Still Waiting on Your EU261 Claim?

Filing a compensation claim under EU261 is often just the first step. For many passengers, the real frustration comes next. You send all the details, submit your documents, and then... silence. Days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months. What exactly is going on behind the scenes when a claim seems to disappear into an airline’s inbox? Let’s break it down.

What EU Law Says

Under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, airlines are expected to respond to claims in a "reasonable" time. But here's the catch: "reasonable" isn’t really defined. There is no legally enforced deadline for airlines to reply or pay, just a general expectation that they won’t drag it out. In practice? Many do.

Some national enforcement bodies recommend responses within 4 to 6 weeks (e.g., UK CAA, Dutch ILT). Others are stricter. But unless you escalate the case, there’s no consequence for an airline taking 90 days (or longer) to respond.

Why Airlines Delay Responses

Here are a few common (and frustrating) reasons airlines take their time:

• Volume of claims: Airlines often receive thousands of requests, especially after strikes or summer chaos.
• Tactical stalling: Some airlines delay replies, hoping passengers will give up.
• Internal reviews: Claims might pass through multiple departments: customer service, legal, and accounting.
• Outsourcing: Many airlines hire third-party processors, which can add extra steps and further slowdowns.

What Can You Do While You Wait?

1. Track your communication. Keep copies of all emails, attachments, and timestamps.
2. Send a follow-up after 30 days. Be firm but polite.
3. Contact the national enforcement body (NEB) in the country where the disruption occurred, if there’s still no reply after 8 weeks.
4. Avoid resubmitting the same claim multiple times through different forms or emails because it will create confusion.

Pro tip: Always send your claim to the airline’s official compensation or customer service portal. If possible, use certified email or request delivery confirmation.

How Langround Handles This

Airlines can ignore individual passengers. But when a claim comes through a specialized company with experience, they tend to take it more seriously.

Langround tracks response deadlines, escalates when necessary, and knows when to push harder. Our clients don’t have to chase emails or wonder if they were forgotten. And if an airline stalls too long, we don’t hesitate to escalate the case further.

In Other Words

If your claim has been sitting in limbo for 90 days, you're not alone. EU261 gives you rights, but it doesn't guarantee airlines will rush to honor them.

That’s why it helps to know the system, stay organized, and work with someone who knows how to get through the silence.

Still waiting on an answer? Let us follow up for you. Start your claim today!