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Flight Delay FAQs

Your Questions Answered

Our FAQs aim to answer any questions you may have about making a compensation claim against your airline. If you have any other questions, please call us on 01924 675 039

1Why choose us?
We are a Solicitors firm and not associated with any other agency, insurance company, or firm. Unlike a claims agency, we are qualified to directly issue legal proceedings to fight for compensation on your behalf if necessary. The flight compensation process can be lengthy and complicated, but our expert solicitors are here to make it easy for you to get the compensation you deserve. We have access to flight records and can quickly check if your claim is legitimate or not. With our legal knowledge we are able to successfully take on the airlines to uphold your right to financial compensation. We pride ourselves on providing a professional, efficient and friendly service to everyone who instructs our firm. We operate on a 'no win, no fee' basis, so you are at no risk of losing money if your claim does not succeed.
2How much compensation could I receive?
EC Regulation 261/2004 states that for any flights which arrive at their destination over 3 hours late, the following compensation will be due:
DelayDistanceCompensation
3 HoursUp to 1500 km€250
3 Hours+ 1500km to 3500km€400
3-4 HoursOver 3500 km€300
4 Hours+Over 3500 km€600
3Why is the compensation in Euros, not Pounds?
Compensation is awarded in the Euro amount set out by EC Regulation 261/2004 and will be paid out to you in GBP equivalent. This is usually based on the exchange rate on the date we receive the compensation from the airline.
4How will my compensation be paid?
In most cases, the compensation will be transferred to our client bank account by the airline. We will then issue you a cheque for the compensation amount, after deducting our fees. In the event the compensation is paid directly to you by the airline we will send an invoice to you for our fees.
5How much will it cost me?
We operate on a 'no win, no fee' basis. This means we will not charge you anything if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim is successful, you will have to pay our fee but the most we will charge for our services is 25% of the total amount awarded + £25 per person (plus VAT). Our feEs will be deducted directly from your compensation, so you will not incur any extra costs.
6How long does it take to claim?
Each individual case is different. In most cases it will depend on the level of co-operation we receive from the airline dealing with your claim and how many other claims they are processing at that time. Details of each flight, the reason for delay, as well as of any legal steps that we may need to take are also factors that determine how quickly a case can be resolved. Currently, there is no set time frame for compensation awards, but we work tirelessly to complete your claim as quickly as possible. We will always keep you up to date with any developments during the process of your claim, usually via email. If you have any questions or would like to know the status of your claim, you can contact us at any time.
7Do I have a valid claim?
In order to have a chance of a successful claim then the following criteria must all be met: 1. Your flight must have been cancelled or delayed by over 3 hours 2. You must have taken the flight within the last 6 years 3. Your flight must have taken off or landed in the EU, or your airline must be EU based* *For these purposes the EU also includes Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The other European countries covered are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. If you are unsure of whether you can make a claim for a flight delay, please contact us on 01924 451 125 and we will be able to advise you further.
8What information do I need in order to claim?
We will need to assess your case to check that you have a valid claim against an airline. We will generally need the following information from you:

Flight Date

Flight Number

Booking Reference

Route – e.g. Gatwick -> Malaga

Airline Used

Length of delay

Reason for the delay

If you don't have all of the above information, don't worry, we can help you to find it.

9How much time do I have to make a claim?
In England, Wales & Northern Ireland, the time limit is 6 years from the date of the flight (In Scotland the time limit is 5 years). Older claims may be expiring so make sure you get your claims in for any past delays as soon as possible.
10Can I submit a claim on behalf of others?
Yes, you can submit a claim as an affected passenger for anyone on the same flight. You can also submit a claim for all affected passengers, without being a passenger yourself. However, please note that only the passenger themselves can receive the compensation, regardless of who originally paid for the trip. When submitting your claim, you can add several passengers to the passenger list. However, all passengers will need to have travelled under the same booking; if this wasn't the case, separate claims will need to be submitted for each booking as the correspondence with the airline will also need to be done separately.
11Can an infant who flew free of charge, claim flight delay compensation?
No, unfortunately a passenger who flew on a completely free ticket is not entitled to flight compensation.
12The airline has already rejected my claim. Can you still help?
Yes. Some airlines may reject your claim saying that it isn't valid, when it actually is, hoping that you will not pursue the matter. We have access to flight records and can quickly check if your claim is legitimate or not. With our legal knowledge we are able to successfully take on the airlines to uphold your right to financial compensation.
13What happens if I change my mind about claiming?

You have the right to change your mind about claiming and can do so by contacting your lawyer and instructing them to stop working on your case. However, if you do change your mind about claiming before the case has been settled, you will be required to pay for the work that we have carried out on your behalf.

It’s important to be sure that you want to make a claim before you instruct us to start working on your case. If at any point you have any doubts or concerns about your claim you can contact your dedicated lawyer, who will be able to provide you with all the information and advice you need for peace of mind.

14My flight was delayed/cancelled because of a strike. What are my rights?

Strikes are one of the main causes of flight delays and cancellations. Industrial action taken by air traffic controllers or ground staff heavily impacts the workflow of an airport, making it impossible to run flights on schedule. Often passengers are left stranded, without any information or proper care.

Unfortunately, this is classed as an extraordinary circumstance, and you are therefore not entitled to compensation under the Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. However, your airline is obliged to provide care in the case of severe delays.

Care often includes food and drink, phone calls as well as overnight accommodation if required. You can contact the airline directly or approach a member of staff at the airport in order to receive assistance.