Flight disruptions are more than just a headache; they can lead to significant stress, unexpected costs, and ruined holiday plans. However, you might not be aware that you could be owed money for these inconveniences. Under specific regulations, passengers have the right to claim financial restitution from carriers when travel plans go awry. In many cases, you are actually legally protected and entitled to a payout. Regardless of why your journey was stalled, it is always smart to investigate whether the airline owes you cash. While it is possible to navigate the paperwork solo for free, if you lack the time or patience for red tape, AirHelp – a specialized flight compensation agency – offers a seamless solution.

Understanding AirHelp

AirHelp is a substantial organization employing hundreds of staff members dedicated to assisting travelers who have suffered from delayed flights, missing baggage, and other travel logistical nightmares. They streamline the compensation process via a user-friendly online platform. The company communicates directly with the airline on your behalf, saving you the hassle of making calls, handling documentation, or engaging in endless email threads.

In this guide, we will explore the specific scenarios where you can demand payment from airlines and take a deep dive into how the AirHelp service functions. Finally, we will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using their platform.

Scenarios for Claiming Compensation with AirHelp

You may be eligible for a payout for a variety of airline errors. This ranges from suitcases arriving days late to being bumped from an overbooked plane and forced to wait for the next available connection. You could receive money to cover the time lost rearranging your travel plans or for purchasing necessities like clothing while waiting for your bags.

1. Delays and Canceled Flights

If your itinerary involves flying out of, into, or within the European Union, you are likely protected by Regulation EC 261. This legislation outlines passenger rights and mandates compensation for travelers inconvenienced by commercial carriers.

A key feature of this law is the provision for financial redress regarding cancellations and delays. Eligibility generally begins once a flight is delayed by at least 3 hours. The value of your claim increases depending on the duration of the wait and the flight distance. The table below outlines potential payouts for EU flight disruptions:

• Routes exceeding 1,500 km – €250 for delays over 3 hours or cancellations.
• Intra-EU routes shorter than 1,500 km – €400 for delays over 3 hours or cancellations.
• Flights to/from the EU ranging between 1,500 and 3,500 km – €400 for delays over 3 hours or cancellations.
• Flights to/from the EU exceeding 3,500 km – €300 for delays of 3-4 hours, rising to €600 for delays over 4 hours or cancellations.
• Carriers are also obligated to provide meals and hotel accommodations for significant delays, typically those requiring an overnight stay.

It is important to note that this rule extends to non-EU nations like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK (including London), as well as European territories abroad such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Saint Martin, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.

That said, not every delay within the EU qualifies for a payout. Disruptions caused by “extraordinary circumstances” (where the airline proves the situation was unavoidable) are exempt. These exceptions include acts of terror, airport staff strikes (not airline staff), severe weather conditions, medical emergencies, and political unrest.

If the delay is deemed the airline’s fault, you have up to 3 years to file a claim. Furthermore, accepting food vouchers, a hotel room, or a discount code during the delay does not waive your right to cash compensation, so you should definitely pursue a claim.

Currently, the United States lacks a comparable federal law regarding delays or cancellations. It is best to request compensation directly from the airline, particularly if you hold elite status with them. Alternatively, AirHelp can assist via their subscription service, AirHelp Plus.

Missed Connections

Under Regulation EC 261, passengers who miss a connecting flight to or from the EU may also be eligible for payment. If you miss your connection due to factors outside your control—such as a delay on the first leg, a strike, or overbooking—you could be entitled to receive up to €600.

Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking

Airlines frequently sell more tickets than the plane’s capacity, anticipating that some passengers will be “no-shows.” However, when everyone arrives for the flight, the airline faces a shortage of seats. In these instances, some passengers must be left behind.

If you volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for perks, you are considered to have surrendered your spot willingly and cannot claim further compensation through AirHelp.

However, both US and EU laws mandate compensation for passengers denied boarding involuntarily. If you wanted to fly but were forced to give up your seat despite offering to stay, you have rights. In the US, compensation can reach $1,350, while in Europe, the cap is €600.

We generally recommend accepting the airline’s immediate offer at the gate if you are bumped. In addition to the compensation they provide, they are still legally required to transport you to your final destination on a later flight.

Class Downgrades

If you paid for Business, Premium, or First Class but were seated in a lower class due to an aircraft change or cancellation, you are entitled to a partial refund for flights involving the EU. Regulation 261 stipulates that you should receive a reimbursement averaging 50% of the ticket price, on top of any applicable delay compensation.

