Airline Rejected My Claim (2026)
Your airline said no. That is not the end of the road. Airlines reject most initial claims — but the majority of those rejections do not hold up when challenged. Here is how to push back and get the compensation you are owed under EU261 and UK261.
In this guide
What Happens When a Claim is Rejected
A rejection letter from the airline is not a legal judgment. It is one party's opinion in a dispute — and that party has a financial interest in paying you nothing.
Under EU261 and UK261, you have the right to challenge a rejection. You can submit additional evidence, cite court rulings that contradict the airline's position, and escalate your claim to an independent body whose decision is binding on the airline.
The process looks like this:
Airline rejects your claim (often with a vague or incorrect reason)
You review the rejection, gather evidence, and respond with legal references
If the airline still refuses, you escalate to ADR (CEDR, SÖP, etc.) or court
ADR rules in your favour — the airline must pay (this happens in the majority of escalated cases)
The key statistic
Airlines reject roughly 60% of initial claims. But when passengers escalate to ADR, the decision goes in their favour in the majority of cases — especially when the airline cannot substantiate its “extraordinary circumstances” defence. The system is designed so that persistence pays off.
Common Reasons Airlines Reject Claims
Airlines use a handful of standard rejection reasons. Knowing what they are — and why they often fail under scrutiny — is the first step to mounting a successful challenge.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Airline says: “The delay was caused by an event beyond our control, so we are not liable.”
Reality
Airlines overuse this defence. The ECJ has set a high bar — the event must be truly extraordinary and the airline must prove it took all reasonable measures. Routine operational problems do not qualify.
How to respond
Ask the airline for specific written evidence of the extraordinary event. Check whether other flights on the same route departed normally. Cite Wallentin-Hermann (C-549/07).
Technical Fault
Airline says: “A technical problem is an extraordinary circumstance beyond our control.”
Reality
The ECJ ruled in Wallentin-Hermann that technical problems arising from normal aircraft operations are inherent to running an airline — they are not extraordinary. Van der Lans v KLM (C-257/14) confirmed this again.
How to respond
Request the exact nature of the fault in writing. If it was a routine maintenance issue or wear and tear, the airline cannot claim extraordinary circumstances. Escalate to ADR if they persist.
Crew Shortage
Airline says: “Staff unavailability was outside our control.”
Reality
Crew scheduling is the airline's operational responsibility. In Airhelp v SAS (C-28/20), the ECJ ruled that staff shortages caused by internal planning failures do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
How to respond
Ask whether the shortage was caused by an external event (e.g., a third-party strike) or internal scheduling. If internal, cite Airhelp v SAS and push back.
Weather Delays
Airline says: “Bad weather is an extraordinary circumstance — no compensation.”
Reality
Weather can be extraordinary, but airlines sometimes apply this label too broadly. If only your flight was affected while others on the same route departed on time, the airline may not have taken all reasonable measures.
How to respond
Check flight trackers for other departures from the same airport around the same time. If other flights left normally, the airline's weather defence is weakened. Request METAR data.
Missed Connection (Incorrectly Claimed)
Airline says: “Your connecting flight was on a separate booking, so we are not liable for the missed connection.”
Reality
This is correct if the flights were on separate tickets. But if both flights were under a single reservation, the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination and the total delay determines compensation.
How to respond
Confirm your booking was a single reservation (same PNR). If it was, the airline owes compensation based on arrival delay at your final destination, not the individual flight.
Claim Filed Too Late
Airline says: “The limitation period has expired — your claim is time-barred.”
Reality
Limitation periods vary by country — from 1 year (Poland, Belgium) to 6 years (England/Wales, Ireland). Airlines sometimes tell passengers the deadline has passed when it has not, hoping they will not check.
How to respond
Verify the limitation period for the country where your flight departed. See our Claim Deadlines Guide for the full country-by-country breakdown. Do not take the airline's word for it.
Delay Under 3 Hours
Airline says: “Your arrival delay was less than 3 hours, so no compensation is due.”
Reality
This is correct if the delay was genuinely under 3 hours at your final destination. However, airlines sometimes miscalculate arrival times or measure from departure rather than arrival.
How to respond
Verify the actual arrival time using flight tracker data (FlightRadar24, FlightAware). The 3-hour threshold is measured at your final destination, not at departure.
Airport Security / ATC Strike
Airline says: “A strike by airport staff or air traffic control is an extraordinary circumstance.”
Reality
Third-party strikes (airport security, ATC) generally qualify as extraordinary — the airline cannot control them. However, the airline must still prove it took all reasonable measures to minimise disruption.
