EasyJet Compensation Guide: How to Claim Up to €600 for Delays and Cancellations

EasyJet is one of Europe's largest low-cost carriers, operating hundreds of routes across the continent. With that volume comes an inevitable truth: delays and cancellations happen — a lot. If you've been affected by an easyJet disruption, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about easyJet compensation — from eligibility rules and how to file your claim, to the rejection tactics easyJet commonly uses and how to overcome them.

What Is EC 261/2004 and How Does It Apply to EasyJet?

EC 261/2004 is the EU regulation that protects air passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. Because easyJet is an EU-based airline (headquartered in the UK but operating extensively from EU airports), the regulation applies to virtually all easyJet flights departing from EU airports — and to flights arriving in the EU when operated by an EU carrier.

This means whether you're flying from Barcelona to Amsterdam, or London Gatwick to Lisbon, you're likely covered.

Post-Brexit Note

Since Brexit, flights from the UK are covered under UK261 (the UK's retained version of EC 261). The compensation amounts and rules are nearly identical. Flights departing from EU airports remain covered under the original EC 261 regardless of the airline's nationality.

How Much EasyJet Compensation Can You Get?

The amount of easyJet compensation depends on your flight distance and the length of the delay at your final destination:

| Flight Distance | Compensation | |---|---| | Up to 1,500 km | €250 | | 1,500 – 3,500 km | €400 | | Over 3,500 km | €600 |

Most easyJet routes fall within Europe, so the typical claim is €250 or €400 per passenger. That's per person — so a family of four on a delayed flight could be owed €1,000 to €1,600.

When Are You Eligible for EasyJet Compensation?

You can claim easyJet compensation when:

• Your flight was delayed by 3 or more hours at arrival (not departure)
• Your flight was cancelled and you were notified fewer than 14 days before departure
• You were denied boarding due to overbooking

Cancellation Rules in Detail

EasyJet must notify you of a cancellation at least 14 days before departure to avoid paying compensation. If they cancel with less notice, you're entitled to compensation unless they offer a suitable rebooking that meets specific timing criteria:

• 7–13 days' notice: Rebooking must depart no more than 2 hours early and arrive no more than 4 hours late
• Less than 7 days' notice: Rebooking must depart no more than 1 hour early and arrive no more than 2 hours late

If the rebooking doesn't meet these thresholds, you're owed full compensation.

EasyJet's Claims Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before filing your easyJet flight delay claim, collect:

• Your booking confirmation and e-ticket
• Boarding passes (digital or paper)
• Evidence of the delay (screenshots of departure boards, easyJet app notifications)
• Receipts for any expenses incurred (meals, transport, accommodation)

Step 2: File Through EasyJet's Website

EasyJet has an online claims form on their website. Navigate to their "Disruption" or "Manage bookings" section. You'll need your booking reference and flight details.

Be specific about the delay duration at arrival, not departure. EC 261 measures delay at the final destination.

Step 3: Wait — But Not Too Long

EasyJet typically responds within 28 days, but during peak disruption periods, responses can take much longer. If you don't hear back within 6-8 weeks, follow up in writing and set a deadline.

Step 4: Escalate If Rejected

If easyJet rejects your claim or doesn't respond, you have options:

• For EU flights: File a complaint with the National Enforcement Body (NEB) in the country of departure
• For UK flights: Contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or use the Aviation ADR scheme
• Use a claims service: Services like FlightOwed handle the entire process, including legal escalation if needed

Common EasyJet Rejection Tactics (And How to Beat Them)

EasyJet, like many airlines, has a playbook for discouraging or rejecting legitimate claims. Here's what to watch out for:

"Extraordinary Circumstances"

This is by far the most common rejection. EasyJet will claim the disruption was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" — events outside their control — which exempt them from paying compensation.

Legitimate extraordinary circumstances include:

• Severe weather (not just rain or moderate wind)
• Air traffic control strikes
• Security threats
• Volcanic eruptions

What is NOT extraordinary:

• Technical faults (in most cases, courts have ruled these are the airline's responsibility)
• Staff shortages
• Crew scheduling problems
• IT system failures
• Bird strikes (increasingly ruled as non-extraordinary by EU courts)

If easyJet cites extraordinary circumstances, ask them to specify exactly what happened and provide evidence. They often can't — or won't.

