Question 1

When am I entitled to EU261 compensation?

Accepted Answer

You are entitled to compensation when your flight arrives 3 or more hours late at your final destination, when your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, or when you are denied boarding (e.g. due to overbooking). Delay is measured at arrival, not departure (Sturgeon ruling).

Question 2

How much compensation can I receive?

Accepted Answer

EU261 sets fixed amounts: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. For flights over 3,500 km with a 3–4 hour delay, the airline may reduce this to €300.

Question 3

How long do I have to file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Limitation periods vary by country. The Netherlands: 2 years (art. 8:1835 BW); Belgium: 1 year (art. X.49 WER); Germany: 3 years; France: 5 years; Spain: 5 years. File as soon as possible to avoid losing your right.

Question 4

Is a technical defect an extraordinary circumstance?

Accepted Answer

No. According to the Court of Justice of the EU (Wallentin-Hermann, Van der Lans), technical defects are generally not extraordinary circumstances, so airlines cannot use them to avoid paying compensation.

Question 5

Can I file a claim myself for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can submit your EU261 claim directly and for free to the airline. DelayPaid offers professional handling for a 25% success fee incl. VAT — only charged on success.

Knowledge base: your rights when flights go wrong

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