Every year, millions of air passengers experience the frustration of flight delays, cancellations, and overbooking. What many don’t realize is that they are often entitled to significant financial compensation under passenger rights laws like EU261 (in Europe) and similar regulations worldwide.
Navigating these laws alone can be daunting. This is where AirHelp comes in. But is it the right solution for you? This exclusive, in-depth guide will break down everything you need to know about AirHelp, from how it works to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision and secure the money you’re owed.
What is AirHelp? Your Advocate in the Skies
AirHelp is a specialized tech company and the world’s leading passenger rights specialist. Founded in 2013, their mission is simple: to help air travelers claim compensation for disrupted flights easily and efficiently.
Instead of spending hours on the phone with airline customer service, you can use AirHelp’s platform to check your eligibility and file a claim in minutes. They handle the entire legal and administrative process on your behalf, taking the stress off your shoulders.
How Does AirHelp Work? The Simple 3-Step Process
Check Your Flight for Free: Enter your flight details (flight number, date, and route) on the AirHelp website or app. Their system instantly checks your eligibility against global passenger rights regulations.
Submit Your Claim: If you’re eligible, you provide your personal and booking details. AirHelp’s team of legal experts then prepares and submits the formal claim to the airline.
Get Paid: AirHelp fights the airline for you. If they successfully secure your compensation, they transfer your share (typically after deducting their success fee) directly to your bank account or PayPal.
Key Passenger Rights Laws AirHelp Enforces
Understanding the laws behind the claims is crucial. AirHelp specializes in:
EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261): This is the most well-known regulation. It protects passengers flying from an EU country to an EU country on an EU airline, or even on non-EU airlines departing from the EU. It covers compensation for delays (3+ hours), cancellations, and denied boarding.
UK261: The UK’s equivalent of EU261, which remained in place after Brexit.
Other Global Regulations: AirHelp also handles claims under various other national laws, such as in Canada, the United States (primarily for tarmac delays and involuntary bumping), Turkey, and Brazil.
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AirHelp Pros and Cons: An Honest Breakdown
Pros: Why Use AirHelp?
Effortless & Time-Saving: They do all the heavy lifting. No more endless calls or complex legal forms.
Expert Knowledge: Their team understands the intricacies of aviation law and knows how to counter airlines’ common rejection tactics.
No Win, No Fee: You only pay if AirHelp successfully gets you compensated. There are no upfront costs.
High Success Rate: With years of experience and data, they have a strong track record of winning claims.
User-Friendly Platform: The website and mobile app are intuitive and easy to navigate.
Cons: What to Consider
Service Fee: Their success fee is typically 25% to 35% of the total compensation. If you file the claim yourself, you keep 100%.
Claim Processing Time: The process can take several months, as it may involve legal proceedings if the airline initially refuses.
Not for Every Case: They will only take on claims they believe they can win. Some straightforward claims might be easy enough to handle independently.
Is AirHelp Legit and Safe to Use?
Yes, AirHelp is a legitimate and safe company. They have helped over 16 million passengers claim more than $1 billion in compensation. They are a well-funded, recognized business in the travel tech space and use secure, encrypted systems to handle your personal and payment information.
AirHelp Fees: How Much Does It Cost?
AirHelp operates on a “No Win, No Fee” model. If they are unsuccessful, you pay nothing. If they win, their commission is a percentage of the compensation amount. This percentage can vary but generally falls between 25% and 35%. Always check the specific terms before you confirm your claim.
AirHelp vs. Doing It Yourself: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Using AirHelp | Doing It Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | Minimal. They handle everything. | Hi. You research laws, write letters, and follow up. |
| Cost | 25-35% of the compensation. | Free (you keep 100%). |
| Time | Hands-off, but can take months. | Time-consuming, requires persistence. |
| Success Chance | High, due to legal expertise. | Variable, depends on your case and persistence. |
| Best For | Busy individuals, complex cases, or those who want a hassle-free experience. | People with time, simple cases, or those wanting to maximize their payout. |
Final Verdict: Our Exclusive AirHelp Review
AirHelp is an invaluable service for the modern traveler. It democratizes access to justice, ensuring that airlines are held accountable for the disruptions they cause.
Use AirHelp if you value your time, want to avoid the stress of dealing with airlines, and are comfortable paying a commission for a professional service that maximizes your chance of success.
Consider filing yourself if you have a very straightforward case under a well-known law like EU261, you’re not in a hurry, and you want to keep every penny of the compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does an AirHelp claim take?
A: It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the airline’s responsiveness.
Q: Can I use AirHelp for an old flight?
A: Yes, but time limits apply. In the EU, you generally have 3 years to file a claim (depending on the member state), but it’s always best to act quickly.
Q: What if the airline offers me a voucher?
A: Do not accept it without consulting AirHelp or reading the fine print. You are often entitled to cash compensation, which is almost always more valuable. AirHelp can advise you on this.
Q: Does AirHelp work for flights in the USA?
A: Yes, but the scope is different. They can help with claims for involuntary bumping and significant tarmac delays, as U.S. laws do not offer broad compensation for general delays or cancellations like EU261 does.