flight compensation calculator

What this flight compensation calculator does

This calculator gives you a fast estimate of what you might claim when your trip is disrupted by a long delay, cancellation, or denied boarding. It is designed around the compensation bands most travelers use in EU261/UK261 claims: €250, €400, or €600 per passenger, depending on route distance and scenario.

Think of it as a first-pass screening tool. It helps you understand whether your case appears eligible before you spend time preparing a full claim package.

Quick eligibility checklist

• Your flight departed from EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland, or arrived there on a covered carrier.
• You reached your final destination at least 3 hours late (for delay cases).
• The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances outside airline control.
• For cancellations, notice timing matters (14+ days often means no fixed compensation).

Compensation bands used in this estimate

Distance-based amounts per passenger

• Up to 1,500 km: €250
• 1,500 to 3,500 km (and many intra-region flights over 1,500 km): €400
• Over 3,500 km: €600

In some rerouting cases (especially cancellation or denied boarding with smaller final delay), airlines may reduce the amount. The calculator applies a simplified 50% reduction in those common circumstances.

How to use this calculator effectively

Step 1: Confirm your route facts

Pull your booking confirmation and boarding pass. Enter a realistic flight distance and verify whether your departure or arrival is in the covered zone.

Step 2: Use final arrival delay, not gate departure delay

Compensation usually depends on when the aircraft door opens at the destination, not when the plane took off. If you were rerouted, use the delay for your actual arrival on the replacement itinerary.

Step 3: Keep evidence

• Booking reference and e-ticket
• Boarding pass or proof of check-in
• Actual arrival time screenshots
• Airline disruption emails/SMS messages
• Receipts for meals, hotels, transport

Example scenarios

Example A: 4-hour delay on a 1,200 km flight

Likely estimate: €250 per passenger, assuming the flight is covered and no extraordinary events apply.

Example B: Cancellation, 9-day notice, 2,800 km route

Potential estimate: €400 per passenger, possibly reduced depending on rerouting arrival time.

Example C: 5-hour delay on a 5,500 km route

Potential estimate: €600 per passenger if the route is covered and the airline cannot prove extraordinary circumstances.

What this estimate does not replace

This tool is informational and intentionally simplified. Real claims may involve regional variants, court interpretations, technical defenses, ticket type questions, missed connections, and timelines for filing by country. Always verify with official guidance or legal advice if your claim value is significant.

Practical claiming tips

• Submit your claim directly to the airline first, in writing.
• State your flight number, date, route, booking reference, and requested amount.
• Attach concise evidence and request a response deadline.
• If rejected without clear reason, escalate to ADR, national enforcement body, or small claims court where appropriate.

Bottom line: a structured estimate saves time. Use the calculator, organize your evidence, and approach the claim as a simple, documented process.