Claim companies compared: the fees you actually pay

Flight compensation companies typically charge between about 30% and 44% of your compensation as a standard fee. Many charge up to 50% if the claim goes to court. On a €400 claim, that can mean keeping anywhere from €200 to €320, depending on the company and whether legal action is needed. You can also claim yourself, for free.

This guide compares published fees as of October 2026, shows what you keep in euros, and explains what to look for in the small print.

Key takeaways

• Standard fees among well-known providers range from about 30% to 44%. FlyClaims charges 20%.
• Many providers add a legal action fee, taking the total to 45–50% if the case goes to court.
• On a €400 claim, you'd keep between €200 and €320, depending on provider and route.
• Fees change. Always check each company's current price list before you sign.
• You can claim yourself for free using our free claim letter tool.

Why fees differ

Claims companies do similar work: checking eligibility, writing to the airline, chasing payment and, if needed, going to court. Their costs and business models differ, and so does the way they price legal action:

• Some charge one flat percentage whatever happens.
• Others charge a standard fee plus an extra fee if a lawyer or court is involved.
• Some quote fees including VAT, others don't always say clearly.

When you compare, the number that matters is what you keep, both if the airline pays straight away and if it has to be taken to court.

Published fees compared (October 2026)

Figures are each company's typical published fees as of October 2026. Fees can vary by country, claim type or promotion, and they change over time. Check each company's own price list for the current figure. Where the table doesn't say "incl. VAT", check the provider's terms to see how VAT is treated.

What you keep on a €400 claim

A €400 claim is common for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, or longer flights within the EU.

Calculated from the published percentages above. Rounded where fees are approximate.

What about €250 and €600 claims?

The same percentages apply. On a €600 long-haul claim, the difference between a 20% fee (€480 kept) and a 50% fee (€300 kept) is €180.

What to look for beyond the headline fee

Is there a legal surcharge?

Some airlines only pay after legal action. If a provider charges extra for legal action, your final payout may be lower than the headline fee suggests. Ask: "What is my total fee if the airline only pays after court proceedings?"

Is VAT included?

A fee "plus VAT" is higher than it looks. Check whether the quoted percentage already includes VAT.

Are there other charges?

Look for admin fees, bank transfer charges, or fees for cancelling the agreement. A transparent provider lists all costs in one place.

How fast do you get paid?

Some providers pass on your compensation quickly once the airline pays. Others take longer. Check the payout period in the terms.

Do you pay anything if the claim fails?

Many providers work on a "no win, no fee" basis, but check whether any costs can fall on you if the claim isn't successful.

How FlyClaims' fee works

We keep pricing simple:

• 20% of the compensation, including VAT. That's the whole fee.
• No legal surcharge. If the airline has to be taken to court, the fee stays at 20%.
• Payout within 48 hours of the airline paying us.

See full details on our pricing page, or check your flight to see what you're owed.

Claiming yourself: the free option

You don't need a claims company to get compensation. EU261 gives you the right to claim directly from the airline, and many straightforward claims are paid this way.

To do it yourself:

1. Check you're eligible. See flight delay compensation: the complete EU261 guide.
2. Use our free claim letter tool to write a letter that cites the relevant articles and case law.
3. Send it to the airline and keep a copy.
4. If you're refused or ignored, escalate to the national enforcement body, an alternative dispute resolution scheme or a small claims court.

Claiming yourself makes the most sense when the airline is cooperative and the cause is clear. A service is useful when the airline disputes the cause, stalls, or forces you into court, or simply when you'd rather not deal with it.

Some airlines have their own process for direct claims. Ryanair, for example, asks passengers to claim directly first. See Ryanair compensation: why they ask you to claim directly first.

Can an airline refuse to deal with a claims company?

Airlines sometimes include terms that ban passengers from assigning their claims. In Eventmedia (C-11/23), the Court of Justice held that such assignment bans can't be enforced against passengers. From 23 October 2027, the new EU rules allow airlines to ask agencies for proof of mandate, meaning evidence that you authorised them. See new EU passenger rules 2027.

FAQ

Which claims company is the cheapest?

Among the providers listed above, FlyClaims' 20% all-in fee leaves you the most from a successful claim, based on published fees. Fees change, so compare current price lists before deciding.

Why do some companies charge 50%?

Legal action involves extra costs for lawyers and courts. Some providers pass these on through a higher percentage. Others, including FlyClaims, keep one flat fee.

Is it worth using a claims company at all?

It depends on your situation. If the airline is likely to pay quickly, claiming yourself is free. If it's likely to refuse or delay, a service saves you time and handles any court proceedings.

Do I pay anything upfront?

FlyClaims' fee is a share of the compensation, taken once the airline pays. Check other providers' terms for their policy.

Where can I compare the fees myself?

Every provider should publish its fees on its website. Read the price list and terms, paying attention to legal surcharges and VAT.