Vague or Generic Responses

EasyJet sometimes sends template rejections that don't address your specific flight. If the response doesn't mention your flight number, date, and the specific cause of disruption, push back. Ask for detailed information about what caused your specific delay.

Offering Vouchers Instead of Cash

EasyJet may offer flight vouchers or credit instead of the cash compensation you're legally owed. Under EC 261, you are entitled to monetary compensation — not vouchers. You are within your rights to refuse vouchers and demand payment.

Ignoring Your Claim Entirely

Some passengers report that easyJet simply never responds. If this happens, send a formal letter before action (LBA) giving them 14 days to respond. This demonstrates you're serious and is a prerequisite for court action in many jurisdictions.

Misrepresenting the Delay Duration

EasyJet may record the delay as shorter than it actually was — just under the 3-hour threshold. If you have evidence (photos, app screenshots, flight tracking data) showing the actual arrival time, use it.

Tips for a Successful EasyJet Flight Delay Claim

1. Document everything at the airport. Take photos of departure boards, save email notifications, screenshot the easyJet app. Real-time evidence is hard to dispute.

2. Note the actual arrival time. Arrival means when the aircraft doors open, not when the plane touches down. This distinction can make or break a borderline claim.

3. Claim for every passenger. Each person on the booking has an individual right to compensation — including children and infants with a seat.

4. Don't accept the first rejection. Many passengers give up after the first "no." Airlines count on this. Persist or use a professional claims service.

5. Know your time limits. In most EU countries, you have 2-3 years to file a claim. In the UK, it's 6 years. Don't wait too long, but don't panic either.

6. Keep expense receipts. Beyond compensation, easyJet must provide care and assistance during long delays — meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, and transport. If they don't, keep receipts and claim these separately.

7. Use flight tracking data. Websites like Flightradar24 and FlightAware archive historical flight data. This can be powerful evidence if easyJet disputes the delay duration.

EasyJet's Duty of Care

Separate from compensation, easyJet has a duty of care during disruptions regardless of the cause. This includes:

• Delays over 2 hours: Meals and refreshments
• Overnight delays: Hotel accommodation and transport to/from the hotel
• All delays/cancellations: Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes

This applies even when extraordinary circumstances are involved. If easyJet doesn't provide these, keep all receipts and claim reimbursement.

Should You Claim Directly or Use a Service?

Filing directly with easyJet is free, and for straightforward cases where the delay was clearly long and the cause was obviously within easyJet's control, it can work.

However, if your claim is rejected, disputed, or ignored — or if you simply don't want the hassle — a claims service can be worth it. Professional services know the legal arguments, handle all correspondence, and can escalate to court if necessary.

Check if your easyJet flight qualifies for compensation →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim for an easyJet flight from years ago?

Yes, depending on the country. Most EU jurisdictions allow claims going back 2-3 years. Check the specific rules for your departure country on our FAQ page.

Does easyJet compensation apply to package holidays?

If you booked the flight as part of a package through a tour operator, you may still be able to claim, but the process can differ. The operating airline (easyJet) remains responsible under EC 261.

What if my easyJet flight was diverted?

A diversion that results in you arriving at your final destination 3+ hours late is treated the same as a delay. You're eligible for compensation.

Can I claim if I missed a connection because of an easyJet delay?

If both flights were on the same booking, yes. If they were separate bookings, compensation applies only to the delayed easyJet flight itself. Learn more about connecting flight rules.

Don't Leave Money on the Table

EasyJet processes millions of passengers each year, and disruptions are common. The airline isn't going to volunteer compensation — you have to claim it. With the right documentation and persistence, securing your easyJet compensation is absolutely achievable.

Whether you choose to file directly or use FlightOwed to handle your claim, the important thing is not to let a legitimate claim go unclaimed. Check your eligibility today.

Browse our airline guides for more carrier-specific advice, or visit our FAQ for answers to common questions about flight compensation in Europe.