Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about flight delay compensation. If you can’t find yours, check your flight with the calculator.

Updated 23 September 2026 · FlightFund editorial team

Does compensation depend on the ticket price?

No. Under EU261 the amount depends only on flight distance: €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 from 1,500 to 3,500 km, €600 beyond 3,500 km. You can receive €600 on a ticket bought for €40.

How far back can I claim?

The limitation period varies by country: typically 2 to 6 years, most often 3. It is worth checking past trips, not just your latest flight.

The airline blamed the weather. Is that the end of it?

Not necessarily. Weather is indeed an extraordinary circumstance, but according to the AirHelp report 52% of refusals turn out to be unjustified — carriers cite weather where the real cause was a technical fault.

Is the delay measured at departure or arrival?

At arrival. The count runs from the moment the aircraft door opens at the destination — settled by the Court of Justice in Germanwings (C-452/13).

Is compensation paid for children?

Yes, for every passenger holding a separate ticket. Infants travelling free on a lap are the exception. For a family of four on a long-haul flight that can mean €2,400.

What about delays on domestic Russian flights?

EU261 does not apply. Under Article 120 of the Russian Air Code you are owed 100 roubles per hour of delay, capped at 50% of the fare, plus meals and a hotel for long waits.

Do claim services charge upfront?

No, they work on a “no win, no fee” basis. You can also file yourself — free, but slower and with a higher risk of a form-letter refusal.

Check your flight in a minute
Open the calculator
File a claim in 3 minutes

The fee is deducted only from the compensation recovered. No payout — no fee.