Flight disruptions are genuinely stressful. A canceled connection, an oversold seat, or a multi-hour tarmac wait can derail plans and cost real money. AirHelp processes compensation and reimbursement claims for passengers affected by delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. But the process has layers, and knowing your rights before you file makes a measurable difference. This guide walks through what you are owed, how to document it, and how to push back if AirHelp denies your claim.
What Are My Compensation & Reimbursement Rights with AirHelp
Your rights depend heavily on your route, the cause of the disruption, and which rules apply. Here is a practical breakdown.
US Domestic Flights
The US Department of Transportation does not currently mandate cash compensation for delays on domestic routes. However, if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method, regardless of ticket type. That is a firm DOT requirement, not a courtesy.
For involuntary denied boarding on oversold flights, DOT compensation tiers apply:
- If the airline gets you to your destination within 1 hour of original arrival: no compensation required.
- Delay of 1 to 2 hours (domestic) or 1 to 4 hours (international): 200% of one-way fare, up to $775.
- Delay beyond 2 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international): 400% of one-way fare, up to $1,550.
These figures reflect current DOT rules. Always confirm current thresholds at the DOT aviation consumer protection page.
EU and UK Departures
If your flight departs from an EU or UK airport, EU Regulation 261/2004 may apply regardless of which airline you fly. Compensation ranges from EUR 250 to EUR 600 depending on flight distance and delay length, subject to conditions including whether the disruption was within the airline's control. Weather events and genuine extraordinary circumstances can reduce or eliminate this entitlement.
Carrier Policy: Meals, Hotels, and Expenses
Even when cash compensation is not legally required, most major carriers commit to covering reasonable expenses during significant delays. Check the specific contract of carriage for your airline:
- United Airlines Contract of Carriage
- American Airlines Conditions of Carriage
- Delta Air Lines Contract of Carriage
These documents outline what each carrier will and will not cover for meals, accommodation, and ground transport during disruptions they cause.
What to Do at the Airport Right Now
The next 30 to 60 minutes matter more than most passengers realize. Acting quickly protects your documentation trail and keeps your options open. One common mistake: accepting a voucher without understanding whether it waives your right to cash compensation later. Before you do anything else, take a breath and work through this list.
- Screenshot everything immediately. Use the airline app or your phone camera to capture the disruption notice, your boarding pass, and the departure board showing the delay or cancellation.
- Request a written statement of the delay or cancellation reason. A verbal explanation from a gate agent is not enough. Ask for something printed or emailed that states the official cause.
- Ask what the airline will cover and get it confirmed in writing. Meals, hotel, and ground transport may be available. Do not assume. Ask directly and get a written voucher or email confirmation before leaving the gate area.
- Do not accept a travel voucher without reading the terms first. Some vouchers include language that releases the airline from further compensation obligations. Confirm your cash rights are not being waived before signing or accepting anything.
- Keep every receipt. Food, rideshare, toiletries, hotel stays. Even small amounts add up and are often reimbursable under carrier policy.
- Record the agent's name, station code, and any case or reference number given. This information becomes critical if you need to escalate later.
How Much Compensation Can I Get from AirHelp
Compensation is calculated per passenger, not per booking. Two travelers on the same reservation each have their own claim. Exact outcomes depend on route, disruption cause, and the quality of your documentation.
| Scenario | Typical Rule | What You Can Get |
|---|---|---|
| US flight canceled by airline | DOT refund requirement | Full refund to original payment method if you decline rebooking |
| US involuntary denied boarding | DOT denied boarding compensation | 200% of one-way fare (up to $775) or 400% (up to $1,550) depending on delay length |
| EU/UK departure, delay 3+ hours | EU Regulation 261/2004 | EUR 250 to EUR 600 per passenger, subject to route distance and cause |
| Delay-related out-of-pocket expenses | Carrier contract of carriage | Meals, hotel, and transport reimbursement per airline policy, with receipts |
Note: These figures reflect rules as of 2026. Compensation amounts and eligibility thresholds can change. Verify current rules with the DOT or your airline before filing.
How Many Hours After a Delay Can I Claim Compensation from AirHelp
The short answer: delay length affects what you can claim, but the clock starts at your original scheduled arrival, not departure. Here is what each threshold typically means in practice.
What if my AirHelp flight is delayed by 1 hour
At one hour, your practical options are limited. US domestic rules do not trigger cash compensation at this threshold. EU261 does not apply either. That said, this is the right time to start documenting. Screenshot the delay notice, note the stated reason, and keep any receipts if you buy food while waiting. You are building a paper trail in case the delay grows.
What if delayed by 2 hours
For US domestic involuntary denied boarding situations, a 2-hour arrival delay can trigger the higher DOT compensation tier (400% of one-way fare, up to $1,550). For standard delay situations without denied boarding, cash compensation is still not federally mandated on US domestic routes. On international flights, some carrier policies begin covering meal expenses around this point. Check your airline's contract of carriage.
What if delayed by 3 hours
This is the key threshold for EU Regulation 261/2004. If your flight departed from an EU or UK airport and arrives 3 or more hours late, you may be entitled to EUR 250 to EUR 600 per passenger, provided the cause was within the airline's control. The DOT notes that US carriers are not federally required to match this standard on domestic routes, though some voluntarily do.
What if delayed by over 4 hours
At 4-plus hours, most major carriers' internal policies kick in more firmly for hotel and meal coverage, even on US routes. For EU261-eligible flights, the full compensation scale applies. If you have been waiting this long, escalate at the airport, confirm what the airline will cover in writing, and begin preparing your post-trip claim. Statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction, so do not wait weeks to file.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Compensation Claim with AirHelp
Most passengers file their claim in the 24 hours to 30 days after the disruption. Waiting longer is possible in some cases, but evidence gets harder to reconstruct and some carrier deadlines are strict. Start the process while details are fresh.