The US does not currently have a specific law mandating compensation for downgrades. However, you should still demand a refund for the price difference directly from the airline. If that fails, consider disputing the charge with your credit card company for services not rendered.

Luggage Issues

Whether your bags arrive late or show up damaged, you might be owed money. This applies to both US and EU travel. AirHelp facilitates these claims for members of the AirHelp Plus program.

To handle this yourself, file a report at the airport baggage claim counter immediately upon landing. Keep receipts for all essential items (clothing, toiletries) you purchase due to the delay. Once your bag is returned, submit a claim to the airline for reimbursement of these expenses.

For damaged luggage, file the claim before leaving the airport. Airlines will often negotiate immediately, offering to pay for repairs or provide a replacement bag.

If the airline loses your bag entirely, you must claim reimbursement for the contents. In the US, the average payout is around $2,500. Under EU regulation, liability is capped at approximately €1,300 for lost, damaged, or delayed bags. Strict time limits apply: report lost bags within 7 days and submit claims for delayed bags within 21 days.

What is the Cost of AirHelp?

The good news is that AirHelp utilizes a “No Win, No Fee” model. You will not pay a dime unless they successfully recover money from the airline for you.

Typically, their standard service fee is 35% of the total compensation. However, if legal action is required to force the airline to pay, an additional 15% legal fee may apply. This means your final take-home amount will be 50% to 65% of the total payout.

The primary value here is convenience. Rather than fighting bureaucracy, filling out forms, and gathering evidence yourself, AirHelp manages the entire process. You simply complete a quick form on their website and let them do the heavy lifting.

Step-by-Step Guide to AirHelp

1. Navigate to the AirHelp homepage. Enter your departure and arrival airports in the main tool to verify eligibility, then click the button to proceed.
2. Indicate whether you had any connecting flights, then move to the next step.
3. Select the date of the disruption and choose your specific flight from the list provided.
4. Identify the problem you encountered, such as a cancellation, delay, or denied boarding. Based on your selection, you may need to answer follow-up questions regarding the reason for the delay. Provide the most accurate information possible.
5. Enter your personal details (name, email) and digitally sign the assignment form, which authorizes AirHelp to represent you against the airline.
6. Upload a copy of your e-ticket or boarding pass. Once you click Continue, their team will begin processing your claim.

AirHelp estimates that most claims take between 2 to 4 months to settle. You can log in or contact them at any time to check the status of your case.

Overview of AirHelp Plus

AirHelp offers a membership tier known as AirHelp Plus. This subscription provides enhanced protection for incidents not covered by standard EU laws, such as minor delays or issues occurring outside of Europe. Compensation in these cases often comes as airline points or vouchers.

A major perk of AirHelp Plus is the assistance with lost, damaged, or delayed baggage claims. Members can receive up to $1,500 for luggage mishaps. If you travel with checked bags frequently, this acts as a valuable insurance policy.

Membership costs roughly €20 to €50 annually. The higher-tier plan includes lounge access if your flight is delayed by more than one hour.

AirHelp: The Good and The Bad

Why Use AirHelp?

• It is the most convenient method for claiming compensation for delays, cancellations, or downgrades. You avoid filling out complex legal forms or arguing with customer service.
• The Plus membership covers luggage issues effectively.
• You can file retroactive claims for flights from the past 3 years.

Drawbacks

• The service fee is high, taking 35% to 50% of your compensation.
• AirHelp Plus features are somewhat limited beyond the core offering.

Is it Worth It?

The answer really depends on your situation.

Submitting a standard EU 261 claim is not overly complicated. Often, a simple email citing the regulation is enough to get the airline to pay. You can also download and use the official EU complaint form.

However, if the airline rejects your initial claim or legal action is required, the process becomes time-consuming. While uncomplicated claims are often paid out quickly by airlines, they frequently stall on tougher cases.

For complex scenarios like involuntary bumping, downgrades, or stubborn airlines, the manual approach often fails, making the AirHelp service highly valuable.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, AirHelp is an excellent tool for travelers who prioritize their time and peace of mind over maximizing every cent of the payout. You will end up with less money than if you fought the battle yourself, but receiving a few hundred euros or dollars with zero effort is certainly better than receiving nothing at all.

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• Greece