Claim Compensation from British Airways

Do not just fire off an angry email without prep. British Airways support will reject incomplete claims faster than you can blink. You need to have your ducks in a row before you even log in.

• Save every single receipt. If you bought a sandwich or a toothbrush because of a delay, keep the physical receipt. Credit card statements often get rejected.
• Get the reason in writing. Ask the gate agent why the flight is delayed. If they say "operational issues" or "crew timeout," write that down. That is usually eligible for cash.
• Screenshot your itinerary. You need your booking reference (PNR) and ticket number (starts with 125).
• Check the distance. Compensation amounts depend on flight distance. Use a tool like GCMap to see if your flight was over 3,500km.
• Don't accept the first voucher. If they offer a voucher at the airport, ask if accepting it waives your right to cash compensation. Usually, you want the cash.

Since British Airways is a UK carrier, you actually have strong protections even if you are flying to or from the US. It is way better than dealing with US airlines.

• Airlines (UK/EU 261): This is the big one. If your flight was cancelled or delayed by 3+ hours and it was BA's fault (not weather), you could be owed up to £520 (approx $650 USD) per person. This applies to flights departing from the UK/EU and flights arriving in the UK/EU on BA.
• US DOT Rules: If they cancel your flight and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full cash refund, not just a credit. This is US law.
• Luggage: Under the Montreal Convention, they are liable for damages up to roughly $1,700 if they lose or damage your bag. You must file a PIR report at the airport immediately.
• Goodwill: For minor service failures (broken seat, no meal), they might offer 5,000 to 10,000 Avios points if you complain. Cash is rare for this.

Subject: Compensation Claim - Booking Ref: [Reference Number] - Flight [Flight Number]

To British Airways Customer Relations,

I am writing to formally request compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (as incorporated into UK law) regarding flight [Flight Number] from [Departure] to [Arrival] on [Date].

The flight was [cancelled / delayed] for [Number] hours. The ground staff informed us this was due to [Reason given, e.g., crew rotation/technical fault], which falls within your control.

According to the regulation, I am entitled to [Amount, e.g., £520 / $650] per passenger. There are [Number] passengers on this booking.

Additionally, I incurred expenses for [meals/hotel] totaling $[Amount] due to this disruption. Receipts are attached.

Please remit the total amount of $[Total] to my bank account details below within 14 days.

[Your Name] [Phone Number] [Bank Details]

British Airways is notorious for auto-rejecting claims or blaming "extraordinary circumstances" like weather when it was actually a broken computer. If they say no, do not give up.

• CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution): BA is signed up for this binding arbitration. If BA gives you a "Deadlock Letter" or ignores you for 8 weeks, file a case with CEDR. It is free for you, and BA has to pay if they lose.
• US DOT Complaint: If the issue involves a US flight leg or a refund refusal, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation. It forces BA to respond to the government.
• Credit Card Chargeback: If they promised a refund and never sent it, call your bank. Tell them "services not received."
• Social Media Blast: Post your case number on X (Twitter). They hate public bad press.

Let's be real. Trying to get money out of an airline is designed to be miserable. You sit on hold for hours, the music loops until you lose your mind, and then they tell you to fill out a form that crashes halfway through. It is exhausting.

Pine AI handles this mess for you. We don't just cancel subscriptions; we can help navigate the bureaucracy of billing disputes. Our AI connects with the provider, waits on hold so you don't have to, and pushes for the resolution you deserve. We have a 93% negotiation success rate because we know exactly what to say to get past the gatekeepers.

Tired of hearing British Airways support say "please hold" every 5 minutes? We are too. Pine AI cuts through the noise, saving your sanity and your time. No endless email loops. No joke. We just get it done.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a professional for specific legal concerns.