AirHelp is the largest claims management company helping to enforce passenger rights and boasts the highest number of reviews worldwide. But what does this impressive stature really mean for passengers?
With a reputation for advocating the rights of travelers faced with flight disruptions, AirHelp’s size and feedback volumes expectations. The question remains: how does it truly measure up in delivering compensation and supporting passengers? We take a detailed look at AirHelp’s services and uncover the real value it offers to its clients. So, does AirHelp live up to its towering reputation?
Quick summary
AirHelp stands out as one of the premier flight compensation companies globally, offering unparalleled assistance to travelers encountering flight disruptions. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to passenger rights, AirHelp simplifies the compensation claim process, making it accessible and stress-free for affected passengers.
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Pros:
- Expertise in global air passenger rights, including EU Regulation 261/2004.
- A no-win, no-fee policy ensures you only pay if your claim is successful.
- Streamlined claim submission process via AirHelp’s website or app.
- Strong customer support offering regular updates and assistance.
- Access to a vast network of legal experts for complex claims.
Cons:
- Fees can be a significant percentage of the compensation received.
- The process might take several months, depending on the airline’s response and legal procedures.
AirHelp overview
AirHelp stands at the forefront of the aviation service industry, focusing on aiding air passengers to obtain compensation for various flight disturbances, including delays, cancellations, and cases of denied boarding. Established in 2013 and now headquartered in Berlin, Germany, AirHelp has steadfastly advocated for the rights of global travelers, streamlining the compensation claim process in accordance with international and European regulations, especially EC261.
The company’s no-win, no-fee model ensures that passengers are only charged if AirHelp is successful in securing their compensation. This policy has opened the door for many passengers who might have been intimidated by the complexity of claiming compensation or the thought of engaging in legal battles with airlines.
AirHelp employs cutting-edge technology alongside a dedicated team of legal professionals to verify the legitimacy of each claim, manage all necessary documentation, and conduct negotiations directly with the airlines. Its system is designed for ease of use: passengers simply need to provide their flight information via AirHelp’s website, and the company handles everything from there.
In addition to managing claims, AirHelp plays a significant role in educating the public about passenger rights and advocating for improvements in the travel industry. Having assisted millions of passengers since its inception, AirHelp’s influence within the airline sector is expansive, solidifying its role as a key advocate for passenger compensation.
AirHelp services
AirHelp offers a wide range of services to support passengers in claiming compensation for various flight disruptions. Here’s a concise list of what it covers:
- Flight delay compensation
- Flight cancellation compensation
- Missed connection compensation
- Overbooking compensation
- Denied boarding compensation
- Delayed baggage compensation
Most of the legal rights involved affect flights to or from the EU, under EU Regulation EC 261. However, AirHelp also assists with claims under Brazil’s regulations and the Montreal Convention. AirHelp’s comprehensive services are designed to address a wide range of flight disruption scenarios, ensuring passengers have a knowledgeable ally in seeking compensation under various international regulations.
Claim compensation with AirHelp here
AirHelp fees
AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, ensuring passengers are charged only when compensation is successfully secured. The company’s fee structure includes a 35% service fee and, if legal action is necessary, an additional 15% legal action fee, both inclusive of VAT, deducted from the total compensation amount. For AirHelp Plus members, these fees are waived, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing accessible and transparent compensation services. Legal expenses incurred during the claim process are covered by AirHelp, with efforts made to recover these costs from airlines whenever possible. This approach demystifies the financial aspects of claiming flight compensation, making it straightforward and risk-free for passengers.
Examples
Frankfurt to Paris flight with Lufthansa:
Distance: 279 miles (449 km)
Compensation: $280 (€250)
AirHelp service fee (35%): $98 (€87.50)
If legal action required (+15%): Additional $42 (€37.50)
Passenger receives without legal action: $182 (€162.50)
Passenger receives with legal action: $140 (€125)
Delhi to Amsterdam flight with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Distance: 3954 miles (6364 km)
Compensation: $700 (€600)
AirHelp service fee (35%): $245 (€210)
If legal action required (+15%): Additional $105 (€90)
Passenger receives without legal action: $455 (€390)
Passenger receives with legal action: $350 (€300)
AirHelp Plus explained
AirHelp Plus is a membership program offered by AirHelp, designed to enhance the experience of passengers facing flight disruptions. This program streamlines the compensation process and provides additional benefits to its members, focusing on convenience and support during travel inconveniences. Here’s an overview of AirHelp Plus and its offerings:
Essential Plan – €24.99/year
- Coverage: Up to €600 for compensation, up to €6,000 for extra expenses, and up to €1,400 for luggage issues.
- No hidden fees: Transparent pricing ensures members are not surprised by additional costs.
- Support: Round-the-clock assistance from AirHelp’s team of experts.
