What Happens When You File a Flight Compensation Claim

Filing a flight compensation claim might seem straightforward—submit your details and wait for the compensation to roll in. But behind the scenes, a complex series of steps and evaluations can make or break a claim. Here’s an insider look at what happens both on our end at Langround and with airlines during this process, from claim submission to resolution (or sometimes legal action).

Step 1: Pre-Checking the Claim

When a claim arrives at Langround, we conduct a thorough pre-check to assess eligibility under the EU261 Regulation. We analyze every detail, including:

• Flight Information: We check whether the flight route, carrier, and dates qualify under EU261.
• Reason for Disruption: Was the flight delayed, canceled, or overbooked? Each scenario has its own rules for compensation eligibility.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: We delve deep into available data—weather reports, ATC (Air Traffic Control) notices, news reports, and airport situations on the day of the disruption. This is crucial, as airlines often claim “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid paying compensation.

This pre-check allows us to flag potential issues before proceeding, saving time for our clients and setting clear expectations about what we may encounter.

Step 2: Filing the Claim with the Airline

Once we’re confident a claim meets all eligibility requirements, we formally file it with the airline. This step isn’t just about sending a standard form; it’s about building a solid case from the start. We present all necessary documentation, including:

• Flight details and itineraries
• Proof of disruption and its impact (e.g., boarding passes, receipts)
• Legal references that demonstrate the client’s right to compensation under EU261

Step 3: The Airline’s Response

Airlines have their own process for handling claims, and this is where things often get tricky. Here’s what typically happens on their end:

• Initial Review: The airline will assess whether the claim meets the essential criteria for compensation. They might immediately agree, but they more often investigate further.
• Rejection or Counteroffer: Airlines might deny the claim or offer vouchers instead of cash compensation, citing reasons like “extraordinary circumstances” or operational needs.

Step 4: Analyzing the Airline’s Response

If the airline rejects the claim, our job is far from over. We thoroughly analyze their response to determine whether their grounds for rejection are valid. It involves:

• Data Verification: We cross-check their claims against the information we gathered during our initial pre-check.
• Additional Evidence: If necessary, we contact the client for further documentation to strengthen the case.

Step 5: Challenging the Airline’s Decision

We push back if we find evidence that the airline’s rejection is unjustified. It may involve further correspondence, presenting more evidence, or even escalating the matter to the respective enforcement bodies.

Step 6: Considering Legal Action

Sometimes, despite solid evidence, airlines continue to reject valid claims. At this stage, we analyze whether it makes sense to proceed with legal options. This step involves:

• Cost Assessment: We consider the costs and risks of legal action and weigh them against the potential compensation amount.
• Legal Routes: Depending on the situation, we may escalate the claim to national enforcement bodies, file a legal complaint, or even pursue litigation in court.
• Client Communication: Throughout this process, we keep our clients informed and request any additional information for legal proceedings.

Step 7: Resolution and Beyond

If the claim is successful, the client receives compensation. But even if we don’t succeed immediately, we leave no stone unturned. Sometimes, airlines change their stance after persistent legal pressure or when faced with evidence they cannot ignore.

Why This Matters

Our process at Langround isn’t just about maximizing success rates; it’s about standing up for passengers’ rights in an industry where airlines often use technicalities and loopholes to avoid payouts. Every piece of evidence, every response, and every legal argument matters.

When you file a flight compensation claim with Langround, you will know there’s a dedicated effort behind the scenes—analyzing, challenging, and, if necessary, fighting every step to get your compensation from the airline.