Claim Your Rights with EU 261 Flight Compensation
According to EU Regulation (EC) 261/2004 is in place to establish robust passenger protection against the inconveniences caused by long flight delays or cancellations. Under the law, you may be eligible for up to $650(€600) for a disrupted flight. Submit EU261 compensation claims and protect your rights with Skycop!
Recently Disrupted Flights – See If You Qualify
The table below includes flights with recent delays or cancellations. Locate your flight to check eligibility and let Skycop handle your claim.
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| Date | Flight | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
04.12.2026
09:50
|
KL1231
|
Amsterdam AMS
Gothenborg GOT
|
Cancelled | |
|
04.05.2026
19:45
|
BA2202
|
Cancun CUN
|
Cancelled | |
|
17.04.2026
09:15
|
FLYONE Romania
OE7208
|
Cancelled | ||
|
16.04.2026
20:30
|
LH898
|
Vilnius VNO
|
Cancelled | |
|
16.04.2026
11:10
|
LH758
|
Madras MAA
|
Delayed | |
|
16.04.2026
06:40
|
LH1139
|
Cancelled | ||
|
16.04.2026
06:05
|
LH2267
|
Marseille MRS
|
Cancelled | |
|
16.04.2026
05:45
|
LH1407
|
Zagreb ZAG
|
Cancelled |
Compensation for Delayed European Flights: How Is It Calculated?
The amount of EU261 compensation is based on the flight distance and the length of the arrival delay, not the ticket price. The delay is calculated according to the time you arrive at your final destination. Even if a flight departs late, compensation eligibility depends on the actual arrival time.
According to the Court of Justice of the European Union, arrival time is defined as the moment when the aircraft reaches its parking position and at least one of its doors is opened, allowing passengers to disembark.
Delays shorter than 3 hours do not qualify for financial compensation under EU261. If the delay exceeds 5 hours, passengers may choose not to travel and request a full ticket refund instead of continuing the journey, if the flight is covered by EU261.
What Is the Maximum EU Flight Compensation?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline, and to flights arriving in the EU if operated by an EU airline. It does not apply to US domestic flights or international flights outside the EU on non EU carriers. The table below outlines compensation amounts.
| Distance | Delay time less than 3 hours | Delay time 3 hours or more | Delay time over 4 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| All short-distance flights: 1,500 km or less | $0 | $270 (€250) | $270 (€250) |
| Internal flights (within the EU): over 1,500 km | $0 | $430 (€400) | $430 (€400) |
| International flights from 1,500 km to 3,500 km | $0 | $430 (€400) | $430 (€400) |
| International flights over 3,500 km | $0 | $650 (€600) | $650 (€600) |
EU 261 Compensation: Deadline for Filing a Claim
There is no single deadline for filing EU261 compensation claims. The time limit depends on the country where the airline is headquartered or where the claim is brought. The passenger’s citizenship does not determine the deadline.
| Deadline | Country |
|---|---|
| No limitations | Malta |
| 10 years | Luxembourg |
| 6 years | Cyprus, Ireland, UK (except Scotland) |
| 5 years | France, Greece, Spain, Belgium |
| 3 years | Lithuania, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic*, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany**, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden |
| 2 years | Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland |
| 1 year | Bulgaria, Poland, Latvia |
*Czech Republic: passengers must notify the carrier within 6 months; the claim remains valid for 3 years.
**Germany:the limitation period expires on December 31 of the third year.
What Rights Do You Have in Case of Cancelled Flight?
If your flight qualifies under EU261 and is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation and other rights if the following conditions are met:
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the cancellation was announced less than 2 weeks before scheduled departure;
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the flight departed from an EU airport, or was operated by an EU carrier;
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the cancellation was within the airline’s control and not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
If these conditions are met, eligible passengers may have the right to:
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a full refund of unused tickets;
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rebooking on an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity;
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compensation of up to $650 (€600);
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meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transportation as required under EU261 during extended disruptions.
For flights not covered by EU261, including US domestic flights, compensation and assistance are generally governed by airline policy rather than federal law.
Steps to Take if Your Flight Is Cancelled or Delayed
If your flight disruption may qualify under EU261, take the following steps to strengthen your claim:
- Collect as much information as possible. Confirm the reason for the delay or cancellation to assess eligibility. Save any notifications from the airline and gather evidence such as photos of departure boards or screenshots. If delayed, record your arrival time at the final destination.
- Keep all travel documents, including your boarding pass.
- Save receipts for additional expenses related to the disruption.
- For EU261 covered flights, request meals and refreshments during extended waits as provided under the regulation. For US domestic flights, such assistance is typically provided according to airline policy.
- Do not sign any documents that waive your rights to compensation without reviewing them carefully.
- EU flight compensation.
How to Claim EU Flight Compensation
Filing an EU261 claim can be complex, especially for US passengers unfamiliar with European regulations. Skycop helps simplify the process.
Requirements for EU flight compensation:
-
O1you checked in on time;
the disruption was within the airline’s control;
and the claim is filed within the applicable legal deadline; -
O2eligibility may apply even if you traveled as part of a tour package or business trip;
-
O3the flight departed from the EU, or arrived there on an EU carrier.
If you qualify, you can submit your claim in one of the following ways:
Claim EU261 compensation on your own
Some airlines provide instructions and claim forms directly. You will need documentation such as your boarding pass, flight details, and evidence of the delay or cancellation.
Other airlines require passengers to locate and submit the EU261 compensation form independently, either online or by email. When submitting a claim, include relevant documentation and specify the compensation amount according to EU261 rules.
Airlines may offer vouchers instead of cash. However, under EU261, compensation must be paid in cash, check, or electronic transfer unless you voluntarily agree to accept vouchers.
Get professional help
Skycop can handle EU261 compensation claims on a no win no fee basis. Our team manages communication with the airline and pursues eligible compensation on your behalf. Simply complete the online form and we will take care of the process.
Time limit to file flight claims
Time limits vary by country, so it is important to act promptly. Some airlines may delay responses, which can affect your claim if the statutory deadline expires. Whenever possible, submit your EU261 claim as soon as practical after the disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if I am eligible for EU flight delay compensation?
Review the eligibility criteria above or complete Skycop’s online form to check whether your flight qualifies under EU Regulation 261.
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What is the process for claiming EU 261 flight delay compensation?
You can contact the airline directly and submit a claim under EU261, or use a service provider like Skycop to assist with the process.
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How much compensation can I get for a delayed international flight?
For eligible long haul flights over 3,500 km covered by EU261, compensation can reach up to $650 (€600) if your arrival delay exceeds 4 hours. Shorter flights may qualify for lower amounts if the delay exceeds 3 hours.
-
How long does it typically take to receive EU flight compensation?
There is no fixed response timeframe under EU261. Some airlines respond within 4 to 6 weeks, while others may take several months. If necessary, passengers may escalate complaints to the relevant national enforcement body in the EU.
Successful Cases Against These Airlines and Others
Skycop has experience pursuing eligible EU261 compensation claims against major airline operators.
Help Provided at These Airports and More
Skycop supports passengers affected by overbooking, delays, and cancellations at airports across Europe for flights covered under EU261.
Air Passenger Rights and Protections
For flights covered by EU Regulation 261, passengers are entitled to standardized rights in cases of delays exceeding 3 hours, cancellations, and denied boarding. For US domestic flights and other non covered routes, passenger rights are primarily determined by airline contracts of carriage and applicable US Department of Transportation regulations.