How to file a flight compensation claim yourself

Published 16 October 2026 · Self-help information, not legal advice

Filing your own claim is usually the simplest first move. The rules already tell airlines what to pay and when. Under EU and UK rules, compensation amounts are fixed in law, not negotiated (EU261 Article 7 (opens in a new tab), UK261 retained text (opens in a new tab)). Under Canada APPR, fixed amounts and response timing are also set in regulation (APPR sections 19-20 (opens in a new tab)).

This guide is a practical DIY path. Start with the checker, then submit one clean claim, then escalate if needed.

“Can I claim compensation?”

Start by confirming which regime applies:

• EU261 generally covers departures from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, and arrivals into that area on an EU carrier (EU261 Article 3 (opens in a new tab)).
• UK261 generally covers departures from the UK and many arrivals into the UK on UK/EU carriers (UK261 retained text, Article 3 (opens in a new tab)).
• Canada APPR applies to flights to, from, or within Canada (APPR scope framework (opens in a new tab)).

Then check event type:

• Delay compensation in EU/UK frameworks is tied to arrival delay and eligibility conditions (EU261 Articles 5-7 (opens in a new tab), UK261 Articles 5-7 (opens in a new tab)).
• APPR compensation depends on delay length and airline-size category when disruption is within airline control and not required for safety (APPR section 19 (opens in a new tab)).
• Denied boarding has separate compensation tables in EU/UK and APPR (EU261 Article 4 and 7 (opens in a new tab), UK261 Article 4 and 7 (opens in a new tab), APPR section 20 (opens in a new tab)).

If you want a one-screen decision first, run the checker, then keep that result next to your claim draft.

“What are my rights here?”

Your rights usually split into four buckets:

1. Cash compensation when legal conditions are met (EU261 Article 7 (opens in a new tab), UK261 Article 7 (opens in a new tab), APPR section 19 (opens in a new tab)).
2. Care rights (food, hotel, communication) during long waits under EU/UK rules (EU261 Article 9 (opens in a new tab), UK261 Article 9 (opens in a new tab)).
3. Re-routing or refund choices after cancellation under EU/UK and APPR structures (EU261 Article 8 (opens in a new tab), UK261 Article 8 (opens in a new tab), APPR rebooking/refund framework (opens in a new tab)).
4. Deadline rules for submitting and escalating (APPR section 19(3) (opens in a new tab), deadlines guide).

Knowing which bucket you are asking for prevents vague replies like “no compensation” when your refund or care claim is still valid.

Step 1: Collect minimum evidence before writing

Gather only what the airline actually needs to identify and assess the case:

• Booking reference and passenger names.
• Flight number, date, route, scheduled times, actual arrival time.
• Boarding pass or e-ticket proof.
• Airline messages about delay/cancellation/rebooking.
• Receipts for care costs.

If you have everything above, you can send a complete first claim. Use the free letter template if the airline form is broken or too limited.

Step 2: Write one clear legal basis line

Use one regulation at a time for the first submission. Example structure:

• “I claim compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004” (EU261 (opens in a new tab)).
• “I claim compensation under UK Regulation 261/2004” (UK261 (opens in a new tab)).
• “I claim compensation under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, SOR/2019-150” (APPR (opens in a new tab)).

Avoid long narratives in the first message. Facts first; legal argument can come later if the airline refuses.

Step 3: State amount and why it fits

When you state amount, tie it to the exact bracket:

• EU261 distance brackets and €250/€400/€600 are in Article 7, including the 50% reduction rule in specific re-routing situations (EU261 Article 7 (opens in a new tab)).
• UK261 sets pound amounts in the retained framework used in UK enforcement practice (UK261 retained text (opens in a new tab)).
• APPR amounts are C$400/700/1,000 for large carriers and C$125/250/500 for small carriers for section 19 claims; denied boarding has a separate C$900/1,800/2,400 table in section 20 (APPR sections 19-20 (opens in a new tab)).

Keep this section to two sentences. A short, specific amount line is easy to check.

Step 4: Ask for payment method and timeline

Request payment by bank transfer and ask for a written response.

For APPR, include this sentence: “Please respond within 30 days as required by section 19(4).” (APPR section 19(4) (opens in a new tab)).

For UK cases, you can take the complaint to the airline's approved ADR scheme once the airline has given a final response, or 8 weeks after you complained if it has not. If the airline is not in an ADR scheme, the CAA handles the complaint instead (CAA: alternative dispute resolution (opens in a new tab)).

“What are my next steps?”

If the airline says no, move from “claim” to “challenge”:

1. Ask for the exact denial reason and evidence relied on.
2. Check whether they applied the correct regime.
3. Re-submit once, focused on the legal mismatch.
4. Escalate through the ADR, regulator or court route on your rules page: the EU261 guide, the UK261 guide or the APPR guide.

This is where records matter most: date submitted, case ID, response text, and attachments.

Common DIY mistakes to avoid

• Mixing compensation, refund, and expenses in one unclear paragraph.
• Citing two regimes without saying which one you seek payment under first.
• Claiming wrong passenger count or route endpoint.
• Forgetting to mention actual arrival at final destination when required.
• Waiting too long before filing (APPR claims must reach the airline before the first anniversary of the flight) (APPR section 19(3) (opens in a new tab)).

Why DIY first is usually sensible

The law already defines the baseline. DIY first lets you keep control of evidence, wording, and escalation timing. You can still choose paid help later if needed, and a complete first submission means you never hand over a percentage if the airline pays.

Start with the checker, draft with the letter page, and keep the deadlines table open while you submit.

Self-help information and templates only; this is self-help, not legal advice.

Related guides

• EU261 decision tree: am I owed compensation?
• UK261 decision tree: am I owed compensation?
• Canada APPR decision tree: compensation for delays and cancellations
• Free flight delay compensation letter template (EU261, UK261, APPR)

This article is self-help information, not legal advice. It explains published rules so you can claim yourself; check the sources below and your own booking before relying on it.