Guides to Travel Compensation
Flight delayed, baggage smashed, train cancelled, hotel chaos? Here’s what you might be owed and the fastest way to claim it.
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Start Here: claim in the right order (and save yourself the stress)
Flight delayed, baggage smashed, train cancelled, hotel chaos? Here’s what you might be owed and the fastest way to claim it.
Work Out If You Qualify
Start with the basics: where you flew from/to, how late you arrived, and what caused the disruption. A delay isn’t always “compensation-worthy”, but refunds and care costs can still apply.
- Route: UK/EU vs non-EU rules
- Arrival delay: 3+ hours
- Reason: airline fault vs “extraordinary circumstances”
Collect Your Proof
Your claim is only as strong as your screenshots. Grab what you can now, while it’s fresh and apps still show the disruption details.
- Booking reference + boarding pass
- Screenshot of delay/cancellation notice
- Photos of airport screens (if you’ve got them)
- Receipts for meals/hotel/taxis
Claim It (DIY or done-for-you)
You can claim directly with the airline using a template, or use a claims service if you want someone else to chase, argue, and do the paperwork dance.
- DIY: free, but slower and more back-and-forth
- Claims service: faster hands-off, takes a cut if you win
- Keep copies of everything
Pick Your Problem (and jump straight to the fix)
Choose what went wrong and I’ll point you to the fastest next step.
Flight Delay (3+ hours)
Arrived 3+ hours late? You might be owed compensation, plus meals, hotel and rerouting support depending on the situation.
Flight Cancellation
Cancelled flights often mean you can claim a refund or rebooking, and sometimes compensation too if it’s the airline’s fault.
Lost / Delayed / Damaged Baggage
The golden rule: report it fast, get a reference number, and keep photos plus receipts.
Train Delays & Cancellations
Train delay refunds are usually a simple admin job, but you need the right ticket details and timestamps.
Package Holiday Refunds
Package holidays have extra protections (hello ABTA/ATOL) which can make refunds and support way less painful.
Extra Costs (Hotel, Meals, Taxis)
If disruption forced you to spend money, keep every receipt because claims need proof.
Top Posts on Travel Compensation
What You Can Claim (cheat sheet)
| What went wrong | What you can usually claim | What you’ll need |
|---|---|---|
| Delay compensation | Cash compensation if you arrive very late and it’s not down to “extraordinary circumstances” | Booking ref, boarding pass, proof of arrival time, delay reason (if given) |
| Refunds | Full refund (unused ticket) or re-routing if you’re cancelled or severely disrupted | Booking confirmation, cancellation notice, payment proof |
| Meals / hotel during disruption | “Right to care”: meals, refreshments, hotel + transport if you’re stuck waiting (especially overnight) | Receipts, proof of delay/cancellation, notes of what staff told you |
| Baggage damage | Repair/replacement costs up to the airline’s baggage rules (timing matters) | Photos, damage report (PIR if at airport), receipts/valuation |
| Missed connections | Rebooking help and sometimes compensation if it’s one booking and you arrive very late | Booking showing one itinerary, proof of final arrival delay, screenshots of disruption |
💡 Fact: Airlines often deny first. That doesn’t mean you’re not eligible.
If you’re unsure, claim anyway. Worst case, they say no. Best case, you get money back for a day that went sideways.
Proof Checklist (grab this before it disappears)
✅ Booking confirmation + boarding pass (or e-ticket + booking reference)
✅ Screenshot of the delay/cancellation notice (airline app, email, SMS, airport screen)
✅ Photos
- Departure/arrival boards showing times
- Any baggage damage (close-up + full bag)
✅ Receipts for extra costs
- Meals/snacks
- Hotel
- Transport (taxi, train, bus)
✅ Notes to yourself (30 seconds now saves pain later)
- Date + flight/train number
- Airport/station
- Original departure time + actual arrival time
- What staff said (especially the reason for disruption)
Use These Tools
FAQs
Is this compensation checker official?
No, it’s guidance, not a government tool. Always double-check with the airline/rail operator.
Do I book through you?
Nope. If you use a link on this page, you book directly with the provider.
Are these links affiliate links?
Some are, yes. It doesn’t cost you extra and it helps fund the site.
What documents do I need?
Booking reference, proof of disruption, and receipts for extra costs.
How long do I have to claim?
It depends on the country and provider, so don’t leave it months “for later”.
What if the airline says “extraordinary circumstances”?
Ask for the reason in writing and still submit. A lot of claims get rejected automatically first time.
Can I claim and still use travel insurance?
Sometimes yes. Insurance may cover extra costs airlines won’t.
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