How does this work?
For a delay of 3 hours or more, a cancellation, or denied boarding, you have a legal right to a fixed compensation of €250 to €600 per person. Art. 7 EU 261
That right is set out in EU Regulation 261/2004 — a European law that applies across the EU and has been in force for over twenty years. Airlines know this. They just don't always pay without being asked.
This tool guides you through the claims process: from the first letter to a formal notice of default — and, if it comes to it, to small-claims court. Free, step by step.
Step by step
Not every claim takes the same amount of time. Sometimes the airline pays after the first letter. Sometimes they reject, or don't respond at all. The tool tracks where you are and gives you the right next step — depending on what comes back.
- Day 0Send the first letterYou send a formal compensation claim to the airline. In Dutch collection practice, about 14 days is considered a reasonable response window. Do they pay straight away? Then you're done.The tool:The tool drafts the letter based on your flight number, date, route, and what happened. You send it — by email, via the airline's complaint form, or by post.
- Day 14No payment or no response?Has the reasonable window passed without full payment? Then it's time for a notice of default — a formal second letter that officially puts the carrier in default. Did they respond but reject? The tool helps with that too. BW 6:82The tool:The tool saves your case and recognises where you are. Did they give a reason for the rejection? You get a counter-argument based on European case law.
- Day 21Notice of default sentThe notice of default formally puts the carrier in default and gives a final window to pay. This is a required step before you can take legal action.The tool:The tool drafts the notice of default — same details as the first letter, sharper tone, explicit deadline.
- Day 30+Notice of default also ignored?Still no payment? Two options: mediation via ECC-NL (non-Dutch carriers only, free) or directly to small-claims court. ECC-NLThe tool:The tool explains which step fits your situation and gives you the information you need.
- Day 50+Small-claims courtFor claims up to €25,000 you don't need a lawyer. You file your case digitally and pay a one-off court fee — refunded if you win. Claim agencies take 25–50% of your payout. Here you keep all of it. Rv art. 79 Rechtspraak money claimsThe tool:The tool gives you the information you need to file your case and explains what to expect.
For most EU 261 claims, small-claims court is a normal, accessible step. The timeline above applies when the airline doesn't pay voluntarily — which, unfortunately, happens more often than you'd expect.
What if they reject it?
Rejection is a standard move for many airlines — it doesn't mean you have no options. Come back to the tool and select 'I already claimed, but they rejected it'. The tool then drafts a notice of default: a formal second letter with a hard deadline. If they still don't act, small-claims court is the next step.
What data do you need?
Flight number, date, route, and how long the delay was. For the letter itself also your name, address, and IBAN. No account, no password.
Is this the same as a claim agency?
Claim agencies do the same thing — but they take 25 to 50% if they succeed. The difference: you send the letters yourself and keep the full amount. Reisrecht price comparison When is an agency the better choice? →
Does this cost anything?
The tool is free. The only potential cost is a one-off court fee if you go to small-claims court — refunded if you win. A voluntary contribution via Ko-fi is always welcome, but never required.
Hit a problem? See common problems →