Flight delays and cancellations can turn your travel plans upside down, but if you’re flying in or out of the European Union, you’ve got rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly referred to as EU261). This regulation ensures that passengers are compensated when airlines fail to meet their obligations for certain disruptions. Here’s everything you need to know about EU261, including how to file a claim and a copy-and-paste email template to get started.
What Is EU261?
EU261/2004 is a regulation that provides air passengers with compensation and assistance if their flights are:
Delayed by at least 3 hours upon arrival.
Cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
Overbooked, resulting in denied boarding.
The compensation amounts are based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay:
Short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km): €250 per passenger.
Medium-haul flights (1,500 km to 3,500 km): €400 per passenger.
Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km): €600 per passenger.
When Are You Not Eligible for Compensation?
There are exceptions to the rule. Airlines are not required to pay compensation if the disruption was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or political instability.
How to File a Claim Yourself
You don’t need to hire a service to claim EU261 compensation—you can do it yourself by contacting the airline directly. Below is an email template you can copy and paste to start your claim process:
EU261 Compensation Claim Template
Subject: Request for Correct Compensation Under EU261/2004 Regulations
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally request the proper compensation under EU261/2004 for flight [Flight Number] on [Flight Date] from [Departure Airport] to [Arrival Airport].
As per EU261/2004, compensation is determined by the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. Based on the details of my journey, I believe I am entitled to a higher compensation amount than what has been offered. I kindly request that the matter is reviewed and the correct compensation amount is provided.
For your reference, please find attached:
My flight itinerary or boarding pass.
Documentation supporting my claim (if applicable).
A copy of relevant EU261/2004 regulations.
I kindly ask for a resolution within 14 days of receiving this letter, as stipulated by EU261/2004.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will escalate my claim to the appropriate enforcement body or seek legal assistance to ensure my rights are upheld.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your contact info]
When to Use AirHelp
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of filing a claim on your own, services like AirHelp can take care of it for you. AirHelp specializes in EU261 claims and will handle the entire process, including communicating with the airline. However, they do take a commission if your claim is successful—usually around 25-35% of your compensation amount. *Disclaimer: This is an affilliate link where I make a small commission at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate you using my links to help me continue to provide free content for you.
My Strategy for EU261 Claims
Personally, I always try to file a claim on my own first. It’s straightforward and keeps 100% of the compensation in your pocket. But if the airline is being difficult or refusing to pay, I’ll let AirHelp take over. The best part? AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning they only charge if they successfully get you compensation.
Final Thoughts
EU261 empowers passengers to stand up for their rights and claim compensation when airlines fail to meet their obligations. Whether you file a claim yourself or use a service like AirHelp, it’s worth pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to. Start with the template above, and if needed, let AirHelp step in to take the stress off your shoulders.
Travel smarter, and don’t let disruptions ruin your journey!
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