How to claim compensation for delayed flights: step-by-step guide
Arriving hours late can ruin your travel plans. However, EU Regulation 261/2004 protects you when you land more than three hours late. In this article you'll learn what compensation you're entitled to and how to claim it. You'll also see how AviFly, thanks to AI, simplifies the process so you don't have to fight endless forms.
Quick summary
1What are your rights?
EU rules set clear compensations based on flight distance. You can only claim if the arrival delay exceeds three hours. Some countries, like Spain, allow up to 5 years to claim.
EU261 Compensation Table
Up to 1,500 km
Madrid-Barcelona, Paris-Amsterdam
1,500 - 3,500 km
Madrid-London, Rome-Berlin
> 3,500 km
Madrid-New York, Paris-Tokyo
Important
Delay is calculated on the arrival time at the final destination, not departure time. A flight may depart 5 hours late but if it makes up time and lands under 3 hours late, there is no compensation.
!When you are NOT entitled to compensation
Es importante conocer las excepciones donde no podrás reclamar compensación, incluso si tu vuelo llega con más de 3 horas de retraso.
Extraordinary circumstances
Arrival delay less than 3 hours
If the flight makes up time and lands with less than 3 hours delay, there is no compensation.
2Step by step to claim
El proceso de reclamación tradicional requiere seguir varios pasos específicos. A continuación te explicamos cada uno:
Step 1: Gather your documentation
Boarding pass, e-ticket, booking confirmation and expense receipts.
Essential documents
Additional evidence
Step 2: Check if your flight is covered
Flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU operated by EU airlines.
Departures from the EU
Any flight departing from an EU airport
Arrivals to the EU with EU airline
Flights operated by EU airlines arriving in EU territory
Step 3: Submit the claim to the airline
Send a written claim with your data, flight number, reason and evidence. If there's no response, contact your national aviation authority.
Important: The airline has up to 6 weeks to respond. If it doesn't or rejects without justification, escalate to AESA (Spain) or your civil aviation authority.
3How AviFly automates your claim
The AI revolution in flight compensation claims
A diferencia de otros servicios, Avifly utiliza IA para monitorizar tu vuelo en tiempo real, calcular tu compensación y presentar la reclamación automáticamente. Su sistema te libera de todo el proceso manual y tedioso.
Detects delays over 3 hours automatically
Instantly calculates your compensation
Manages the whole process and only charges if you win
Risk-free guarantee
With AviFly you won't waste time on forms or calls; the app handles everything while you continue your trip. The only platform that combines advanced AI with legal expertise.
Frequently asked questions about delay compensation
Automate your claim with AviFly
Claiming compensation for a delayed flight can be tedious and complex. AviFly automates the entire process, from delay detection to claim submission.
Risk-free guarantee
We only charge if we win your case. No upfront costs, no surprises. Commission 15% + VAT only if we get your compensation.
Be among the first to access the air claims revolution
Lecturas relacionadas sobre reclamaciones EU261
Refuerza tu reclamación con estas guías sobre cancelaciones, reembolsos y normativa.