How many years after my delay can I still claim for flight compensation? (2024)

FAQs

How far back can you claim flight compensation? ›

The best time to make a claim for flight compensation

In our experience we've had no problems making successful claims for compensation as far back as six years from the date of the flight, although we would point out that leaving it close to the end of limitation will place a certain amount of pressure on proceedings.

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late. Canceled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.

For example, to be entitled to flight delay compensation, your flight must be delayed for 3 hours or more. Then there are “extraordinary circ*mstances”, where an airline does not have to pay cash compensation if there is a flight issue, as the issue that caused the delay is deemed to be outside the airline's control.

The main categories of events that are likely to be an extraordinary circ*mstance include: Weather conditions incompatible with the safe operation of the flight. Strikes (unrelated to the airline such as airport staff, ground handlers, air traffic control or border force) Acts of terrorism or sabotage.

There is also a cap on the amount of money airlines are required to compensate you if your bags are lost, damaged or delayed. The maximum liability amount allowed by the DOT is $3,800 per passenger.

Claim compensation for a cancelled flight

You're legally entitled to get compensation if the cancellation is the airline's responsibility and both the following apply: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 2 or more hours. your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.

If you are connecting on a different airline, airlines are not required to provide compensation if a delay on the first flight causes you to miss your connection. However, if your first flight is delayed for more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline that caused the delay.

The first rule requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed because their flights are cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed, or the ancillary services, like Wi-Fi, they purchased are not provided.

If you find yourself arriving at your destination over 3 hours later than scheduled, it is advisable to check if you are entitled to Delta Airlines flight delay compensation, which can amount to up to $650 per person. Making a claim for Delta Airlines flight delays has been streamlined for your convenience.

In addition, every airline except Frontier is committed to complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation. Otherwise, here's what you can expect from different carriers for a "controllable cancellation," per the U.S. Department of Transportation website. Yes.

How long of a delay before compensation southwest? ›

Southwest is required to provide compensation if: A flight was cancelled or delayed within seven days of the scheduled departure date; Passengers arrived at their destination three or more hours later than planned; and.

For flight delays, airlines must offer meals and refreshments, an alternate flight, a full ticket refund, or hotel accommodation (including transfers), depending on the total duration of the delay.

If the ADR body or CAA cannot help with your claim, or you wish to pursue a different course of action, you could take your airline to court.

Airlines must provide compensation for the inconvenience of flight cancellations and flight delays of 3 hours or more and if the disruption is within their control and not related to safety, and if the airline notified you of the disruption 14 days or less in advance.

A quick definition of extraordinary circ*mstances:

This can include dangerous situations, extreme diligence, high dividends, significant expenses, and floods that are so severe that they could not have been foreseen or prevented with ordinary foresight.

Most airlines, Keyes said, allow travelers to request miles three to 14 days after booking and within 12 months of travel.

Ticket refund for cancelled or missed flight

Regardless whether you cancel your flight months in advance, or you miss it due to some unforeseen issue on the way to the airport, you have a right to the same refund of taxes and fees from the airline.

So the limitation period for any subsequent claims would be 3 years from the time the last claim was filed. No matter what flight disruption you have, you can refer to the table above. Flight delay compensation EU time limit would be just the same as for the flight cancellation or denied boarding.

If you believe you have the right to claim compensation or reimbursem*nt, you should contact your airline or airport directly. Compensation is not automatic, and you will need to contact your airline to make a claim. Many airlines and airports will have a claims procedure for you to follow.