Free template

Flight compensation claim letter

Use this template to write to the airline yourself. Fill in the bracketed sections, attach your evidence and keep a copy of everything you send.

Or let AirDue handle it

[Your full name]
[Your address]
[Your email]
[Your phone number]

[Date]

[Airline name]
[Airline complaints / customer relations department]
[Airline address or email]

Re: Claim for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
Booking reference: [booking reference]
Flight number: [flight number]
Route: [departure airport] – [arrival airport]
Date of travel: [date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to claim compensation for the disruption to my flight listed above.

What happened:
[Describe the disruption: delay, cancellation, denied boarding or missed connection. Include the scheduled and actual arrival times at the final destination.]

Compensation I am claiming:
Based on the distance of the flight and the circumstances, I believe I am entitled to [€250 / €400 / €600] per passenger under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Number of passengers covered by this claim: [number]
Total compensation claimed: [amount]

Expenses:
I also attach receipts for the following expenses caused by the disruption:
[Meals / accommodation / transport / replacement ticket]: [amount]

Please provide the specific reason for the disruption and any evidence you intend to rely on if you do not accept this claim. If you plan to refuse on the basis of extraordinary circumstances, please set out the exact circumstances and supporting evidence.

I look forward to your written reply within 14 days. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will escalate the matter to the relevant national enforcement body or consider court proceedings.

Yours faithfully,

[Your signature]
[Your printed name]

Enclosures:
- Booking confirmation
- Boarding pass / e-ticket
- Receipts for expenses
- [Any other relevant evidence]

Documents to attach

Booking confirmation or e-ticket showing the full itinerary and booking reference.
Boarding passes or app screenshots if you never received a paper pass.
Written notice of the disruption from the airline, if you received one.
Photographs of the departure board showing the delay or cancellation.
Receipts for meals, accommodation, transport or replacement tickets.
Any emails or letters from the airline about the cause of the disruption.

What to do after sending

Send the letter through the airline's official complaints channel and keep proof of submission.
Wait a reasonable period for a reply — 14 to 28 days is common.
If the airline refuses or ignores you, ask for the specific reason and evidence before accepting it.
Escalate to the national enforcement body in the relevant country if the airline will not settle a valid claim.
Be aware of the local limitation period for court claims — it varies by country.

Rather not write the letter yourself?

Send us the details and we'll assess the claim for free.

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