How to respond
If the airline's own staff were striking, cite Airhelp v SAS — that is the airline's responsibility. If it was a genuine third-party strike, this defence may be valid, but you are still entitled to duty of care (meals, hotel).
How to Challenge a Rejected Claim
Challenging a rejection is not complicated, but it requires methodical preparation. Here is the step-by-step process that gives you the best chance of success.
Gather Your Evidence
Before responding to the rejection, make sure you have solid documentation. The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for the airline to maintain its position.
- ✓Boarding pass or e-ticket
- ✓Booking confirmation with reservation code
- ✓Delay or cancellation notification from the airline (email, SMS, app alert)
- ✓Proof of actual arrival time (flight tracker screenshot, baggage carousel photo)
- ✓All correspondence with the airline — especially their rejection letter
- ✓Evidence that other flights departed normally (if disputing weather or ATC claims)
Review the Airline's Rejection Reason
Read the rejection carefully. Airlines often use vague language like "extraordinary circumstances" without specifying what happened. You have the right to know exactly why your claim was rejected.
- ✓Identify the specific reason given (technical fault, weather, strike, etc.)
- ✓Check whether the reason is one of the common objections listed above
- ✓Request written details if the airline's explanation is vague
- ✓Note any inconsistencies — did they change their reason from your first contact?
Submit a Follow-up Claim
Write back to the airline with a detailed response that addresses their specific objection, cites the relevant regulation and case law, and includes your evidence.
- ✓Reference the specific EU261/UK261 article that supports your claim
- ✓Cite relevant ECJ rulings (Wallentin-Hermann for technical faults, Airhelp v SAS for crew shortages)
- ✓Attach all supporting evidence as a single PDF
- ✓Set a clear deadline: "Please respond within 21 days or I will escalate to ADR"
Escalate to ADR or Court
If the airline still refuses, you can take the claim to an independent body. ADR decisions are binding on the airline — and they overwhelmingly favour passengers when the airline's evidence is weak.
- ✓UK: File with CEDR or Aviation ADR
- ✓Germany: File with SÖP (Schlichtungsstelle für den öffentlichen Personenverkehr)
- ✓France: File with the Médiateur du Tourisme et du Voyage (MTV)
- ✓Netherlands: File with the Geschillencommissie Luchtvaart (Aviation Disputes Committee)
- ✓Other EU: Contact the national civil aviation authority
- ✓Last resort: File in small claims court (Money Claim Online in England/Wales, fees start at £35 for claims up to £300)
Use a Claim Package for Faster Resolution
A Claim Package gives you pre-written response letters, legal references, and escalation instructions — so you can skip the research and submit a legally sound challenge right away.
- ✓Pre-written follow-up letter citing EU261/UK261 and relevant case law
- ✓Airline objection response templates for every common rejection reason
- ✓Step-by-step escalation guide with ADR body contact details by country
- ✓Evidence checklist and submission guide
Important Court Decisions
These European Court of Justice rulings set the legal framework for challenging airline rejections. Citing the relevant case in your follow-up letter signals to the airline — and to any ADR body — that you know your rights.
Wallentin-Hermann v Alitalia
Routine technical problems are inherent to airline operations and do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. The ruling remains the leading precedent on technical fault claims.
Van der Lans v KLM
Even an unexpected technical problem discovered shortly before departure is not extraordinary. It is part of normal operational risk.
Airhelp v SAS
Staff shortages caused by internal planning failures are not extraordinary circumstances. The airline bears responsibility for its own crew scheduling.
Pešková v Travel Service
A bird strike was ruled an extraordinary circumstance — it is not inherent to airline operations and is beyond the airline's control.
Siewert v Condor
Damage caused by third-party equipment (mobile boarding stairs) is not extraordinary — such incidents are inherent in normal airline activity.
Krüsemann v TUIfly
A "wildcat strike" by the airline's own employees is not extraordinary — it stems from the airline's employment relationships and is within its sphere of control.
Real Examples
These are real claim outcomes where passengers challenged airline rejections and won. Notice the pattern: most rejections fall apart when the passenger cites specific case law and provides evidence the airline cannot refute.
