Flight help

Claim yourself or use AirHelp?

Compare the work involved, the fees and what you keep.

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An editorial guide by The Caribbean Bible · Reviewed 9 October 2026

Illustrative photo: A passport and boarding pass on a travel bag.

The short answer

You can approach the airline directly. A claims service is optional: compare its terms and deductions before authorising it. Checking eligibility is not the same as receiving compensation.

Start with a clear request

Use the airline’s official complaints form. Give the flight, date, booking reference, disruption and the outcome you seek. Attach copies of relevant evidence and keep the case number. Distinguish a ticket refund, repayment of expenses and compensation so that your request is unambiguous.

Understand the service price

AirHelp’s eligibility check is free; successful claims can carry a service fee and an additional legal-action fee. Read its current price list for the model that applies to you. Calculate what would remain after all deductions rather than comparing only the headline compensation. Our widget is an affiliate connection: we may earn a commission.

Before you authorise a claim

Check cancellation terms, any authority or assignment you sign, and how updates and payment work. Tell the provider if you already contacted the airline. Avoid appointing several services for the same claim without checking existing obligations. If handling it yourself, consult the relevant regulator’s escalation guidance after an unresolved airline complaint.

Explore your next step

You can contact the airline directly or explore optional help with a claim.

Flight problems →

Sources & method

Sources reviewed on 9 October 2026. The references below support the factual details; trip suggestions are editorial choices. This is a desk-researched guide, not an on-site inspection. Conditions and provider terms can change.

Our method & corrections

FLIGHT HELP GUIDES