Receiving an offer from an airline can feel like progress after weeks of waiting, which is precisely why partial offers are so effective as a tactic. You have been waiting, you are frustrated, and here is money on the table, just not quite as much as you are owed. The temptation to accept and move on is real, but in most cases, holding firm for the full amount is the right decision.
How partial offers work
Airlines may offer a flat amount that does not correspond to any EC261 tier, such as €150 for a flight that qualifies for €400, or €300 for a claim worth €600. They may present this as a "final offer" or frame it as a compromise. Sometimes they cite internal calculations or company policies that have no basis in the regulation. The amounts in EC261 are not starting points for negotiation; they are fixed statutory entitlements.
Why airlines make these offers
The economics are simple. If an airline can settle 60% of claims at 50% of the statutory amount, it saves significant money across thousands of claims annually. Many passengers accept partial offers because they do not know the correct amounts, because they value a quick resolution over the full payment, or because they are worn down by the claims process.
Read the fine print
Partial offers often include "full and final settlement" clauses or require you to sign a waiver. If you accept and sign, you may be unable to claim the remaining balance later. Before accepting any offer, verify it matches the statutory amount for your flight distance.
How to respond
Acknowledge the airline's offer, then state clearly that the EC261 compensation for your flight distance is €250, €400, or €600 (as applicable) and that you expect the full amount. Reference Article 7 of the regulation. Decline the partial offer and request payment of the correct amount within a specified timeframe. If the airline does not comply, proceed to escalation through the national enforcement body.
You are not negotiating a commercial deal — you are asserting a legal right. The amounts are set by the regulation, and the airline does not have discretion to pay less.