Flight Delay Compensation: Airline Delay Rules & Travel Insurance

Stuck with a delayed flight? Learn exactly how long a delay needs to be for compensation, what airlines can offer you, and claiming tips.

✈️ What is Flight Delay Compensation?

Flight delay compensation is money or benefits you might get from your travel insurance if your flight is delayed, for reasons like bad weather, mechanical issues, strikes, or airline scheduling problems. This coverage usually comes from travel insurance plans, but payout rules depend on your specific plan.

❗ Who Can Claim Flight Delay Compensation & Where Should You Apply?

Trip.com only provides flight delay information and optional services for reference. Compensation approval and payment are handled by the airline, travel insurance provider, or relevant regulatory authority, not Trip.com.

Eligible passengers should submit claims directly to the operating airline, insurance provider, or official authority. For AirHelp+ related claims, please contact AirHelp’s official support team directly.

If you have any inquiries about AirHelp+ service eligibility, claim procedures or service details, please reach out to AirHelp official support via email: plus@airhelp.com. ❗ Trip.com customer support cannot assist with AirHelp+ related claims or after-sales matters.

🛫 When Can You Get Flight Delay Compensation?

Not every flight delay qualifies for compensation. Your eligibility usually depends on how long the delay was, what caused it, and whether your flight is protected under passenger rights regulations

Some policies exclude these—always read the fine print!

📍 Trip.com’s AirHelp+ Service: Your Backup for Flight Delays

If you’ve ever dealt with flight delays, you know the hassle of chasing airlines for compensation. Trip.com’s AirHelp+ service (added when you book your ticket) takes that stress off your plate.

What’s AirHelp+?

AirHelp+ is a service partnered with Trip.com that fights for your compensation if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked. They handle the paperwork, legal stuff, and arguing with airlines—you just sit back.

How to Add AirHelp+

1. Pick your flight on Trip.com.
2. Before paying, look for the “AirHelp Plus” add-on option.
3. Tick the box to add AirHelp+ to your flight booking.

Why Add AirHelp+?

They do the work: No calling airlines or filling forms. AirHelp+ handles everything.

Covers most issues: Delays, cancellations, overbooking (like being bumped off a full flight).

AirHelp+ Benefits Vary by Region:

• For EU/UK flights, passengers may receive up to €600 ($900) in delay or cancellation compensation under EU261/UK261, plus up to €6,000 ($900) in additional expense reimbursement.
• For non-European flights, coverage is limited to up to €6,000 ($9000) in extra cost reimbursement only, with no delay or cancellation compensation included.

Steps to Get Compensation for Flight Delays

The procedures listed below can help you get the money you're entitled to if your flight was delayed for a sufficient amount of time:

📒 How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation

1️⃣ Step 1: Check If You Qualify​​

Before wasting time, confirm:

• EU/UK Flights (EU261 or UK law): You may be eligible if your flight arrives 3 or more hours late and the airline is responsible for the disruption, such as operational issues or technical faults.
• Travel Insurance: Always check your policy, as most only cover specific causes like weather, strikes, or missed connections, and typically require delays of 6 to 12 hours or longer.
• U.S. Flights: Airlines are generally not required to provide cash compensation for delays. However, you can request assistance such as rebooking, meals, or hotel accommodation, depending on the situation.

​​2️⃣ Step 2: Gather Proof​

You’ll need:

• ​​Airline delay certificate​​ 📄: Ask the airline counter or email customer service. Must include:
• • Flight number, delay duration, and ​​reason​​ (e.g., “mechanical fault”).
• ​​Boarding pass​​ 🎟️: Have flight number that shows you were actually on the flight.
• ​​Receipts​​ 🧾: For meals, hotels, Ubers—if claiming through insurance.
• ​​Policy documents​​ 📑: For insurance claims, know your coverage limits.

No delay certificate? Use emails from the airline, app notifications, or even a screenshot of the airport departure board.

​​3️⃣ Step 3: Submit Your Claim​​

​​For Regions with Statutory Flight Delay Compensation Rules (eg. EU/UK, Canada, Thailand):​​

1. Go to the airline’s website (e.g., Lufthansa, Air France).
2. Find their ​​compensation claim form​​ (usually under “Customer Rights” or “Flights Disruptions”).
3. Upload your proof.
4. They must respond within 30 days. If they ghost you, escalate to a national enforcement body (e.g., UK CAA).

✈️ Flight Delay Compensation Claims Comparison

​​What to Expect​​

• ​​EU/UK claims:​​ Airlines often push back first. If they deny you unfairly, use a free service like AirHelp (they take a cut only if you win).
• ​​Insurance claims:​​ Payouts take 2–6 weeks. If denied, ask for a detailed reason and appeal.

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