Real redress, in order

1. The airline, through its own form

   Straight away

   The step you do not skip. Quote the Regulation, the file number, the distance, the actual arrival time and the amount claimed. Attach the screenshot of the delay board and the receipts. Keep the date you sent it: that is what starts the two months running.

   Air passenger rights (Your Europe, European Union)

2. The national body of the country where it happened

   After 2 months with no reply

   With no reply after two months, or with a reply that does not satisfy you. It issues a non-binding legal opinion on what to do next. The European Commission publishes the list of the twenty-seven designated bodies.

   National enforcement bodies (European Commission)

3. The European Consumer Centre in your country

   At any time

   The official EU page points you to your local European Consumer Centre for help and advice on problems related to air passenger rights.

   European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net)

4. The European Small Claims Procedure

   Last resort

   A written procedure, provided for by EU law for cross-border claims. The Regulation that sets it up states in black and white that representation by a lawyer or another legal professional is not mandatory.

   Small claims (e-Justice portal, European Union)

The limitation periods for suing an airline in court are set by national rules: this site does not cover them, because it only presents the European baseline common to all twenty-seven.