The easy way to claim for flight delay compensation

Know your rights so you can receive the flight delay compensation you’re entitled to. We’ll guide you through the process, making it stress-free and straightforward.

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Flight delayed or cancelled? Claim compensation?

Travel arrangements not go to plan? The last thing you need is to tackle all the complexities involved in claiming for flight delay compensation. From time limits, to determining who’s at fault, to the mandatory airline services, it’s far from easy to get what you deserve.

However, it can be hassle-free – if you’re supported by a team with extensive expertise in this area. Optimal Solicitors are here to help you. We empower you to receive what you’re owed, even if it means taking your case to court.

If you’ve experienced a flight delay, cancellation, or been denied boarding, turn to us. We’ll make sure you understand your rights and options when it comes to flight compensation. You can trust that we’ll take your claim seriously and achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Delayed Flights

Delayed Flights

Arrived at your destination at least three hours later than you anticipated? We understand that being stuck at the airport for hours wasn’t on your agenda, and you may have even been poorly treated in the process. We’ll fight your corner so you can claim the compensation you deserve.

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Cancelled Flights

Cancelled Flights

Know exactly what you’re owed for a cancelled flight and the difficulties it caused. Unless the cancellation was a result of extraordinary circumstances, it’s your legal right to claim compensation. Optimal Solicitors will make sure that you get every penny you’re due.

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Denied Boarding

Denied Boarding

Voluntary or involuntary, you can claim on a denied boarding that simply shouldn’t have happened. If you gave up your seat on an overbooked flight, we’ll help with the refund process. If it was involuntary, then we’ll make it our mission to claim your compensation, along with reimbursements for comfort benefits.

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Missed Connection

Missed Connection

Missing your connection and having your journey drawn out because of a delay, cancellation, or boarding denial is far from ideal. The situation’s made worse given that multiple flights can complicate the compensation process. Rest assured that we’ll unpick the legalities to simplify the whole claims procedure.

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We’ve helped thousands, like you, get the best outcome

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Whatever the reason your flight didn’t go as expected, we’re here to help you know your legal rights and action your claim. You shouldn’t have to pay the price for factors beyond your control, so we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you’re appropriately reimbursed.

Why Optimal Solicitors?

We’ll minimise your costs

Most solicitors rely on expensive referrals – not us. We’re powered by word of mouth and pass these savings on to our clients, so you receive the maximum amount of your compensation claim.

We make claims easier

Flight distance, length of delay, country of departure... So many variables dictate the amount of flight delay compensation you can get that most people give up trying to figure it out. We work quickly to understand your situation and simplify legal jargon.

We work around you

While your flight might not have gone to plan, we’ll make sure that claiming your compensation is as straightforward as can be. We work around you by extending our opening times beyond the 9-5 and being flexible in our methods of communication.

What do flight delay compensation solicitors do?

Flight delay compensation solicitors will act as your legal representative, helping you know your rights and going through the claims process for you. If the matter goes to court, they’ll act on your behalf and do what it takes to make sure you get your desired outcome.

Do I actually need a flight delay compensation solicitor?

Many do try to claim for their flight interruption themselves. However, when the disruption isn’t so clear-cut, the process is a lot tougher. And, if your claim is rejected or paused by the airline, then you’ll have a battle on your hands. Flight delay compensation will provide you with accurate legal advice so you can take the most effective course of action with your claim.

When should I be provided ‘comfort services’ by the airline?

Food and drink, access to the phone and emails, even potentially accommodation and any related journeys – these are all services that the airline should give you, usually after a two-hour delay. This is a legal obligation in line with the EU regulation 261/2004.

When comfort services will become your entitlement is dependent on a few factors: the length of the delay, the distance of your flight, and the countries you’re flying from and to. The table below illustrates this:

Flight Distance Length of delay
Less than 1,500km 2 hours
More than 1,500km (and within the EU) 3 hours
1,500-3,500km (and between EU and non-EU countries) 3 hours
More than 3,500km (and between EU and non-EU countries) 4 hours

If you weren’t provided these services, but still had to pay for them, then you might be able to claim reimbursements from the airline. Hold on to any receipts connected to your interrupted flight. You should bear in mind that these need to be reasonable – if you’ve chosen the most expensive hotel, for example, it’s doubtful the airline will reimburse you.

When can I claim compensation?

Your entitlement begins when the flight arrives at its destination three hours or more later than anticipated. The longer the flight delay, and the further the distance, then the more you can expect to receive. You should also be aware that the reason for the flight interruption needs to be considered the airline’s fault for your claim to be valid.

If your flight was delayed by over five hours, then who’s at fault and the distance no longer matters. You also have the option to not board the flight – and you can claim either way. If your flight is cancelled or you were denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you have the right to claim for this as well.

What counts as the ‘airline’s fault’?

The flight delay needs to be related to something that the airline had control over for you to receive compensation. So, if it was down to a lack of bookings or a technical problem, this would be considered their fault. However, the likes of bad weather or a security risk would be counted as ‘extraordinary circumstances’, though this can be a bit of a grey area.

How far back can I backdate my claim?

While there is the option to claim for flight disruptions as far back as 2005, laws in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will realistically only allow you to claim for those from the last six years. In Scotland, you can only backdate your compensation claim by five years.

What does it cost?

We understand that high legal fees are the last thing you need, so we provide cost options that suit you. Our services are offered on a fixed basis, though we also offer an hourly rate for those requiring a more flexible approach. Discover our full pricing here [LINK], or book a free initial consultation to find out more.

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Get the compensation you deserve

Speak to us about your flight situation – you’ve nothing to lose. In our free initial consultation, we’ll let you know where you stand legally and explain how we can help you get what you’re entitled to.

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