- AirPayout insurance: Included for three trips, offering additional financial protection.
- eSIM card discount: 10% off, enhancing connectivity during travel.
- Cost-effectiveness: Priced at effectively €2.08 per month, offering significant value for frequent travelers.
Complete Plan – €49.99/year (Previously €64.99)
- Inclusive benefits: All the benefits of the Essential plan, plus additional perks for enhanced travel protection.
- Airport lounge access: Available during flight disruptions, providing comfort and convenience.
- Extended AirPayout insurance: Coverage for seven trips, further enhancing travel security.
- AirLuggage Insurance: Also extended to cover seven trips, ensuring peace of mind for your checked luggage.
- Increased eSIM card discount: 20% off, making international data more affordable.
- Affordability: With the promotional price, it’s effectively €4.17 per month, presenting exceptional value for those seeking comprehensive travel support.
Benefits are available for flights taken within the valid membership period and may vary depending on the plan purchased. The AirHelp Plus program distinguishes itself by offering not just assistance in claiming compensation but also providing immediate financial support and added conveniences that mitigate the impact of travel disruptions. This holistic approach to supporting passengers during their travel challenges underscores AirHelp’s commitment to passenger rights and satisfaction.
Is AirHelp Plus worth it?
If you’re a frequent traveler, particularly on routes within or to/from the EU where EC 261 applies, AirHelp Plus could offer substantial value. The convenience of having a dedicated team to handle flight-related claims, coupled with the financial protections and comforts provided, can make travel disruptions less stressful and potentially less costly. The no-win, no-fee model for compensation claims, alongside the additional insurance payouts, positions AirHelp Plus as a valuable service for those who value peace of mind and support during travel.
However, for those who travel infrequently or are fortunate enough to rarely encounter significant delays, cancellations, or baggage issues, the cost of AirHelp Plus may not be justified. The value of the service is directly proportional to your likelihood of encountering travel disruptions and the importance of convenience and support in resolving those disruptions.
In short, the worth of AirHelp Plus hinges on your travel patterns, experiences with flight disruptions, and how much you value the convenience, support, and additional benefits it offers.
You can buy AirHelp Plus here.
How does AirHelp work?
AirHelp streamlines the compensation claim process for disrupted flights with a clear and efficient approach. Here’s how AirHelp works, summarized into key points, along with the company’s unique selling proposition and justification for its fee structure:
- Automated claim assessment: AirHelp employs advanced tools to quickly determine eligibility for compensation, analyzing extensive data including weather conditions and flight reports. This automation speeds up the initial evaluation process.
- Expert intervention: For complex cases beyond the reach of automation, AirHelp’s team of specialists steps in.
- Documentation and negotiation: AirHelp takes charge of gathering necessary paperwork and engaging in negotiations with airlines. This process, while potentially lengthy, is managed by AirHelp, aiming to alleviate the administrative burden on passengers.
- Legal action: Should negotiations stall or a claim be rejected, AirHelp is prepared to escalate matters legally. The company’s access to a vast network of air passenger rights lawyers indicates a readiness to pursue claims aggressively, albeit this can extend the resolution timeline significantly.
- No-win, no-fee policy: The promise that fees are only charged upon successful compensation claims presents a risk-free proposition to passengers. However, with service fees reaching up to 50% of the compensation (when including legal action fees), passengers might ponder the value proposition, considering the potential out-of-pocket costs versus the effort saved.
- Legal costs: AirHelp absorbs legal expenses, which can be substantial, underscoring its commitment to pursuing claims. This financial risk taken by AirHelp could justify the high service fee, balancing the risk-free aspect for passengers with the company’s operational costs.
In essence, while AirHelp offers a comprehensive service that simplifies the compensation claim process for passengers, the fees—though only applied on successful claims—might seem steep to some. The blend of technological and human resources, alongside a robust legal framework, positions AirHelp as a significant facilitator for passengers seeking compensation. However, individuals should weigh the convenience and potential for success against the cost of the service to determine if it aligns with their personal value assessment.
Example
Imagine Sarah, who recently experienced a significant delay on her flight from London-Heathrow to John F. Kennedy International Airport with British Airways. The flight was delayed by five hours due to operational issues, a situation that typically entitles passengers to compensation under EC 261 regulations. Here’s how the AirHelp process might unfold for Sarah:
- Initial assessment: Sarah submits her flight details to AirHelp through the website. Utilizing its automated tools, AirHelp quickly determines that Sarah’s claim is eligible for compensation due to the nature and duration of the delay.
- Expert review: Although Sarah’s case appears straightforward, there are nuances related to the operational issues that caused the delay. AirHelp’s team of experts review her case to ensure all factors are considered and decide to proceed with the claim.
