We receive the same questions from passengers again and again. Here are clear, concise answers to the most common ones. For more depth on any topic, follow the links to our detailed guides.
Do I need to be an EU citizen to claim?
No. EC261 applies to all passengers on qualifying flights, regardless of nationality, residency, or immigration status. A Brazilian tourist, an American business traveller, and a Japanese student all have the same rights on a qualifying flight.
Does the price of my ticket affect compensation?
Not at all. A passenger who paid €29 for a budget flight receives exactly the same compensation as someone who paid €2,900 for a business class ticket on the same route. Compensation is based entirely on flight distance: €250 (up to 1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km), or €600 (over 3,500 km).
Can I claim for flights from years ago?
Potentially, yes. The time limit depends on the country whose law applies to your claim, ranging from 1 year (Belgium) to 6 years (UK and Ireland). Check our time limits guide for the relevant limitation period for your departure country, arrival country, and the airline's home country. You may be able to use whichever gives you the most time.
Do children get full compensation?
Yes, every passenger with their own seat receives the full amount, regardless of age. There is no reduced rate for children. The only exception is infants travelling on a parent's lap without their own seat. They generally do not have a separate claim.
Is compensation per person or per booking?
Per person. A family of four on a cancelled long-haul flight is entitled to 4 × €600 = €2,400 in total. Each passenger has an independent right to the full amount.
How long do airlines have to respond?
There is no strict legal deadline, but EU guidelines suggest airlines should respond within approximately eight weeks. If you have not received a substantive response after this period, it is reasonable to send a follow-up and, if necessary, escalate to the national enforcement body.
Can the airline pay in vouchers instead of cash?
Only if you explicitly agree. EC261 requires payment in cash, by bank transfer, or by cheque. Vouchers, travel credit, and loyalty miles may only be offered as an alternative, and you are under no obligation to accept them.
Can I get both a refund and compensation?
Yes. If your flight was cancelled and you chose a refund instead of rebooking, you are entitled to both the ticket refund and EC261 compensation. They are separate entitlements: the refund returns what you paid; the compensation recognises the inconvenience.
What if the airline blames "technical issues"?
Technical and mechanical faults are almost never extraordinary circumstances under EC261. European courts have consistently ruled that aircraft maintenance is a core part of airline operations. If the airline cites technical problems, you are very likely still entitled to compensation.
Do I need a lawyer?
For the vast majority of EC261 claims, no. The regulation is designed for passengers to claim directly. If the airline rejects your claim and you need to escalate, national enforcement bodies and ADR schemes are free. Even small claims court is designed for individuals without legal representation.