Flight Delay Compensation Under EU Regulation 261/2004

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to EUR 250-600 compensation if their flight arrived more than 3 hours late at the final destination. This applies to all flights departing from an EU airport and flights arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline -- regardless of ticket price.

Compensation amounts by flight distance

EU261 compensation table for flight delays
Flight DistanceCompensationExample Route
Up to 1,500 km250 EURBerlin - Munich, Frankfurt - Paris
1.500 - 3.500 km400 EURFrankfurt - Istanbul, Munich - Lisbon
Over 3,500 km600 EURFrankfurt - New York, Munich - Dubai

4 steps to your compensation

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Verify that your flight meets the requirements: EU departure or EU airline, more than 3 hours delay, no extraordinary circumstances.

  2. 2

    Enter flight data

    Enter your flight number, date, departure and arrival airport into our form. We automatically calculate the distance and compensation amount.

  3. 3

    Generate complaint letter

    Our AI generates a personalized, legally sound complaint letter with all relevant EU261 references for just 10.00 EUR.

  4. 4

    Send to airline

    Download the completed letter as a PDF and send it via email or post to the airline. Response deadline: 6 weeks.

Conditions and exceptions

When does the claim apply?

  • Flight departs from the EU (any airline)
  • Flight arrives in the EU on an EU-based airline
  • Delay at final destination is at least 3 hours
  • Flight is not more than 3 years ago (in Germany)

When is the claim invalid?

  • Extraordinary circumstances: extreme weather, political instability, security risks
  • Air traffic control strikes (not airline staff)
  • Delay under 3 hours at final destination
  • Flight departs outside the EU with a non-EU airline

Frequently Asked Questions

When am I entitled to compensation for a flight delay?
You may be entitled to compensation when your flight arrives at its final destination more than 3 hours late. This applies to all flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline.
How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?
The amount depends on the flight distance: EUR250 for flights up to 1,500 km, EUR400 for 1,500-3,500 km, and EUR600 for over 3,500 km. The distance is calculated as the great circle distance.
What are extraordinary circumstances?
Airlines can invoke extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, political instability, security risks, or air traffic control strikes. Technical defects and airline staff strikes are generally NOT considered extraordinary.
How long do I have to claim my compensation?
In Germany, the limitation period is 3 years from the end of the year in which the flight took place. In other EU countries, the period varies between 1 and 6 years.
Does EU261 apply to non-EU airlines?
Yes, if the flight departs from the EU. For flights arriving in the EU, the regulation only applies if the airline is based in the EU.
What if the airline does not respond?
If the airline does not respond within 6 weeks or rejects your claim, you can contact the national enforcement body (in Germany: Luftfahrt-Bundesamt or soep arbitration) or pursue the claim in court.

Create your complaint letter now

Professional EU261 complaint letter in minutes -- for just 10.00 EUR.

Create complaint letter

The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. No liability is accepted for accuracy or completeness. For complex cases, we recommend consulting a lawyer.