Flight Compensation in Germany
Updated June 2026 · EU261 · Germany
Quick answer
Flights departing Germany are covered by EU261, so a delay of 3+ hours, a short-notice cancellation or denied boarding can be worth €250–€600 per passenger. In Germany you generally have three years (from the end of the year of the flight) to bring a claim, and the enforcement body is the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).
Claiming in Germany
Germany applies EU261, the air passenger rights regime that gives you fixed cash compensation for long delays, cancellations and denied boarding. You claim directly with the airline first; if it refuses a valid claim, the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) is the body that oversees enforcement, and an ADR scheme or the small-claims court is the next step. All of that is free.
The practical thing to watch is the deadline: in Germany you generally have three years (from the end of the year of the flight) to bring a claim. Treat that as indicative — it depends on the forum — but don't assume an older flight is too late without checking.
Not sure if your flight qualifies?
Check it free in 30 secondsAirports in Germany
Get your money back
Claim services typically keep 25–35% of your payout as commission. Claiming directly with the airline yourself is free.
Start your claim — no win, no feeFlight compensation in Germany: FAQ
- How long do I have to claim flight compensation in Germany?
- In Germany the limitation period is generally three years (from the end of the year of the flight). These periods are indicative and depend on which court would hear the claim, so confirm before filing an older claim — but flights from the last couple of years are usually still claimable in 2026.
- Who enforces air passenger rights in Germany?
- The national enforcement body is the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA). If the airline rejects or ignores a valid EU261 claim, you can escalate to them or to an approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme — for free — before considering court.
- How much can I claim for a flight from Germany?
- Compensation is fixed by distance: €250 (£220) up to 1,500 km, €400 (£350) for 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 (£520) over 3,500 km, halved on long-haul when you arrive 3–4 hours late. The ticket price doesn't matter.
- Is claiming in Germany free?
- Yes — you can claim directly with the airline at no cost, and escalate to the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) for free if needed. A no-win-no-fee service keeps roughly 25–35% of the payout and is worth it mainly when the airline stonewalls or court is needed.
Germany airlines
Free eligibility check · service fee 25–35% only if you win · claiming directly yourself is free