Time Limits for Delayed Flight Complaints: Deadlines You Can't Miss in 2026

Flight delays disrupt travel plans, and EU261 regulation entitles passengers to compensation in many cases. Strict time limits apply to claims, though, and these vary by country and claim type. In Germany, passengers have 3 years to pursue EU261 flight delay compensation under national law. The UK allows 6 years for such claims. France introduces a mandatory mediation step that can take up to 6 months before court action. For international flights, the Montreal Convention sets 7 days for damaged baggage claims and 21 days for delayed baggage tied to flight issues.

These deadlines help international travelers, especially those flying to or from Europe, file complaints without losing eligibility. Missing them often bars recovery, as national laws govern EU261 enforcement. For a flight delayed in 2023, a 2026 claim might still work in the UK but expire in Germany. Understanding these limits ensures timely action.

EU261 Compensation Time Limits by Country

EU261 provides rights for delayed flights departing from or arriving in Europe, but no single EU-wide deadline exists for claims. National laws set the periods instead, creating variations across countries.

In Germany, the limitation period for flight delay compensation claims stands at 3 years, based on provisions like BGB §193. Flightright notes this applies directly to EU261 claims. If the period expires, other options may still exist in some cases. A delay from early 2023, for instance, would reach its 2026 limit.

The UK follows a longer 6-year deadline for EU261 flight delay compensation, as outlined by myflyright. This stems from national limitation rules post-Brexit, giving passengers more time compared to continental Europe.

These country-specific limits mean travelers must check the relevant jurisdiction--often where the airline is based or the flight arrives--to determine their window. Reliance on national laws underscores the need for prompt filing after a delay, as there is no unified EU limit for enforcement.

France's Mandatory Mediation Step for Flight Delay Complaints

France has tightened its process for flight delay complaints in 2026, requiring passengers to attempt mediation before pursuing court claims. This step involves contacting the Médiateur du Tourisme et du Voyage, which can extend up to 6 months.

Skipping this mediation risks outright rejection of a court claim unless justified, as per updates covered by ConnexionFrance. The mediation period delays the overall timeline, so passengers facing a delay must factor it into their strategy. For example, starting mediation soon after a flight issue preserves options for subsequent legal action within national limits.

This requirement adds a layer to France-bound or French airline flights, potentially pushing effective deadlines further out but mandating the prior step in 2026.

Montreal Convention Deadlines for Delay-Related Baggage Claims

For baggage issues linked to flight delays on international flights, the Montreal Convention governs separate from EU261 passenger compensation. It focuses on damage or delay to luggage, not direct delay payouts.

Claims for damaged baggage must submit within 7 days of receipt. Delayed baggage claims have a 21-day window from the date it arrives. AirHelp details these short timelines, which apply globally to signed conventions, including many Europe routes.

These differ sharply from EU261's passenger-focused national limits, emphasizing quick action for property-related complaints. Airlines handle these as liability matters, distinct from delay compensation. The Montreal Convention applies to international flights, setting these baggage-specific deadlines apart from EU261 scopes.

Which Deadline Applies to Your Delayed Flight Complaint?

Selecting the right deadline depends on the flight's jurisdiction, claim type, and scope. EU261 covers passenger compensation for delays with country-specific limits, while France adds mediation, and Montreal targets baggage.

Use this framework:

1. Identify the flight: EU-regulated (departing/arriving Europe)? International baggage issue?
2. Check jurisdiction: Arrival country or airline base dictates national law.
3. Match claim type: Passenger delay (EU261) vs. baggage (Montreal).
4. Account for extras: France mediation before courts.

Conflicts arise from national variations--no unified EU limit--and scopes: EU261 for passengers via national laws (e.g., German BGB §193), Montreal for baggage. EU261 relies on national laws for enforcement, leading to differences like 3 years in Germany versus 6 years in the UK. Consult local rules for your case, noting post-expiry options in some jurisdictions like Germany.

FAQ

What is the time limit for EU261 flight delay compensation in Germany?

Passengers have 3 years under German national law, such as BGB §193 (Flightright).

How long do I have to claim in the UK for a delayed flight?

The UK sets a 6-year deadline for EU261 flight delay compensation claims (myflyright).

Does France require mediation before a flight delay complaint, and how long does it take?

Yes, mandatory mediation with Médiateur du Tourisme et du Voyage takes up to 6 months before court claims in 2026; skipping risks rejection (ConnexionFrance).

What are the Montreal Convention deadlines for delayed baggage on international flights?

7 days for damaged baggage from receipt; 21 days for delayed baggage from arrival (AirHelp).

Why do flight delay compensation time limits differ by country?

EU261 relies on national laws for enforcement, leading to variations like 3 years in Germany and 6 years in the UK.

Can I still claim compensation if the national time limit has passed?

In Germany, other options may exist if the 3-year period expires; check specifics for your case (Flightright).

Verify your flight details against these rules and start the process early--contact the airline or mediator promptly to stay within limits.