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Checklist: What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed

Written by Inga | Jul 11, 2025 2:00:00 PM

How to protect your rights and submit your claim with Captain Frank

Your flight is delayed? That’s not just frustrating—it can cost you time, money, and even a missed connection. What many travelers don’t realize: if your arrival is delayed by more than three hours, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation.

To help you stay calm and take the right steps, we’ve created a simple checklist. And the best part? With Captain Frank, you can submit your delayed flight online in just a few minutes—no paperwork, no hassle, no financial risk.

1. Stay calm and document the delay

As annoying as the situation may be, try to stay focused and collect the key facts:

  • Scheduled and actual departure and arrival times

  • Flight number and destination

  • Stated reason for the delay (if communicated)

  • Any statements from staff (get them in writing or take a photo, if possible)

    Tip: Take a picture of the airport display board showing your delay.


2. Ask for a confirmation of the delay reason

You have the right to know why your flight is delayed. Politely ask the airline staff for a written explanation—either at the counter or via email. This helps us verify your claim later on.

3. Keep your boarding pass and booking documents

You’ll need these to prove that you were on the flight:

  • Your boarding pass (a screenshot of the mobile version works too)

  • Your booking confirmation or e-ticket

  • Payment receipt (e.g. a bank or credit card statement)

4. Request care and support at the airport

If your wait exceeds 2 hours (for short-haul flights), the airline must provide food, drinks, and possibly hotel accommodation—regardless of whether compensation applies. Don’t hesitate to ask for vouchers or assistance at the gate or service desk.

5. Submit your flight with Captain Frank

If your flight was delayed by at least 3 hours, it’s time to check your eligibility. With Captain Frank, it only takes a few minutes online. All you need is:

  • Your flight number

  • Travel date

  • A few details about the delay

We’ll take care of the rest. There’s no financial risk for you—we only charge a small success fee if we successfully recover your compensation.

When are you entitled to compensation?

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be eligible for compensation if:

  • Your flight departed from or landed in the EU (with an EU airline)

  • You arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late

  • No “extraordinary circumstances” applied (such as extreme weather or political unrest)

Stay informed, submit your claim, get compensated

Flight delays are frustrating—but you don’t have to just accept them. If you keep your documents and submit your claim through Captain Frank, you have a good chance of receiving your compensation quickly and easily.

Check your flight now – fast, free, and without paperwork