- Preparing the paperwork: AirHelp gathers all necessary documentation from Sarah, including her boarding pass and any communication from the airline about the delay. The company compiles a comprehensive claim package and submits it to British Airways, advocating on Sarah’s behalf.
- Negotiation: The negotiation process begins with AirHelp in direct contact with the airline. After several weeks, the airline agrees to compensate Sarah for the inconvenience.
- Compensation: Sarah is informed by AirHelp that her claim has been successful. Before transferring her compensation, AirHelp deducts a 35% service fee for its efforts. If legal action had been necessary, an additional fee would have been applied, but in Sarah’s case, it wasn’t needed.
- Resolution: Sarah receives her compensation directly into her bank account, minus AirHelp’s fees. While she did not receive the full compensation amount, she acknowledges the hassle-free process and the expertise AirHelp provided in securing her claim.
This example illustrates the seamless process AirHelp promises, from claim submission to compensation. For passengers like Sarah, who value convenience and expertise over navigating the claims process alone, AirHelp offers a valuable service, albeit with fees that reflect the comprehensive support provided.
How long does AirHelp usually take to resolve my claim?
Understanding the timeline for resolving a compensation claim with AirHelp involves recognizing the complexities of dealing with airlines and legal procedures. Here’s a more detailed and practical overview, including estimated timeframes based on the steps involved:
- Initial claim processing: Once a claim is submitted, AirHelp uses automated tools to assess eligibility, which can be relatively quick, often within a few days. However, the complexity of the case can extend this initial phase.
- Airline acknowledgment: After the claim is forwarded to the airline, the time taken for acknowledgment can vary. Typically, airlines respond within a few weeks to a couple of months. Some airlines are quicker to acknowledge claims than others, but there’s no guaranteed standard timeframe.
- Negotiation phase: If the airline acknowledges the claim and enters into negotiations, this stage can take an additional few weeks to several months. The duration here depends on the airline’s willingness to settle and the complexity of the claim.
- Legal action: Should the claim require legal action, the timeline extends significantly. Legal proceedings can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific details of the case.
- Settlement and payment: Once an agreement is reached or a court decision is made in favor of the claimant, the airline typically settles the compensation within a month or two, though this can vary based on the airline’s internal processes.
- AirHelp’s communication: Throughout the process, AirHelp aims to keep claimants updated. However, if there are no updates in the dashboard, it means there are no new developments from the airline.
Estimated timeframe
The entire process, from claim submission to receiving compensation, can range widely from as little as a few weeks for straightforward, uncontested claims, to over a year for complex cases requiring legal intervention.
It’s important for passengers to have realistic expectations regarding the timeline for compensation claims. While AirHelp endeavors to expedite the process, many steps depend on external factors such as airline responsiveness and legal schedules, which are beyond the company’s control.
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Our AirHelp review
When faced with the decision to pursue flight compensation on your own versus engaging AirHelp, several key considerations come into play. The independent route is undeniably challenging; it’s fraught with stress due to direct dealings with airlines, complicated by the need to understand and submit the correct paperwork, and further exacerbated by the time-consuming nature of the process. Moreover, the financial risk of potentially bearing legal costs adds a layer of uncertainty. The experience is often marked by a lack of communication from airlines, leaving claimants in limbo regarding the status of their claims.
In contrast, AirHelp offers a streamlined and user-friendly alternative. The service simplifies the claim process by handling every step, from the initial paperwork to negotiations with the airline, thereby saving valuable time for the claimant. Its no-win, no-fee policy alleviates the financial risk associated with pursuing compensation, especially in cases that might require legal intervention. Additionally, AirHelp’s commitment to providing regular updates ensures that passengers are kept informed throughout the process, offering reassurance and transparency.
The fees charged by AirHelp, while a consideration, can be justified by the significant ease and peace of mind they bring to an otherwise daunting process. This trade-off may be particularly appealing to those who value their time and prefer to avoid the direct confrontation and bureaucratic complexities involved in claiming compensation from airlines.
Ultimately, the choice between tackling the process independently and opting for AirHelp’s services hinges on individual priorities and circumstances. For passengers seeking convenience, expertise, and a stress-free experience, AirHelp represents a valuable ally.
Claim compensation with AirHelp here
Is AirHelp worth it?
To understand AirHelp’s value better, we asked Martynas Baniulis, co-owner of EU Flight Compensation, for his perspective. He shared: “AirHelp not only eases the burden of claiming compensation but also plays a crucial role in holding airlines accountable. With their expertise and no win, no fee model, passengers can confidently pursue their rights without financial risk. It’s more than just about the compensation; it’s about advocating for passenger rights and ensuring airlines maintain high service standards. In my view, the value AirHelp brings to the table makes it an invaluable resource for travelers.”
What others say about AirHelp
To offer a well-rounded view of AirHelp, we’ve delved into external feedback, sourcing reviews from platforms such as Trustpilot. This exploration aims to present a comprehensive understanding of user experiences, shedding light on the service’s impact from a broader perspective.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, AirHelp has amassed an impressive tally of more than 170,000 reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. This substantial volume of feedback underscores a high level of satisfaction among users, reflecting positively on AirHelp’s effectiveness and customer service quality. The robust average rating indicates that a significant majority of customers have had positive experiences, suggesting that AirHelp consistently meets or exceeds passenger expectations in managing flight compensation claims.
EU flight compensation
EU Flight Compensation earns a stellar rating of 5 out of 5 for its service. The platform is notably user-friendly, ensuring an effortless experience for those navigating flight compensation claims. This high level of usability makes it a straightforward choice for individuals looking to manage their claims efficiently.
Claim compensation with AirHelp here
How to start your AirHelp claim?
Getting started with AirHelp is designed to be as easy as it gets. Here’s a simplified guide to kick off your compensation claim:
- Start on the AirHelp Website: Just go to their site by clicking here and you’ll see a form front and center. Pop in where your flight left from and where you were headed. Hit the “Continue” button to see if you’re eligible for some cash back.
- Scheduled Departure Date: Next, you’ll be prompted to enter the scheduled departure date of your flight. Fill this in and click “Continue.”
- Select Your Flights: At this point, you’ll choose your specific flights. AirHelp will then assess if your situation qualifies for compensation based on their initial review.
- Explain What Went Wrong: Choose the reason for your delay or cancellation, provide a few more details like how late you were, and then keep moving by clicking “Continue.”
- Submit Your Documents: Following the eligibility check, you’ll be guided to submit the necessary documents to formally start the claim process. This includes details about yourself and your flight.
AirHelp mentions that most claims take around 3 to 4 months to wrap up, but it could be longer if things get legal or if the airline drags its feet. You can always reach out to AirHelp for an update on how your claim is doing.
AirHelp alternatives
For those exploring options beyond AirHelp for flight compensation assistance, several alternatives offer comparable services. Each has its unique approach to handling flight disruption claims, fighting for passenger rights, and ensuring a smooth compensation process. For a detailed comparison and more options, consider visiting this comprehensive guide about best flight compensation companies. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives to AirHelp:
Skycop: Specializes in advocating for passenger rights with a robust focus on securing compensation for disrupted flights. Skycop combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of airline obligations to offer personalized support.
ClaimCompass: Utilizing cutting-edge technology and a thorough knowledge of EU regulations, ClaimCompass streamlines the compensation process, ensuring passengers receive what they’re due for flight delays, cancellations, and overbooking.
Flightright: Known for its comprehensive support system, Flightright operates on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis, making flight compensation claims risk-free for passengers. It handles a wide array of claims, including delays, cancellations, and luggage issues, with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is AirHelp?
AirHelp is a company that assists passengers in obtaining compensation for flight disruptions such as delays, cancellations, and overbooking, primarily under EU Regulation 261/2004 and other global travel laws.
Is AirHelp legitimate?
Yes, AirHelp is a legitimate service that has successfully helped millions of passengers since its inception in 2013, operating within the legal frameworks of air passenger rights.
Does AirHelp work in the US?
Yes, AirHelp operates in the US, assisting passengers with flights departing from or arriving in the US, alongside its global services, depending on the specific air passenger rights applicable.
How much does AirHelp charge?
AirHelp charges a fee only if the compensation claim is successful. This fee is typically a percentage of the compensation amount, with rates varying but generally around 35% of the compensation received.
Does AirHelp really work?
Yes, AirHelp has a track record of successfully securing compensation for passengers facing flight disruptions, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews and millions of passengers assisted worldwide.
How does AirHelp make money?
AirHelp earns revenue by taking a percentage of the compensation awarded to the passenger, only if the claim is successful. This no-win, no-fee model aligns the company’s interests with those of the passengers.
How to contact AirHelp?
AirHelp can be contacted through its website, where passengers can submit claims or inquiries. It can also offer customer support via email and, in some cases, phone support.
Where is AirHelp located?
AirHelp has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, and operates globally, offering services to passengers from around the world in navigating flight compensation claims.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AirHelp emerges as a pivotal service for passengers facing the all-too-common issue of flight disruptions, offering a streamlined process for claiming compensation under various international regulations. With its legitimate and effective approach, AirHelp has established a strong presence not only in the EU but also in the US and globally, simplifying what can often be a daunting task for individuals. Through its ‘no-win, no-fee’ pricing model, the company aligns its success with that of its clients, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness. Whether seeking compensation for delayed flights or navigating the complexities of international air passenger rights, AirHelp provides valuable support, making it a go-to resource for travelers worldwide.