Most passengers assume their right to compensation has expired. They are wrong. While some deadlines are short, others allow you to recover up to €600 even three, five, or six years later.
In 2025, European courts reaffirmed that the "statute of limitations" depends strictly on the country where you file the claim, not just your citizenship. This means your "old" 2022 flight from Madrid or London is still a liquid asset.
Is it Too Late to Claim? The 2022-2023 "Hidden Gold"
Many airlines benefit from passenger silence. If your flight was disrupted between 2022 and 2023, you are currently in the "Golden Window" for recovery in major hubs like Spain, the UK, and Germany.
🔵 Wait, Did other flights take off while yours was grounded? Check My Flight Eligibility Takes 2 minutes. No win, no fee
Flight Claim Deadlines by Country (Updated 2026)
To maximize your success, you must file where the law is most favorable. Use this table to identify if your past flight is still eligible for a payout:
Country | Time Limit | Relevant Law / Notes |
United Kingdom | 6 Years | UK261 - High success rate for 2022 claims. |
Spain | 5 Years | Spanish Civil Code (Art. 1964.2). |
Germany | 3 Years | Ends on Dec 31st of the 3rd year. |
France | 5 Years | Standard consumer protection limit. |
Italy | 2 Years | Urgent: 2023 claims expire soon! |
Belgium | 1 Year | Very restrictive; requires immediate action. |
🔵For flights involving multiple EU countries, check your old flight here to see which jurisdiction applies.
Why You Should Claim Your 2022-2023 Flights Now
Recent judicial rulings in 2024 have clarified that "extraordinary circumstances" (like post-pandemic staffing shortages) are often not valid excuses for airlines to deny compensation.
- Freshness Bias: Courts in 2025 are ruling more favourably toward passengers regarding technical faults.
- Inflation Adjustment: €600 from 2022 is still €600 today—unexpected cash that belongs in your pocket.
- Automated Success: Using the Aireclaim SaaS, we analyze the specific flight data from 2022 to bypass airline rejections automatically.
FAQ: People Also Ask (Optimized for Featured Snippets)
How many years back can I claim flight compensation in the EU?
In the EU, the time limit varies by country, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years. In Spain, you have 5 years, while in Germany, you have 3 years from the end of the year the delay occurred.
Can I claim for a cancelled flight from 2022?
Yes. Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, 2022 flights are still within the legal timeframe for the UK (6 years), Spain (5 years), and France (5 years).
What is the deadline for flight compensation in the UK?
The deadline in the UK is 6 years from the date of the flight. This is one of the most generous timeframes in the world, making 2020-2023 flights highly eligible for compensation today.
Does the airline headquarters location affect the deadline?
Yes. You can often choose to claim in the country of departure, arrival, or where the airline is based.
Final Verdict: Don't Leave Money on the Tarmac
Waiting another year could mean losing your right to hundreds of euros. Whether it was a family holiday in 2022 or a business trip in 2023, that money is legally yours.
🔵 Did you have a delay in 2022 or 2023? You are still in time. Check your old flight here and get your money back.