Having your flight compensation claim rejected can be frustrating, but it’s also very common. Many airlines automatically deny claims at the first stage, even when passengers may be legally entitled to EU flight compensation.
Airlines often rely on standard responses or vague explanations, hoping passengers won’t challenge the decision. In reality, a large number of initially rejected claims are later approved once they’re reviewed more closely.
A rejected flight compensation claim isn’t final. In many cases, it simply means you need to take the next steps to challenge the airline’s decision.
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Common Reasons Airlines Reject Flight Compensation Claims
Having your flight compensation claim rejected can be frustrating, but it’s also very common.
Airlines typically reject compensation claims for a handful of recurring reasons, some valid, others questionable.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
- One of the most common explanations is extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or air traffic control restrictions. While these situations can exempt airlines from paying compensation, they are sometimes misapplied or poorly justified.
- Airlines also often describe technical issues as extraordinary events, even though most technical problems are not considered extraordinary under EU261 or UK261. Routine or unexpected technical faults are generally the airline’s responsibility, but they are still commonly used as a reason to deny compensation.
- Another frequent reason is claims of missed boarding or late check-in, where airlines argue the passenger failed to follow boarding instructions. If the delay or missed flight wasn’t the passenger’s fault, this argument may not hold up.
- Airlines also often shift responsibility to airports or air traffic control, even when the root cause may still fall within the airline’s control.
- Claims may also be rejected due to incomplete or unclear documentation, such as missing boarding passes, booking references, or proof of the delay or cancellation. Ensuring your paperwork is complete can make a significant difference when challenging a rejection.
Flight Compensation Claim Rejected? Here’s Your Next Steps
What to do if airline refuses compensation?
A rejected flight compensation claim isn’t final. In many cases, it simply means you need to take the next steps to challenge the airline’s decision.
Step One: Ask for a Detailed Explanation
Having your flight compensation claim rejected can be frustrating, but it’s also very common.
If your claim was rejected, start by asking the airline for a written explanation. They should clearly state why compensation was denied and identify the exact cause of the delay or cancellation.
Vague phrases like “operational issues” or “extraordinary circumstances” are not enough on their own. Airlines must be able to justify their decision with clear, consistent information. Requesting this explanation often exposes weak or incorrect reasoning.
Step Two: Check If the Rejection Is Legitimate
Once you receive the airline’s explanation, compare it with EU261 or UK261 rules. Check whether the reason given truly qualifies as extraordinary or whether it falls within the airline’s responsibility.
Also verify the arrival delay at your final destination, not just individual flight legs. Compensation eligibility depends on when you actually arrived and whether the delay was 3 hours or more.
Step Three: Gather Supporting Evidence
Strong evidence can make or break a claim. Collect and keep:
- Your boarding pass and booking confirmation
- Emails, app notifications, or messages from the airline
- Screenshots of airport departure boards or data from flight tracking tools
This information helps confirm what happened and strengthens your case if you challenge the rejection.
Step Four: Escalate the Claim
If the airline maintains its rejection, you can escalate the claim. Contact the relevant National Enforcement Body (NEB), which oversees airline compliance with passenger rights regulations.
Some airlines also participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes, which provide an independent review of disputes. Escalation is most effective when you have clear evidence and believe the airline misapplied the rules.
Step Five: Use a Flight Compensation Company
Flight compensation claim rejected? There’s an easy way to proceed – working with a flight compensation company.
If you don’t want to handle the process yourself, a flight compensation company can manage the claim for you. These services assess eligibility, communicate with the airline, and escalate the case if needed.
Most operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you only pay if compensation is successfully recovered. This is often the easiest option, especially after an initial rejection.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Flight Compensation Claim Rejection
After a claim is rejected, certain mistakes can reduce your chances of success.
Avoid accepting vague explanations without asking for proof or clarification — airlines must justify their decisions. Don’t miss claim deadlines, as time limits apply under EU and UK rules. Also, be careful not to confuse the right to care with compensation; even if compensation isn’t owed, care and assistance may still apply.
How Long the Flight Compensation Claim Process Take?
Airlines usually respond within a few weeks, but follow-ups and escalations can extend the process to several months.
Escalating to an NEB or using a claims service may take longer, but persistence often pays off.
If you don’t want to deal with the airline and escalation, work with a flight compensation company.
Read more:
Flight compensation claim rejected? It’s not final. You can still take steps to claim EU261 compensation.
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