Your UK/EU flight compensation claim is denied. Now what?
You have filed a compensation claim, but your claim is denied.
Filing a compensation claim only to have it denied can be incredibly disheartening, especially if you're attempting to file for compensation without the help of an experienced flight compensation company. Even though facing rejection is discouraging, never lose hope! It's always worth another try — and trust us when we say that persistence pays off.
If you don't feel comfortable navigating the process yourself, let us — a reliable flight compensation company, do all of the work for you. However, this isn’t your only option.
You can keep fighting for your rights on your own.
Check your compensation online!
Your flight compensation claim is denied. Now what?
There are other ways you can get the money from your airline.
But before proceeding any further, review the rules surrounding compensations. Do you even qualify for compensation?
1. Working with flight compensation companies
Is your flight compensation claim denied?
If this has happened to you, a good flight compensation company is certainly the easiest—not to mention best—approach to take. We are such a company. We have been working with all kind of flight compensation and refund disputes daily for years.
Claiming compensation with the help of a professional flight compensation company is an easy and straightforward process. All you need to do is fill out an online form, attach your boarding pass and passport copy, sign the claim electronically — and that's it! Leave the rest to the dedicated professionals. Our team will take care of communicating with the airline on your behalf if any additional questions arise; ensuring that all possible steps are taken.
The only downside to this option is the accompanying fees. Most flight compensation companies demand a fee of 25-35% on top of your recompense sum. You pay for the convenience.
Yes - we provide such services.
When working with us, here is all you have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Provide us with information about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
And that’s it. We’ll take it from there.
1.1 How much does such a service cost?
Working with us is risk-free.
You don't have to pay anything if we determine that you are not eligible for compensation. But should we prove successful and your flight be compensated, we charge €25 per passenger and 25% of the total amount — the rest goes straight into your bank account!
2. Contacting the NEB of the country your flight is from
An alternative that requires more effort is to reach out to a NEB.
If the airline has denied or ignored your request, you can turn to the National Enforcement Bodies (NEB) in any EU country. Such services are free of charge, but they may require more effort and time on your part—typically two months at minimum to process a compensation claim. Even so, it is still worth reaching out to an NEB.
The biggest drawback of this option — uncertainty.
Although you may receive a positive answer to your claim, it does not guarantee compensation. The airline still could reject or even ignore your request.
You can see the list of the National Enforcement Bodies here.
The National Enforcement Bodies are committed to protecting passengers' rights by ensuring they are adequately compensated in the case of denied boarding, flight delay or cancellation. Additionally, these bodies carry out their duties dutifully and make sure that Regulation (EC) 261/2004 is rigorously enforced at all times.
3. Taking the case to court
The following step is to pursue your case in court.
We strongly advise you to contact the NEB first, and if they provide a favorable ruling for you, then reach out to the airline for compensation. If that fails or proves unsuccessful, take them to court with the help of said positive decision from the NEB; this will give an extra layer of support when going up against your airline.
Though it demands the most effort, this option is very efficient.
Before taking legal action, make sure your claim is valid and that you are indeed eligible for compensation. Investigate the regulations related to compensations and familiarize yourself with your rights. Additionally, prepare supporting arguments in favor of your case before submitting it to court; if you have received a positive response from the NEB confirming entitlement to compensation, attach it as evidence!
By taking these steps into account, you can be sure that if you choose to file a complaint, success is waiting for you on the other side. Keep in mind though, this option will not come without cost — unlike the second option.
Extraordinary circumstances
Airlines often decline claims using fabricated excuses.
Not all airlines. Not all the time. But it does happen frequently.
Airlines often deny their passengers' compensation requests without valid evidence or provide excessively ambiguous explanations, typically citing "extraordinary circumstances" to avoid having to pay. The reason is simple — if the airline does not have to pay compensation, then it won't face financial losses.
Airlines know that many passengers are unaware of their rights, which they often use to their advantage. If you find your claim for compensation is denied and presented with the excuse of "extraordinary circumstances," do not hesitate! Demand a more thorough explanation.
The EU Regulation 261/2004 states that extraordinary circumstances include extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics, terrorism threat, political and civil unrest, as well as hidden manufacturing defects. Most technical problems, on the other hand, do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances”. If an airline suggests otherwise it is likely inaccurate.
Also, bad weather isn’t always considered an extraordinary circumstance, since it is often forecasted. Take snow in the winter months - unless that's anomalous to the region - airlines are anticipated to take necessary steps so that departure and arrival remain on schedule.
It is important to understand the cause behind any flight disruption, and being sure of what it may be can protect you from future issues.
So don't hesitate to double-check!
Nothing works?
And if nothing works, you can always try the first option — contact us. We don’t take any fees, if we can’t prove that you are entitled to compensation and if we can’t make the airline pay. It is safe for you.
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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 Christina Morillo from Pexels