Flight delays... guaranteed to turn even the cheeriest traveller into a right frazzled flyer. But fear not, frustrated flyers! Passengers flying within the EU or from a UK airport can claim compensation up to £520 if the airline messed up.

Here's what you need to know:

When are you eligible? Simple terms: If your flight arrives more than 3 hours late, departs from or arrives at a UK/EU airport, and the airline is to blame, you're likely in luck (in compensation terms that is!).

How much compensation can you get? The amount depends on the flight distance and delay time (see table below).

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

How to claim:

• Do it yourself: Free online tools like Which?'s claim tool can draft a letter for you to send the airline. This is a good option if you have time and want to keep all the compensation.
  

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• Use a claims management firm: Companies like AirHelp handle the whole process for you, but take a cut (standard fee 35%) of your compensation. This is a good choice if you want to save time and hassle.

For Frequent Flyers:

If you travel often, consider AirHelp Plus. For just £1.83 per month (that's £21.99 a year!), you get unlimited claims without fees and access to Airhelp's services whenever your flight is delayed or cancelled. No need to worry about claiming yourself – AirHelp Plus handles everything for you, ensuring you receive 100% of the compensation you deserve.

The Ethics Debate:

Some argue flight compensation is too high, especially for cheap tickets. Others see it as fair compensation for disruption and inconvenience. The debate continues, but knowing your rights can help you claim what you're owed!

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