One of the most valuable rights for air passengers under EU Regulation 261/2004 is Delayed Flight Compensation, yet many travelers don’t realize there’s a time limit for making a claim. Whether you’ve just experienced a disruption or it happened months—or even years—ago, understanding the rules for claiming compensation is key to ensuring you don’t miss out.
The Basics of Claim Eligibility
EU Regulation 261/2004 covers passengers whose flights meet one of these criteria:
- Departed from an EU airport, regardless of airline nationality.
- Arrived in the EU and was operated by an EU-based airline.
If your Flight Delay or Cancellation meets these conditions and was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather or political unrest, you may be entitled to compensation of €250–€600 depending on the flight distance.
Time Limits Vary by Country
The time you have to claim compensation after a Flight Delay or Cancellation depends on the country where the claim is filed. For example:
- Germany: Up to 3 years
- France: Up to 5 years
- United Kingdom: Up to 6 years (for flights before Brexit rules changed)
- Spain: Up to 5 years
- Belgium: Up to 1 year
Because these limits differ so much, passengers often mistakenly think they’ve missed their chance when they haven’t—or delay too long and lose eligibility.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your Claim
Airlines can change records, staff, and even their legal addresses over time, which can make older claims harder to prove. Filing sooner ensures that your boarding passes, booking confirmations, and airline communications are still available and relevant.
Steps to Take After a Flight Disruption
- Gather Documentation – Keep all travel records, including boarding passes and booking confirmations.
- Verify the Cause – Determine if the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
- Check Your Country’s Limitation Period – This determines how long you have to file.
- Submit Your Claim – Either directly to the airline or through a claims specialist.
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Why Skycop Is the Better Choice
Navigating limitation periods for a Flight Delay or Cancellation can be confusing, especially for international itineraries. Skycop offers:
- No Win, No Fee – Pay nothing unless your claim is successful.
- Expert Legal Knowledge – Skycop understands the time limits and regulations in every EU jurisdiction.
- Full-Service Management – From checking eligibility to securing payment, Skycop handles the process so you don’t have to.
For frequent flyers, business travelers, and families, Skycop eliminates the risk of missing the deadline or making costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve experienced a Flight Delay or Cancellation, you may have years to claim compensation—but waiting too long can make the process harder or even impossible. By understanding your country’s claim limits and working with an experienced partner like Skycop, you can ensure your rights are protected and your compensation is secured, no matter how much time has passed since the disruption.
