Time Limit for Complaints
Air passengers wishing to claim compensation for delays, cancellations or denied boarding should be aware of the legal deadlines set for submitting their claim. These time limits vary significantly depending on local legislation and the country of registration of the airline responsible. Below is a detailed summary of the time limits applicable in different European countries under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004:
- In countries such as Portugal, Austria, Croatia and Denmark, passengers have up to three years to make a complaint.
- In Belgium and Poland, the deadline is just one year.
- For countries with longer time limits, such as Ireland and the UK, passengers can claim up to 6 years after the incident.
- In Italy, the period is a little unusual, at 26 months.
- In Malta, interestingly, there is no time limit for making a complaint.
- Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg offer an extended period of 10 years for claims.
Here is a complete and updated version that includes all European countries under EC Regulation 261/2004, outlining the time limits for compensation claims:
| Country | Complaint Deadline |
|---|---|
| Portugal | 3 years |
| Germany | 3 years |
| Austria | 3 years |
| Belgium | 1 year |
| Bulgaria | 5 years |
| Czechia | 3 years |
| Cyprus | 6 years |
| Croatia | 3 years |
| Denmark | 3 years |
| Slovakia | 2 years |
| Slovenia | 3 years |
| Spain | 5 years |
| Estonia | 3 years |
| Finland | 3 years |
| France | 2 years |
| Greece | 5 years |
| Hungary | 2 years |
| Ireland | 6 years |
| Iceland | 2 years |
| Italy | 26 months |
| Latvia | 10 years |
| Lithuania | 10 years |
| Luxembourg | 10 years |
| Malta | No limit |
| Norway | 3 years |
| The Netherlands | 2 years |
| Poland | 1 year |
| United Kingdom | 6 years |
| Romania | 3 years |
| Sweden | 2 months |
| Switzerland | 2 years |
Being informed about claim deadlines in different European countries is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected. Each country has specific rules that must be respected, but our team is here to simplify this process and ensure that your complaint is filed in good time. Entrust us with the task of defending your rights as an air passenger.
Tips to Guarantee Your Rights
- Check Local Legislation: Familiarize yourself with the laws of the country where the incident occurred or where the airline is registered.
- Act quickly: Regardless of the time available, starting the complaint process as soon as possible increases your chances of success.
- Contact us for complete support in submitting your claim and verifying eligibility within the time allowed.