| Route | Airline | Reason Rejected | Challenge | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London → Barcelona | British Airways | Technical fault — extraordinary | Cited Wallentin-Hermann; requested specific fault details | €250 Won at CEDR |
| Berlin → Istanbul | Turkish Airlines | Crew shortage — extraordinary | Cited Airhelp v SAS; airline could not prove external cause | €400 Paid after 2nd letter |
| Paris → New York | Air France | ATC restrictions | Showed other flights departed on same route; airline could not substantiate | €600 Won at ADR |
| Manchester → Dublin | Ryanair | Weather delay | Flight tracker showed 8 other flights departed same route on time | £220 Won at CEDR |
| Amsterdam → Lisbon | KLM | Technical fault | Cited Van der Lans v KLM; airline backed down before ADR | €400 Paid after follow-up |
| Rome → London | easyJet | Claim filed too late | Verified Italian limitation period (2 years for international); claim was within deadline | €250 Paid after clarification |
| Edinburgh → Amsterdam | KLM | Weather — extraordinary | Other flights departed; airline could not prove all measures taken | £220 Won at CEDR |
| Madrid → São Paulo | Iberia | Technical fault — extraordinary | Cited Wallentin-Hermann; escalated to court when airline refused ADR | €600 Won in court |
The pattern is clear
In every successful challenge, the passenger did two things: cited a specific ECJ ruling that contradicted the airline's position, and provided evidence the airline could not refute. You do not need a lawyer to do this — you need the right references and a structured approach.
Using a Claim Package
Challenging a rejection takes research, legal references, and persistence. A Claim Package gives you all of that in one place — pre-written letters, case law citations, and escalation instructions — so you can respond to the airline with a legally sound challenge right away.
What is included
- ✓ Follow-up letter template citing EU261/UK261 and ECJ rulings
- ✓ Airline objection response templates for every common rejection
- ✓ Escalation guide with ADR body details by country
- ✓ Evidence checklist and submission guide
- ✓ Legal references for technical fault, crew shortage, and weather disputes
Why it works
- → Airlines take legally referenced challenges more seriously than generic complaints
- → Structured responses reduce back-and-forth with the airline
- → You keep 100% of your compensation — no commission deducted
- → Faster than researching case law and ADR procedures yourself
- → One-time purchase — no hidden fees or ongoing costs
FAQ
Can I challenge a rejected claim?
Yes. A rejection from the airline is not a final decision. You have the right to respond with additional evidence, cite relevant case law, and escalate to an independent ADR body or court. ADR decisions are binding on the airline, and they rule in favour of passengers in the majority of cases where the airline's evidence is weak.
How long does it take to challenge a rejection?
It depends on the escalation route. A follow-up letter to the airline may get a response in 2–4 weeks. Filing with an ADR body typically takes 8–12 weeks from submission to decision. Court cases take longer — 6–18 months depending on the country and court backlog. Most successful challenges are resolved through ADR within 3 months.
What evidence do I need to challenge a rejection?
The essentials: your boarding pass or e-ticket, booking confirmation, proof of the delay (airline notification, arrival time screenshot), and the airline's rejection letter. If the airline claims extraordinary circumstances, request written details of the specific event. If they cite weather, check whether other flights departed normally. The more specific your evidence, the stronger your challenge.
Can I escalate to court?
Yes. If ADR does not resolve your claim (or the airline refuses to participate in ADR), you can file in the small claims court. In England and Wales, use Money Claim Online — fees start at £35 for claims up to £300. You do not need a solicitor for claims under £10,000. In other EU countries, small claims procedures are similarly accessible and low-cost.
What if my flight was delayed for a technical fault?
You are likely entitled to compensation. The ECJ has ruled twice — in Wallentin-Hermann (2008) and Van der Lans v KLM (2015) — that routine technical problems are not extraordinary circumstances. If the airline rejects your claim citing a technical fault, ask for the specific nature of the problem in writing, then cite these rulings in your follow-up. Most technical fault rejections do not survive ADR review.
Do airlines ever reverse their rejection?
Yes — frequently. Many airlines reject initial claims as a matter of policy, knowing that most passengers will give up. When passengers respond with legal references and evidence, airlines often reverse their position before the case reaches ADR. A well-structured follow-up letter citing specific ECJ rulings is often enough to get a claim paid.
What is ADR and how does it work?
ADR stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution. It is an independent body that reviews your claim and the airline's response, then makes a binding decision. In the UK, CEDR and Aviation ADR handle aviation disputes. In Germany, it is SÖP. You submit your claim online, upload your evidence, and the ADR body contacts the airline for their side. The process is free or low-cost and typically takes 8–12 weeks.
Can I claim if the airline offered me vouchers instead of cash?
You are not required to accept vouchers. Under EU261 and UK261, compensation is a cash entitlement. Airlines may offer vouchers as an alternative, but they cannot force you to accept them. If you already accepted vouchers, you may still be able to challenge the amount if it was less than the statutory compensation.
Do Not Accept the Rejection
Most airline rejections do not hold up when challenged. Check your flight for free, find out what you are owed, and use our Claim Package to submit a legally backed challenge — keeping 100% of your compensation.
Related Guides
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. FlightClaimGuide does not provide legal advice and recommends seeking independent professional advice for complex legal matters.