Do I Need a Claims Company for a Flight Delay?
You never have to pay anyone to claim flight delay compensation — you can do it yourself, for free, and keep the full amount. But that doesn’t mean a claims company is never worth it. For a straightforward delay the DIY route is clearly best; for a disputed, ignored or complex claim, handing it over can be the difference between giving up and getting paid.
This guide weighs up both routes honestly so you can decide. To see what’s at stake first, use the compensation calculator.
Claiming Yourself
When DIY Makes Sense
Doing it yourself is usually best when:
- The delay was clearly the airline’s fault and over 3 hours
- You have your booking, boarding passes and arrival time
- The airline isn’t disputing the basic facts
- You’re comfortable following the how to claim steps
- Best of all — you keep 100% of the compensation
Using a Claims Company
When It Can Be Worth It
A no win no fee firm can earn its cut when:
- The airline has rejected a claim you believe is valid
- The airline is not responding at all
- The facts are complex — connections, multiple passengers, disputed cause
- You don’t have the time or appetite to chase it yourself
The Trade-Off
Understand the cost before signing up:
- Firms take a percentage of any payout — across the market often 25–40% plus VAT. Our own partner AirHelp charges 35% of the compensation including VAT, or 50% including VAT if court action is needed
- “No win no fee” means no upfront cost, not no cost
- Free routes exist too — an ADR scheme costs you nothing
- Check the fee and terms before you commit
Common Questions About Claims Companies
Will a claims company get me more money?
Not usually — the compensation amount is fixed by distance regardless of who claims, so a firm can’t increase the headline figure. What it can do is succeed where you might have given up, by handling a dispute or a non-responding airline. The value is in getting paid at all, not in a bigger sum.
Is “no win no fee” really free?
There’s no upfront cost, but if the claim succeeds the firm takes a percentage out of your compensation. Across the market that is commonly 25–40% plus VAT; our own partner AirHelp charges 35% including VAT, rising to 50% including VAT if court action is needed. So a successful £520 claim through AirHelp would net you £338 (or £260 if it went to court). For a clear-cut claim you could have made yourself for free, that’s a real cost.
If the airline already said no, is a claims company my only option?
No. A rejection can be challenged for free through a CAA-approved ADR scheme, or through the Small Claims Court for a modest, usually recoverable fee. A claims company is one option among several — worth it if you’d rather not handle the dispute yourself, but not your only route.
How do I avoid a bad claims company?
Check the fee percentage and whether VAT is on top, read the terms before signing, and be wary of unsolicited approaches. Remember the free alternatives — claiming directly and ADR — exist for every claim. A reputable firm will be transparent about its cut and won’t pressure you.
Related Guides
Escalating to the CAA & ADR Schemes
Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Am I Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?
Extraordinary Circumstances Explained
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Delayed Flight
If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free flight delay claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
