How far back can I claim?
The Regulation doesn't set a time limit. It's set by the national law of the country where you'd bring a court claim, which is usually where the flight departed or arrived. Claiming early is always easier: the airline still has its records and you still have yours.
Time limits by country
| Country | Time limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 6 years | 6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland. |
| Ireland | 6 years | |
| France | 5 years | |
| Spain | 5 years | |
| Germany | 3 years | Runs to the end of the third calendar year after the flight. |
| Italy | 2 years | Sources disagree (2 years to 26 months). Claim as early as you can. |
| Netherlands | 2 years | |
| Belgium | 1 years |
Time limits are for starting a court claim. Other EU countries have their own limits, from 1 to 6 years. If you're unsure, claim within a year.
Old flights
If your flight was some years ago, you can still claim if you're inside the time limit. Find your booking confirmation, and check the flight's arrival time on a flight-tracking site. Our checker shows the time limit for your flight.
Questions
Can I claim for a flight from 3 years ago?
For UK flights, yes: the limit is 6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 5 years in Scotland. For EU flights it depends on the country: for example Germany 3 years, the Netherlands 2 years, Belgium 1 year.
Does the time limit stop when I send my claim to the airline?
Usually not. The limit is for starting court proceedings, so if the airline drags its feet, escalate in good time.
More guides
- How much compensation can I get for a delayed or cancelled flight?
- What are "extraordinary circumstances"?
- Cancelled flight: what you're owed
- Bumped from an overbooked flight: your rights
- Airline rejected your claim? What to do next
- Missed your connecting flight? What you're owed
- Delayed or cancelled by a strike: can I claim?
- Meals, hotels and refunds during a delay
- Downgraded to a lower class: what you're owed
Important: DelayOwed is a self-help guidance tool, not a law firm or claims company, and is not affiliated with any airline. Airline names are used only to describe which flights this guide covers.