From three hours, a delayed flight is assimilated to a canceled flight. In accordance with European regulation EC 261 (EC 261/2004), it then entitles you to compensation. To claim it, you must send a letter to the airline concerned. This must imperatively mention the number of your flight, but also the estimated time of arrival and the actual time of arrival of the plane.
In any case, before closing the envelope, remember to slip in proof of reservation. To be sure of getting an answer, send your mail by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
What your mail should contain
You can adapt this delayed flight complaint letter model according to your situation: “Madam, Sir, On (date), I traveled with flight n)(number) of the company (name), coming from (city) and traveling to (city) And unfortunately, while the plane was supposed to land at (time), it did not reach the arrival airport until (time), i.e. (number hours) later than expected.
This delay, which was not due to extraordinary circumstances , caused me considerable inconvenience. I therefore ask your airline to pay me the compensation to which I am entitled, in accordance with European regulation EC 261 (EC 261/2004) on canceled flights. Indeed, as you know, delays of more than three hours are considered cancellations by the legislator. Thanking you for treating my complaint as soon as possible, I am attaching my boarding pass to this letter and please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my sincere greetings.”
Air Help is here to help you get compensation for flight delays and cancellations. Find out what you may be entitled to.
Air Help is the world’s leading air passenger advocacy company, dedicated to helping air passengers obtain compensation for delayed, canceled or overbooked flights.
Whether you’re short on time, don’t have the expertise to start a claim process yourself, or just want an expert to handle your entire claim, Air Help can help you get what you need. is due to you.
How do I know when to claim compensation for a delayed or canceled flight? Although the law can be complicated, we are here to explain it to you:
Delayed flights : You may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived more than 3 hours late .
Canceled flights : you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure.
Overbooking : compensation is due to you each time you are denied boarding through no fault of your own – as long as you do not offer to give up your seat voluntarily.
It should be noted that in the event of extraordinary circumstances , the airlines are not obliged to pay compensation. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include extreme weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions and air traffic controller strikes. Although these situations cause delays and cancellations, the airline is not at fault, so no compensation is due.
Remember that these are European regulations and therefore only apply to flights departing from an EU airport or flights landing in the EU with a European airline. The table below indicates which flights are covered:
