Claim Company vs DIY Claim (2026)
Should you claim compensation yourself or use a flight compensation company? Compare costs, success rates, and potential payouts under EU261 and UK261.
In this guide
DIY vs Claim Company Overview
Before you decide how to claim, it helps to see the two main options side by side. Here is how DIY claims and compensation companies compare across the factors that matter most.
| Feature | DIY Claim | Claim Company |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 25%–50% fee |
| Compensation kept | 100% | 50%–75% |
| Effort required | High | Low |
| Claim knowledge needed | Yes | No |
| Escalation support | Limited | Usually included |
| Processing speed | Varies | Varies |
| Best for | Simple cases | Complex cases |
Neither option is always better. The best choice depends on your confidence, available time, and the complexity of your case.
Pros and Cons of DIY Claims
Advantages
- ✓Keep 100% of compensation
- ✓No success fee
- ✓Direct communication with airline
- ✓Full control of your case
- ✓Often works for straightforward claims
Disadvantages
- ✗Requires understanding EU261 / UK261
- ✗Airlines may reject valid claims
- ✗Escalation can be confusing
- ✗Can take months
- ✗Many passengers give up after first rejection
Pros and Cons of Claim Companies
Advantages
- ✓Minimal effort
- ✓Professional handling
- ✓Experience with airline disputes
- ✓Escalation support
- ✓Useful for rejected claims
Disadvantages
- ✗Success fees often 25%–50%
- ✗Large reduction in final payout
- ✗Less control over claim
- ✗Some companies charge extra legal fees
- ✗Processing times may still be lengthy
How Much Compensation Do You Keep?
This is where the difference becomes hard to ignore. Claim companies typically charge 25%–50% of your compensation. Here is what that looks like at a standard 35% fee.
| Compensation | DIY (you keep) | 35% Fee Company (you keep) |
|---|---|---|
| €250 | €250 | €162 |
| €400 | €400 | €260 |
| €600 | €600 | €390 |
A passenger awarded €600 could lose over €200 in fees when using a compensation company. That is money you are legally entitled to — and would keep entirely with a DIY claim or Claim Package.
Real Examples
Same flights, same compensation — very different outcomes depending on how you claim.
DIY claims — you keep everything
| Route | Compensation | You Keep |
|---|---|---|
| London → Paris | €250 | €250 |
| Madrid → Berlin | €400 | €400 |
| Dublin → New York | €600 | €600 |
Claim company — 35% fee deducted
| Route | Compensation | Company Fee (35%) | You Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → Paris | €250 | -€88 | €162 |
| Madrid → Berlin | €400 | -€140 | €260 |
| Dublin → New York | €600 | -€210 | €390 |
On the Dublin → New York route, the claim company takes €210 — more than a third of the total compensation. The same claim filed DIY or with a Claim Package would put nearly all of that €600 in your pocket.
Why Many Travellers Use Claim Packages
A Claim Package sits between DIY and a claim company. You get professional templates and legal guidance without handing over a percentage of your compensation. Here is how the three options compare on a €600 claim.
Why Travellers Choose Claim Packages
| DIY | Claim Company | Claim Package | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compensation you keep | €600 | €390 | €591 |
| Effort | Do everything yourself | Give up 35%+ | Guided process |
| Support level | Limited support | Company handles | Step-by-step guidance |
Which Option Is Best For You?
There is no single right answer. But depending on your situation, one option usually makes more sense than the others.
Choose DIY if
- ✓Airline has not rejected you
- ✓Case is simple
- ✓You understand EU261
- ✓You have time
Choose a Claim Company if
- ✓Complex legal dispute
- ✓Court action likely
- ✓You do not mind losing part of compensation
Choose a Claim Package if
- ✓You want guidance
- ✓You want to keep almost all compensation
- ✓You need escalation templates
- ✓You want a balance of support and value
Common Airline Myths
Myth: Compensation companies always win more cases
Reality: A valid claim remains valid whether submitted by you or a company. The law does not change based on who files the paperwork. What companies do have is persistence — but you can achieve the same result with the right templates and legal references.
Myth: Airlines take DIY claims less seriously
Reality: Airlines must apply EU261 and UK261 regardless of who submits the claim. The regulation is the regulation. A well-structured DIY claim that cites specific articles and case law gets taken just as seriously as one from a claim company.
Myth: Paying a fee guarantees success
Reality: No compensation company can guarantee a successful outcome. If your claim is invalid, no amount of professional handling will change that. And if it is valid, you could have won the same amount on your own — without handing over a third of it.
FAQ
Is it worth using a flight compensation company?
It depends on your situation. If your claim is straightforward (clear delay, obvious eligibility, airline has not rejected you), DIY or a Claim Package will save you a significant amount in fees. If your case involves complex legal disputes or is heading to court, a company's experience may be worth the cost — but expect to lose 25%–50% of your compensation.
How much do claim companies charge?
Most charge a success fee between 25% and 50% of your compensation. Some also charge additional legal fees if the case goes to court. On a €600 claim, a 35% fee means you receive €390 — losing €210. Always read the fee structure before signing up.
Can I claim myself under EU261?
Yes. EU261 was designed to be accessible to passengers without legal representation. You can submit a claim directly to the airline, cite the relevant articles, and escalate to ADR or court if needed. A Claim Package provides the templates and legal references to make this easier.
What happens if my claim is rejected?
A rejection is not final. You can challenge it by responding with additional evidence and legal references, escalating to an ADR body (CEDR, SÖP, etc.), or filing in small claims court. See our Airline Rejected My Claim guide for a full step-by-step process.
Do claim companies increase success rates?
Not necessarily. A valid claim is valid regardless of who submits it. What companies do provide is persistence — they follow up and escalate, which many individual passengers do not do on their own. But you can achieve the same persistence with a Claim Package and structured follow-up process, without giving up a large portion of your compensation.
Is DIY claiming difficult?
It requires some effort — understanding the regulation, writing a claim letter, and following up. But it is not legally complex for most cases. The majority of successful claims are resolved through correspondence and ADR, not court. A Claim Package removes most of the difficulty by providing pre-written letters and step-by-step instructions.
Which option keeps the most compensation?
DIY keeps 100%. A Claim Package keeps close to 100% (you pay a small one-time fee for the materials, not a percentage of your compensation). A claim company keeps 50%–75% after their fee. On a €600 claim, that is the difference between receiving €600, approximately €591, or €390.
Can I switch to a company after rejection?
Yes, you can hand your case to a compensation company at any stage. However, be aware that they will still charge their full fee even if you have already done the initial work. If you have already gathered evidence and submitted a claim, a Claim Package may be more cost-effective — you get the escalation guidance without giving up a percentage.
How long does a DIY claim take?
It varies. Some airlines pay within 2–4 weeks of a well-supported claim. Others reject first, forcing you to escalate. With ADR, expect 8–12 weeks. Court cases take 6–18 months. The average successful DIY claim is resolved in 2–3 months. Claim companies do not speed this up — they follow the same process.
Are claim company fees tax deductible?
In most cases, no. Compensation for flight delays is generally not taxable (it is considered a refund of a service, not income), so there is no tax benefit to deducting the fee. Tax rules vary by country, so check with a local tax advisor if you are unsure.
Not Sure Which Option Is Best?
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This guide is provided for informational purposes only. FlightClaimGuide does not provide legal advice and recommends seeking independent professional advice for complex legal matters.