Claiming Flight Delay Compensation: Do It Yourself and Save Big

Claiming Flight Delay Compensation: Do It Yourself and Save Big

The frustration of a delayed flight can be a trying experience for anyone. Fortunately, the EU Regulation provides some respite in the form of compensation of up to €600 if your flight is delayed by more than three hours. This regulation is designed to protect air passengers' rights, ensuring they receive compensation for the inconvenience of extended delays.

Airlines of course try to avoid this situation. Delays don't benefit airlines or passengers. Over the past decade, between 11.6 percent and 24.5 percent of flights in the U.S. have been delayed each year, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Claiming Compensation: DIY vs. Claims Management Companies

You might be aware that there are companies offering to help you claim this compensation. What many of these companies don't make clear is that they'll take a hefty fee from your compensation. Some passengers have ended up losing a significant portion of their rightful compensation.

However, the truth is, you can do it yourself and save that money. Airlines are obligated to provide online claims forms for this purpose, and various websites offer guidance and templates for these claims. The process isn't as complicated as you might think, and you don't have to hand over a substantial portion of your compensation to a claims management company.

How to Claim Compensation on Your Own

The process for filing a claim is relatively straightforward:

  1. Know the Rules: The EU Regulation 261/2004 kicks in if your flight from an EU airport or on an EU airline is delayed by three hours or more. This compensation varies between €250 to €600, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.

  2. Submit an Online Claim: Airlines usually provide online claim forms on their websites. Many reputable websites offer step-by-step guidance to help you fill out these forms accurately. CLAIM FORM

  3. Follow Up: After submitting your claim, airlines are required to respond. If they don't, you can escalate the matter to alternative dispute resolution schemes or relevant aviation authorities. In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority offers a mediation service to help resolve such disputes.

  4. Consider a Solicitor: If you can't resolve the issue directly with the airline, you might want to consult a specialist no-win no-fee solicitor. They will usually deduct a percentage of your payout but will also handle any legal procedures.

Additional Peace of Mind for Travelers

It's worth noting that GEGO GPS offers added peace of mind for travelers. In case your checked luggage gets delayed due to flight issues, GEGO provides real-time tracking and offers a Bag Recovery Service with compensation of up to $1,000 per bag. This service ensures that your belongings are accounted for and returned to you safely.

Claiming compensation for flight delays is something passengers can do themselves, potentially saving substantial amounts of money. Thanks to this regulation, you can get the compensation you deserve without needing to pay a claims management company. And with GEGO Tracker, travelers can enjoy extra security for their checked luggage, making your travel experience even more hassle-free.

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