Flight delay compensation for old flights? It’s possible
Can you claim flight delay compensation for old flights?
Yes, it is possible. You can claim flight compensation for old flights in the EU, but there is a time limit for making a claim. It depends on the laws of the country you are flying from. While some European countries allow you to claim compensation even after 6 years, some European countries have stricter rules when it comes to claiming compensation.
Check your compensation online.
Understanding flight delay compensation in Europe
First, a quick intro about UK/EU flight delay compensation.
According to European regulation EC 261/2004, if your flight is over three hours late, you may be eligible for up to €600 per person in EU compensation. If the airline you are flying with is from Europe, the same rules apply to all flights departing from and arriving to Europe. With non-EU airlines, these rules apply only to flights departing from Europe.
As long as the delay is not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
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Flight delay compensation for old flights? It’s possible
Have you experienced flight disruption in the past and wondered how far back can you claim flight delay compensation? Depending on the country you are flying from, it's possible to receive compensation for delays that occurred years ago! Yes, — it is possible.
Mostly you can claim for flights that are up to 3 years old.
In some countries in Europe — up to 6 years after the flight.
The most important thing, however, is that you can get UK/EU flight compensation for old flights too. You shouldn’t be waiting on purpose, though. Because, the sooner you make a claim, the higher are your chances of successful outcome and stress-free process.
What is the time limit for flight compensation claims in the EU/UK?
How many years after my delay can I still claim for flight — this is one of the most popular questions we get about flight delay compensation.
Every country has different regulations, so you should check local laws before submitting a claim. Or if you are applying for compensation with us, we do the checking on your behalf.
Mostly it’s 2-3 years
Many countries in Europe allow you to claim flight delay compensation 2-3 years after the delay. This means that you can claim for a delayed flight that occurred within the past 2-3 years from the date of your flight's scheduled arrival time. Some countries, however, have longer time limits for claiming flight compensation.
But in spite of that, we always recommended to file your claim as soon as possible, as countries may have different deadlines and the sooner you file your claim, the easier it is to gather evidence to support your case.
Time limit for claiming UK/EU flight compensation
Below is a list of countries in Europe, with time limits for claiming flight compensation. Take into account that this data may and most likely will change in the future. It may also already has changed and there may be some inaccuracies.
File a claim with us and we’ll do the checking for you.
- Austria: 3 years
- Belgium: 1 year
- Bulgaria: 5 years
- Croatia: 2 years
- Cyprus: 6 years
- Czech Republic: 3 years
- Denmark: 3 years
- Estonia: 3 years
- Finland: 3 years
- Germany: 3 years
- Greece: 5 years
- Iceland: 2 years
- Ireland: 6 years
- Latvia: 6 months
- Netherlands: 2 years
- Norway: 3 years
- Portugal: 3 years
- Scotland: 5 years
- Spain: 5 years
- Switzerland: 2 years
- Sweden: 3 years
- UK (except Scotland): 6 years
Here is a proof — it’s possible to get flight delay compensation for old flights. But you shouldn’t forget that the time limit depends on the country. Mostly, it’s 2 or 3 years, but some countries allow passengers to claim compensation up to 6 years.
Do you have any questions about flight delay compensation in Europe? Have you ever missed a flight because of a delay? Contact us, if you need help getting compensation for flight delay, cancellation or boarding denial.
By Europe and EU here on this page we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Featured photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi