How to earn money by claiming compensation when your flight gets delayed

Travel

Flight delays can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they disrupt your travel plans. However, what many passengers don’t realize is that these delays can also present an opportunity to earn money.

Thanks to strong passenger rights regulations in the EU and other regions, you may be entitled to compensation when your flight is delayed. With services like AirHelp, claiming this money has never been easier.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of turning flight delays into financial compensation, helping you understand your rights and how to maximize your chances of receiving a payout.

Understanding your rights: When can you claim compensation?

Not every delayed flight qualifies for compensation, but in many cases, airlines are legally required to pay you for the inconvenience. The most well-known regulation covering flight compensation is EU Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261), which protects passengers traveling to, from, or within the European Union. Similar laws exist in other regions, such as the UK and Canada.

Here’s when you may be eligible for compensation under EC 261:

• Your flight departed from or arrived in the EU (or was operated by an EU airline).
• Your delay lasted 3 hours or more upon arrival at your final destination.
• The delay was caused by the airline, such as technical issues, crew shortages, or operational mistakes.
• The airline did not inform you of the delay well in advance.

You are not eligible for compensation if:

• The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather, security threats, or airport strikes.
• You were offered an alternative flight that got you to your destination with minimal delay.

If your situation qualifies, you can earn up to €600 per passenger—a significant amount, especially for group travelers.

How much compensation can you get?

The amount you can claim depends on the length of your delay and the distance of your flight:

If your flight was severely delayed but still arrived, you could be entitled to one of these amounts.

Step-by-step guide to claiming your money

1. Check if Your Flight Qualifies

The first step is to determine whether your delay meets the criteria. Services like AirHelp provide a simple online checker where you can enter your flight details and find out instantly if you are eligible for compensation.

2. Gather Your Documents

To support your claim, you should collect:

• Your boarding pass or e-ticket
• Booking confirmation
• Proof of delay (e.g., airline notifications, screenshots, emails)
• Any receipts for additional expenses incurred (meals, accommodation)

3. File Your Compensation Claim

Once you have the necessary information, you can submit your claim:

• Directly to the airline via their customer service or claims department.
• Through AirHelp or other compensation services, which handle the entire process on your behalf.

AirHelp simplifies the process by dealing with the airline for you, ensuring that you get paid without the stress of back-and-forth negotiations.

4. Wait for the Airline’s Response

Airlines have up to eight weeks to respond to your claim. If they refuse to pay or do not reply, you can escalate the case to a national enforcement body or take legal action.

5. Get Paid!

If your claim is successful, you will receive the compensation directly into your bank account. If you used AirHelp, they will deduct a small success fee and transfer the remaining amount to you.

Tips for maximizing your compensation claims

1. Don’t Accept Vouchers Instead of Cash

Some airlines try to offer travel vouchers instead of money. Under EU regulations, you are entitled to a cash payment – so don’t settle for less.

2. Keep All Communication with the Airline

If you communicate with the airline, make sure to save emails and messages as evidence in case they try to deny your claim.

3. Use AirHelp for Faster and Easier Processing

AirHelp specializes in handling compensation claims, ensuring that airlines pay what they owe. Many passengers struggle to get responses from airlines, but AirHelp’s legal expertise increases your chances of success.

4. Don’t Be Discouraged by Airline Rejections

Many airlines initially reject claims, hoping passengers will give up. However, if you know you are entitled to compensation, persistence (or legal assistance) often pays off.

Other ways to get money from flight disruptions

While compensation for delays is a great way to recover losses, there are other ways you can save or even make money from flight issues:

• Reimbursement for Expenses: If your flight is delayed for several hours, you may be entitled to meal vouchers, hotel stays, and transportation costs, which can save you money.
• Compensation for Cancellations: If your flight is canceled last minute, you may be entitled to even more compensation, plus a full refund.
• Frequent Flyer Benefits: Some airlines offer additional miles or credits for delayed passengers.
• Travel Insurance Claims: If you have travel insurance, you may be able to claim additional compensation for missed connections and extra expenses.

Flight delays can work in your favor

No one enjoys the stress of flight delays, but with the right knowledge, you can turn them into an opportunity to get paid. By understanding your rights, keeping records, and using services like AirHelp, you can ensure you receive the money you are owed.

The next time your flight is delayed, don’t just wait at the airport—take action, claim your compensation, and get paid for the inconvenience!