided the airline did not offer assistance. They are covered in certain circumstances and you need to keep the receipts to present to the airline.
Technical Fault
A failure or malfunction in the aircraft — not considered extraordinary under EU law. This means you’re still entitled to compensation.
Ticket Price
The cost you paid for your flight. Compensation under EU261/2004 is not based on ticket price, but rather on flight distance and delay length.
Triple Choice Rule
When your flight is cancelled, EU law gives you three options:
- Refund
- Rebooking at earliest opportunity
- Rebooking at a later date of your choice
This is a legal right, not an airline courtesy.
Voucher
A travel credit offered in place of a refund. Important: Accepting a voucher does not cancel your right to monetary compensation under EU law.
How to claim Flight Cancellation Compensation Step-by-Step
Claiming your flight cancellation compensation with AireClaim is quick and simple:
1. Complete your flight compensation form
- Enter your departure airport and final destination.
- Indicate if you had connecting flights.
2. Add your disruption details
- Select the type of disruption (delay, cancellation, missed connection).
- Enter the scheduled and actual arrival times.
3. Provide the reason for the disruption (if known)
4. Review and submit
- We’ll analyse your case, contact the airline, and handle all the paperwork at no upfront cost.
Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from cancellations to flight delays and missed flights — ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
You can start your claim now using our secure online form.