Flight disruptions are never fun. Whether you’re stuck at the airport because of a delay or your flight gets canceled at the last minute, the frustration is real. But here’s the good news—many travelers are entitled to compensation when things go wrong. The bad news? Most people never claim it.
That’s where a Flight Compensation Calculator comes in. It’s a simple online tool that helps you check if your delayed or canceled flight qualifies for compensation. You enter a few details, and it tells you what you might be owed.
This Flight Compensation Guide breaks it down for you—step-by-step. Whether you’ve experienced a flight delay, were bumped off an overbooked flight, or are looking for flight cancellation compensation, this post will help you understand what to do and how to do it right.
What Is a Flight Compensation Calculator?
A Flight Compensation Calculator is a free online tool. It checks whether your flight situation qualifies under regulations like EU261. All you need to do is provide basic flight details—departure, destination, date, and what happened.
If you’re eligible, the calculator estimates the amount you might receive. This can go up to €600 per passenger, depending on the length of your delay and the distance of your journey.
Most airlines won’t tell you this upfront. In fact, many try to settle with vouchers or partial refunds. Don’t settle. Use the calculator to know what you’re really entitled to.
Need help? Airline Help is here for you! Call us at 800-594(4991) (OTA), and let our team find the best solution for you!
When Can You Claim Compensation?
You may be eligible for compensation if your flight meets any of these conditions:
Flight Delay
If you arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late and the delay was the airline’s fault (mechanical issues, staff shortages, etc.), you can file a claim.
Flight Cancellation
If your flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure and the airline didn’t give you an alternative that arrived close to your original time, you may qualify for flight cancellation compensation.
Denied Boarding
If your flight was overbooked and you were denied boarding, you’re entitled to compensation—even if the airline rebooked you later.
Missed Connection
If you missed a connecting flight due to a delay in the first leg, and you reached your final destination more than 3 hours late, you’re likely eligible.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
To use the calculator effectively, gather this information:
- Flight Number
- Airline Name
- Travel Date
- Departure and Arrival Airports
- Delay Duration or Cancellation Info
- Reason Provided by the Airline (if any)
✈️ Tip: Keep your e-ticket, emails, and boarding pass. They help speed things up when filing a claim.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Flight Compensation Calculator
Using a calculator doesn’t require legal knowledge or technical skills. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter Your Flight Details
Go to the compensation calculator on a reliable platform. Type in:
- Your flight number
- Date of travel
- Departure and arrival airports
This allows the system to pull your flight’s status and compare it to claim rules like EC261.
Step 2: Describe What Happened
Next, pick the reason you’re checking:
- Delayed
- Canceled
- Denied boarding
- Missed connection
If it’s a delay, include the exact time you arrived at your final destination.
Step 3: Get an Instant Result
The calculator will check your flight against compensation laws. It’ll then tell you if your flight qualifies for compensation and how much you may receive.
Amounts vary based on flight distance and delay time:
Distance | Delay | Compensation |
Up to 1500 km | 3+ hours | €250 |
1500–3500 km | 3+ hours | €400 |
Over 3500 km | 3–4 hours | €300 |
Over 3500 km | 4+ hours or canceled | €600 |
Step 4: Choose Your Next Step
If you’re eligible, you have two options:
- File the claim yourself (often time-consuming)
- Let a third-party like Airline Help handle it for you
At Airline Help, we handle the paperwork, airline back-and-forth, and legal follow-up—so you don’t have to.
Easily claim your flight delay or cancellation compensation using our step-by-step guide. Call Airline Help at 800-594(4991) (OTA) for quick support.
Why You Should Use a Calculator First
Here’s why starting with a Flight Compensation Calculator is a smart move:
✅ Saves Time
You’ll know in under two minutes if it’s worth pursuing a claim.
✅ Prevents Underpayment
Airlines may offer less than the actual amount. The calculator ensures you don’t settle for less.
✅ Free to Use
There’s no charge to check. No risk.
✅ Works for Past Flights
You can claim for flights up to 3 to 6 years ago, depending on the country.
What Makes Compensation Valid?
To qualify, these must be true:
- The airline was responsible for the disruption (not weather or political unrest)
- Your flight operated from or to the EU by an EU airline (or falls under similar rules in the UK or other regions)
- The delay or cancellation fits the timelines explained above
Tip: Airlines won’t always admit fault. That’s why tools like compensation calculators are essential.
Can You Claim for Past Flights?
Yes. In many countries, you can claim for flights that happened up to 3 years ago. In some places, it’s even 6 years.
If you’re unsure, check your flight info in the calculator. It’ll verify the date and tell you if you’re within the legal window.
What If the Airline Refuses?
Don’t worry. Airlines often try to avoid paying by:
- Blaming weather or “extraordinary circumstances”
- Delaying their replies
- Offering low settlement vouchers
That’s when working with a partner like Airline Help makes sense. We deal with the airline and follow up, so you don’t have to.
Call Airline Help at 800-594(4991) (OTA) if you’re stuck. We’ll handle the hard part.
Final Words: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Every year, thousands of passengers miss out on compensation they rightfully deserve. Don’t be one of them. If your flight was delayed, canceled, or disrupted in the last few years, use a Flight Compensation Calculator to check your eligibility.
It’s fast. It’s easy. And you might be owed more than you think.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I’m eligible for flight compensation?
If your flight was delayed more than 3 hours, canceled less than 14 days before departure, or you were denied boarding, you might be eligible.
2. How much can I claim for a flight delay or cancellation?
You can get between €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and how long the delay was.
3. Is the compensation calculator free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free to check your eligibility. You only move forward if you decide to make a claim.
4. Can I claim for a flight that happened last year?
Yes! You can claim for flights from up to 3 to 6 years ago, depending on the country.
5. Do I need a lawyer to claim compensation?
No, not at all. You can file the claim yourself or let Airline Help handle it for you.