What is the cheapest EU261 claims service?

ClaimCompass and TravelStacks both charge 25% with no added VAT. AirHelp is the most expensive at 35%. Flightright charges 25% but adds VAT.

Is it worth using a no-win-no-fee service for EU261?

Yes, especially for contested claims where the airline initially refuses. Services familiar with EU261 escalation have a better success rate than individual passengers filing alone.

Can a US passenger use EU261 services?

Yes. US-based passengers flying on EU-covered routes are fully entitled to EU261 compensation and can use any of the listed services. TravelStacks is the best option if the trip also included US domestic segments.

Does VAT apply to all EU261 service fees?

VAT applicability depends on the service's home jurisdiction and where you are located. Ask each service whether their stated percentage includes or excludes VAT.

Which service is best for contesting a refused EU261 claim?

AirHelp has the largest legal team for escalating contested EU claims. However, its 35% fee is significantly higher. TravelStacks and ClaimCompass at 25% also pursue escalations but may have different success rates by carrier.

Does TravelStacks pursue EU261 claims in court?

TravelStacks escalates EU261 claims through appropriate channels. Contact TravelStacks directly for details on its escalation process for refused EU claims.

What is the maximum EU261 compensation?

600 euros for flights over 3,500 km with a delay of 3+ hours at the destination.

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EU261May 6, 2026•8 min read

EU261 No-Win-No-Fee Services Compared: AirHelp, Flightright, TravelStacks, and More

Loren Castillo

Founder, TravelStacks

Multiple services offer no-win, no-fee EU261 claim handling, but their fees and strengths differ. This comparison helps European and US-based passengers choose the right service.

How EU261 No-Win-No-Fee Services Work

EU261 claim services evaluate your flight disruption, pursue the airline on your behalf, and take a percentage of recovered compensation only if they succeed. If they do not recover anything, you pay nothing.

EU261 compensation is fixed at 250 euros (flights under 1,500 km), 400 euros (flights 1,500-3,500 km), or 600 euros (flights over 3,500 km) for delays of 3+ hours at the destination. The fixed amounts make percentage fees easy to calculate in advance.

Key EU261 rule: The regulation covers flights departing EU airports (any carrier) and flights arriving at EU airports on EU carriers. See the EU261 rights guide for full eligibility rules.

Fee Comparison: Major Services

Current fee percentages for EU261 claims:

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AirHelp: 35% of compensation
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Flightright: 25% plus VAT (approximately 29.75% with German VAT)
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Compensair: 25% plus VAT
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ClaimCompass: 25% of compensation
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TravelStacks: 25% of compensation

On a 600 euro claim: AirHelp takes 210 euros, Flightright takes ~179 euros (25% + German VAT), and ClaimCompass/TravelStacks take 150 euros each. The difference between AirHelp and the lower-fee services is 60 euros on the maximum claim amount.

Coverage and Specialization

Service coverage varies:

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AirHelp: EU261, UK261, Canadian APPR, Montreal Convention cases, and more. Large multinational operation.
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Flightright: EU261 and UK261. German market focus with strong legal presence in Germany.
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Compensair: EU261 and UK261. Technology-focused platform.
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ClaimCompass: EU261 and UK261. Clean no-frills process.
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TravelStacks: US DOT claims (flat $19), EU261, UK261 (both at 25%). Best for US-based passengers with EU routes.

For US-based passengers who fly both domestic US and EU routes, TravelStacks is the only service listed that covers both. See best flight compensation services for US passengers for more.

VAT and the True Cost

Some services advertise '25%' but add VAT on top. For passengers in VAT-paying jurisdictions (primarily EU residents), this means the true fee is higher. Flightright's 25% + 19% German VAT equals approximately 29.75% of the total claim.

TravelStacks and ClaimCompass do not add VAT on top of their stated percentage for most jurisdictions. Always check the full fee schedule before authorizing a service to file on your behalf.

Tip: Ask the service explicitly: 'Is VAT included in your stated fee percentage, or added on top?' The difference can be significant on a 600 euro claim.

What to Look for Beyond the Fee

Beyond the fee percentage, evaluate:

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Does the service handle escalation to national enforcement bodies (UK CAA, Spain AESA, etc.)?
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Does the service pursue cases in court when airlines refuse?
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How long does the service take to resolve claims?
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Is there a clear way to track your claim status?

For more context on escalating UK261 claims, see UK Civil Aviation Authority complaints and escalation. For Spain-specific EU261 escalation (relevant for Vueling claims), see Vueling EU261 compensation deep dive. Start a claim at the airline rankings and services page.

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