Flight disruptions are frustrating enough without the added hassle of trying to claim compensation from airlines. AirHelp has emerged as one of the leading services helping passengers recover money for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights. But is it worth the 35% commission they charge? This comprehensive 2026 review examines how AirHelp works, its success rate, customer experiences, and whether you should use it or handle claims yourself.
What Is AirHelp?
Founded in 2013, AirHelp is a flight compensation service that helps passengers claim money from airlines when flights are significantly delayed, canceled, or overbooked. The company operates in over 30 countries and has processed more than 3 million claims, recovering over $800 million for passengers since its founding.
AirHelp handles the entire claims process on behalf of passengers, from initial eligibility assessment through negotiation with airlines and, if necessary, legal proceedings. The service operates on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning you only pay if they successfully recover compensation for you.
How AirHelp Works: The Process Explained
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You can check if your disrupted flight qualifies for compensation using AirHelp’s free online tool at airhelp.com. You’ll need to provide:
- Flight number and date
- Departure and arrival airports
- Flight distance
- Reason for disruption (if known)
- Length of delay or if the flight was canceled
The eligibility checker takes about 2 minutes and instantly tells you if you likely qualify and how much compensation you might receive.
Step 2: Submit Your Claim
If eligible, you’ll create an account and upload supporting documents:
- Boarding pass or booking confirmation
- Government-issued ID or passport
- Any communication from the airline about the disruption
You’ll also sign a Letter of Authority (LOA) giving AirHelp permission to act on your behalf. This entire process typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: AirHelp Takes Over
Once submitted, AirHelp’s team:
- Verifies flight data and disruption details
- Confirms your eligibility under EC 261/2004 (European regulation) or other applicable laws
- Contacts the airline on your behalf
- Negotiates with the airline’s claims department
- Pursues legal action if the airline refuses to pay
You can track your claim’s progress through the AirHelp website or mobile app, which provides real-time updates.
Step 4: Receive Your Compensation
If AirHelp successfully recovers compensation:
- The airline pays AirHelp directly
- AirHelp deducts its 35% commission (plus VAT where applicable)
- You receive the remaining amount via bank transfer, PayPal, or other payment methods
- Payment typically arrives within 5-10 business days after AirHelp receives it from the airline
Fee Structure: What Does AirHelp Cost?
Standard Fee: 35% + VAT (where applicable)
AirHelp charges a 35% commission on any compensation recovered. This percentage is consistent across all claim amounts and jurisdictions. In countries where VAT applies to services, an additional VAT charge (typically 20-25%) is added to the commission.
Example Calculation:
If you’re entitled to €600 compensation (the maximum under EC 261 for long-haul flights):
- Total compensation: €600
- AirHelp commission (35%): €210
- VAT on commission (if applicable, e.g., 20%): €42
- Total fees: €252
- You receive: €348
In regions without VAT on services, you would receive €390 (€600 – €210).
No Win, No Fee Guarantee
AirHelp’s crucial advantage is that you pay nothing if they don’t recover compensation. There are:
- No upfront fees
- No charges for checking eligibility
- No fees if your claim is unsuccessful
- No hidden costs
What Disruptions Qualify for Compensation?
AirHelp can help with claims under various regulations, primarily EC 261/2004 (European regulation) but also UK261, Montreal Convention, and certain US regulations.
Flight Delays
You may be entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at the final destination more than 3 hours late, provided:
- The delay was the airline’s fault (not due to extraordinary circumstances)
- The flight departed from an EU airport OR arrived at an EU airport on an EU carrier
- The flight distance determines the compensation amount (€250-€600)
Flight Cancellations
Canceled flights qualify for compensation unless:
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