Frequently asked questions

EU Regulation EC 261/2004 sets fixed compensation amounts based on flight distance: €250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. These amounts are per passenger — so a family of four on a qualifying long-haul flight could receive €2,400.

Any flight that departed from an EU airport, OR any flight arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU-based airline. The flight must have been delayed by 3+ hours at arrival, cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, or you were denied boarding. This applies to all airlines operating these routes.

Yes! In most EU countries, you can claim for flights from the last 3 years. In some countries (like Portugal), the limitation period is even longer. Enter your flight details and we'll check.

Airlines can deny compensation if the disruption was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' beyond their control — severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security threats, or political instability. However, technical problems, crew shortages, and operational issues are NOT extraordinary circumstances. Airlines often claim exemptions they're not entitled to — we know how to challenge this.

Yes. If you booked a connecting flight as one journey and arrived at your final destination 3+ hours late due to a delay in any leg, you can claim compensation based on the total distance of your journey.

We charge 25% of the compensation recovered — only if we win. If we don't recover your money, you pay absolutely nothing. No upfront fees, no hidden costs, no risk to you.

Most claims are resolved in 2–8 weeks when airlines settle after receiving our demand letter (about 70% of cases). If court action or arbitration is needed, it can take 3–6 months. We keep you updated throughout.

Just your flight number and the date. We verify everything using flight data. If we need anything else (like your booking confirmation or ID), we'll ask — but most claims proceed with just the flight details.

We escalate. First to consumer arbitration bodies, then to court if necessary. We cover all legal costs — you never pay anything extra. Airlines that know we'll actually litigate tend to settle faster.

No. FlightOwed is a claims management technology company. We use AI to handle the administrative and research aspects of claims, while licensed EU lawyers supervise all legal output, sign filings, and handle court appearances when needed.

We take data protection seriously. We're GDPR-compliant, process only the data necessary for your claim, and never share your information with third parties except as required to pursue your claim (e.g., the airline, courts).

It depends. If you arrived at your final destination 3+ hours later than originally scheduled, you can claim regardless of rebooking. If the airline rebooked you on a flight that arrived less than 3 hours late, compensation may be reduced or not apply.

Yes, if you booked the entire journey as one ticket. Your compensation is based on the delay at your final destination and the total distance of your journey.

Usually yes. Airlines often offer vouchers, meals, or small gestures instead of the full compensation you're legally owed. Accepting a voucher doesn't necessarily waive your right to full EC 261 compensation — especially if you weren't informed of your rights at the time.

Absolutely. Your rights under EC 261/2004 exist regardless of how you booked. The claim is against the airline, not the booking agent.

Yes. EC 261/2004 protects all passengers on qualifying flights, regardless of nationality. If your flight departed from an EU airport, or arrived at an EU airport on an EU airline, you're covered.