How much compensation can I actually get?+
Depends on the route. Under EU261 / UK261 it's a statutory tier: €250 / €400 / €600 (£220 / £350 / £520) based on flight distance, payable in cash. Under US DOT rules there's no statutory delay compensation — but denied boarding gets 2x to 4x your fare (up to $2,150), and the Oct 2024 refund rule requires cash refunds for cancellations and significant changes. Montreal Convention caps baggage at ~$1,700/passenger for international flights. The letter picks the right framework for your route and demands the correct amount.
When does EU261 / UK261 apply to me?+
Any flight departing an EU or UK airport on any carrier, OR arriving at an EU/UK airport on an EU/UK-based carrier. Your nationality and ticket price don't matter — only the route and operating carrier. So a US passenger flying Delta JFK→LHR isn't covered at JFK departure but is covered on the return leg LHR→JFK because it departed the UK.
What about 'extraordinary circumstances'?+
Airlines will cite this defense — weather, ATC strike, political instability, bird strikes. EU261 Art. 5(3) does exempt those. But technical faults with the airline's own aircraft are generally NOT extraordinary under the Wallentin-Hermann line of cases. The airline bears the burden of proof, and must still provide duty-of-care (meals, accommodation, rebooking) even when the defense applies. The letter notes this.
Should I accept a voucher?+
No — not without written acknowledgment that your statutory rights are preserved. EU261 / UK261 compensation is legally payable in cash if you request it. Airlines often push vouchers (higher nominal value, often with restrictive T&Cs) to reduce their liability. If you've already accepted a voucher 'as final settlement,' you may have waived your right to further compensation. The letter demands cash and flags this trap.
What if the airline ignores my letter?+
The 'next steps' section gives jurisdiction-specific paths: EU — national enforcement body (listed in the EU261 Annex, e.g. CAA in the UK, BEH in Germany) or private enforcement via MCOL / national small claims. US — DOT aviation consumer complaint + credit-card chargeback for refund-eligible items. International baggage — Montreal Convention claim in home court (2-year limitation). Third-party services (AirHelp etc.) can file for you but take 25-50% commission — the letter is often enough.
How long do I have to file?+
Varies by jurisdiction: typically 6 years in the UK, 2-3 years in most EU states, 2 years under Montreal Convention (strict — no extensions), and US DOT complaints have no hard limit but filing within 12 months is strongly recommended. The letter flags the limitation period for your specific route.
Is this legal advice?+
No. PrimeDeck is a drafting tool, not a law firm. For high-value claims (baggage over Montreal cap, personal injury, etc.) or cases already in court, consult a passenger-rights attorney. EU261 cases over €600 per passenger or cases with unusual facts often benefit from local legal advice.