The formal process of requesting compensation or a refund under passenger rights laws.
Learn More About the Definition of "Flight Claim"
In air travel, a compensation flight claim is the process of asserting your legal rights after a disruption. If the flight falls within the scope of EU261/UK261, you may be entitled to a fixed monetary amount (up to €600/£520) plus care (meals, accommodation) or a refund/re-routing, depending on the case. Submitting a flight claim means providing details of your journey, the disruption, and supporting documents so the airline can assess liability.
When does a Flight Claim apply?
You can submit a flight claim when your situation meets the regulation’s conditions, for example:
- Flight delay: Arrived 3+ hours late and the cause was within the airline’s control.
- Cancellation: Flight was cancelled and notice was shorter than 14 days (or re-routing didn’t meet the time thresholds).
- Denied boarding (overbooking): You were involuntarily bumped despite having a valid ticket and check-in.
- Downgrading: You were placed in a lower class than ticketed (refund of a percentage of the fare).
Geographic scope: The flight departed from the EU/UK, or arrived in the EU/UK on an EU/UK carrier.
Exclusions: Extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, ATC strikes unrelated to the airline) may limit cash compensation, though care may still apply.
Why does it matter?
Understanding what a flight claim is helps you act quickly, keep the right evidence, and avoid losing money or time. A clear, well-documented claim increases your chances of success and ensures you receive all benefits you’re entitled to — compensation, refunds, care, or re-routing — under EU261/UK261.
How does AireClaim help with a Flight Claim?
AireClaim handles the end-to-end flight claim for you — from eligibility checks and document collection to negotiating with the airline and, if needed, legal escalation.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Passenger Rights under EU261
FAQs about What is a Flight Claim
Keep your booking confirmation, boarding pass (if available), ID, and proof of disruption (photos of screens, emails/SMS from the airline, receipts for expenses). These help us validate your case and speed up the decision.
Time limits vary by country and airline policies. It’s best to claim as soon as possible after the disruption but you can also ask our team in chat for your route’s specifics.
No. Submitting a flight claim under EU261/UK261 doesn’t penalize your future travel or miles. It’s your right as a passenger. Learn more in EU261 Regulation.