Airline refused your compensation claim? What to do next

UK flights (UK261)

• Wait for the airline's final response, or 8 weeks without one.
• Go to the airline's approved dispute scheme: AviationADR or CEDR (free). Apply within 12 months of the final response. Decisions usually take up to 3 months.
• No scheme? The CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team can help.
• Last resort: Money Claim Online (England & Wales) or Simple Procedure (Scotland). Court fees start at £35 for claims up to £300 and can usually be claimed back if you win.

EU flights (EU261)

• Complain to the national enforcement body of the country the flight departed from (or arrived in, for flights into the EU).
• EU residents can also get free help from their European Consumer Centre.
• Court: usually in the country of departure or arrival. The European Small Claims Procedure can be used for claims up to €5,000 in some cross-border cases.

Don't accept vouchers instead of cash

You're entitled to be paid in money, by bank transfer. You don't have to accept vouchers, air miles or a partial payment.

Want help with the wording? Our follow-up pack (at flyerowed.com/refused) writes a reply to the airline's exact excuse, a complaint for the right dispute scheme or regulator, and a final demand before court.