# Flight delay compensation under EU261: how to claim Source: https://taply.sk/flight-delay-compensation/ (Taply, updated 2026-10-15) If your flight to or from Slovakia was delayed by three hours or more, you may be owed up to 600 EUR under EU rule EU261, and AirHelp is a well-known service that can check and handle the claim for you. The amount depends on the flight distance, and airlines can refuse if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. EU261 applies to flights departing from an EU airport, and to flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline. Bratislava, Košice, Vienna and Budapest all count as EU airports. Delays are measured at your final destination. This guide explains the rules in plain terms and compares your claim options. ## Key points - Delays of three hours or more at arrival can qualify for compensation. - Compensation is typically 250, 400 or 600 EUR depending on distance. - Extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather can remove the right to compensation. - You can claim directly from the airline for free, or use a claims service for a fee. - Keep boarding passes, booking emails and proof of the delay. ## Quick facts - Delay needed: 3 hours at final destination - Amounts: 250, 400 or 600 EUR - Slovak time limit: Varies by country - Enforcement body: Slovak Trade Inspection (SOI) ## Best ways to claim flight delay compensation, ranked 1. **AirHelp** (best for People who want it handled for them): AirHelp is a large claims service that checks your flight for eligibility and handles the paperwork and communication with the airline. It usually takes a percentage of the compensation only if the claim is successful. 2. **Compensair** (best for Comparing terms): Compensair is another claims service for delayed and cancelled flights. It is worth checking if you want to compare terms or if you were not satisfied with another provider's answer. 3. **Claim directly from the airline** (best for Simple, clear-cut cases): You can send a claim to the airline yourself using its online form or by email. You keep the whole amount, but you handle the follow-up. 4. **National enforcement body** (best for Escalating a refused claim): If the airline refuses, each EU country has a body that handles passenger complaints. In Slovakia, this is the Slovak Trade Inspection (SOI). It is a free route but can be slow. ## When does EU261 apply? EU261 covers flights leaving an EU, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland airport, and flights arriving in the EU on an airline based in the EU. Check the rules for the UK, which has its own version. The rules apply to delays, cancellations at short notice and denied boarding. ## How much can you get? Flight distance | Compensation | Up to 1,500 km | 250 EUR | 1,500 to 3,500 km (and EU flights over 1,500 km) | 400 EUR | Over 3,500 km outside the EU | 600 EUR | Compensation can be cut by half in some cases. On flights over 3,500 km, a delay of three to four hours pays 300 EUR instead of 600 EUR. The delay is measured when you arrive at your final destination. Most flights between Slovakia and nearby capitals such as Vienna, Prague or Budapest fall in the shortest band. ## When can the airline refuse? Airlines can refuse if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather, security risks or air traffic control strikes. The airline must prove it and show it took reasonable measures. Technical faults are often not treated as extraordinary: the Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that problems from the normal operation or maintenance of an aircraft do not count, unless they stem from events outside the airline's actual control. If you are unsure, a claims service can check your case. Strikes depend on who strikes. Industrial action by an airline's own staff may still leave you able to claim, while strikes by air traffic control, airport security or other third parties are generally treated as extraordinary. Even then the airline still owes you care, a refund or re-routing. ## If your flight is from the UK The UK has its own version of the rule, UK261, with fixed amounts in pounds: 220 GBP for flights up to 1,500 km, 350 GBP for 1,500 to 3,500 km and 520 GBP for longer flights. A flight from a UK airport to Slovakia is usually under 1,500 km. Flights from Slovakia to the UK on an EU airline fall under EU261. Which rule applies depends on where the flight departs and which airline flies it, so check before choosing a service. ## Your other rights Besides compensation, airlines must provide care for long delays, including meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation if you wait overnight. Keep receipts if you pay for these yourself. If your flight is cancelled, you can choose a refund or re-routing. ## Common mistakes - Waiting too long. Time limits differ by country, so act soon. - Throwing away the boarding pass or delay emails. - Accepting a voucher when you are entitled to cash. Compensation is owed in money unless you agree otherwise. - Filing the same claim with two services. See AirHelp vs Compensair before you choose. - Paying for a hotel or meals without keeping receipts. For a specific situation see flight delayed at Bratislava, flight cancelled at Vienna, Ryanair and Wizz Air. ## How to claim step by step - Collect your booking confirmation, boarding pass and any delay notices. - Note the planned and actual arrival time. - Check eligibility with a claims service or send a written claim to the airline with your flight number and date. - If the airline refuses or does not reply, you can complain to the national enforcement body. In Slovakia that is the Slovak Trade Inspection (SOI). - Follow up and keep all replies. Time limits for claims differ by country, so act soon. See airports in Slovakia and cheap flights to Slovakia for more flight tips. ## Care rights while you wait Your right to care starts before the three-hour compensation threshold. For flights up to 1,500 km the airline must provide meals and refreshments after a delay of two hours or more. The threshold is three hours for medium flights and four hours for longer ones. If the delay reaches five hours, you can ask for a refund of the unused ticket. Keep receipts for anything you buy yourself and ask airline staff at the desk for written confirmation of the delay. ## Delay, cancellation and denied boarding Situation | Compensation possible? | Main rights | Arrival delay of 3 hours or more | Yes, unless extraordinary circumstances | Care, and refund after 5 hours | Short-notice cancellation | Yes, unless you were told at least 14 days ahead or an exception applies | Refund or re-routing, care | Denied boarding on an overbooked flight | Yes | Refund or re-routing, care | Details depend on the facts of your flight. If you are unsure, use a claim checker or ask the airline in writing. ## What to do at the airport - Take photos of the departures board showing the delay and your flight number. - Ask the airline for the reason of the delay, in writing if you can. - Keep your boarding pass and booking email. - Note the exact time you landed and the time the cabin door opened, since delay is measured at arrival. - Keep receipts for meals, transport and hotel. For a delay at Bratislava or Vienna see [flight delayed at Bratislava](https://taply.sk/flight-delayed-bratislava/) and [flight cancelled at Vienna Airport](https://taply.sk/flight-cancelled-vienna-airport/). ## Claim yourself or use a service? Writing to the airline costs nothing, but replies can be slow, and some airlines refuse by default. A claims service takes a share of any payout, often as a percentage, and handles the paperwork and any legal steps. If your case is simple and you have time, try the airline first. If the airline refuses or you do not want the hassle, compare services in [AirHelp vs Compensair](https://taply.sk/airhelp-vs-compensair/) and read the fee terms before you sign. ## FAQ **How long must a delay be to claim compensation?** Three hours or more at your final destination can qualify, if the airline was responsible. **How much is flight delay compensation in Europe?** Between 250 and 600 EUR per passenger, depending on the flight distance. **Does EU261 cover flights from Bratislava?** Yes, flights departing from Bratislava and other EU airports are covered, subject to the rules. **Is AirHelp free?** Checking your claim is free, and the service typically takes a percentage of the compensation only if it wins. **Can I claim for a flight from years ago?** Time limits depend on the country where you claim. Act as soon as possible. **What if my delay was caused by an air traffic control strike?** That is usually an extraordinary circumstance, so cash compensation is generally not due, but the airline must still provide care and re-routing or a refund. **Can I claim if I was rebooked on another flight?** Often yes. What matters is when you arrived at your final destination compared with your original arrival time.