Claim It Yourself vs Using a Firm
You can prepare a request and use the airline’s published complaint channel yourself. If you consider a claims service, compare its current fees, exclusions, authority to act and cancellation terms. The checker and draft help organise information; they do not confirm that a claim is payable.
What to compare
The decision involves evidence, time, fees and the scope of help you need. A conditional draft can help you start organising a request, but it does not establish an amount owed or guarantee acceptance. A provider’s service and charges depend on its current contract; review those terms before authorising anyone to act.
Side by side
| Do it yourself | Use a firm | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Use the airline’s own free complaint channel; separate advice or proceedings may cost money | Read the current contract: percentage, tax, legal fees and other charges may differ |
| Effort | You check facts, gather evidence, submit and follow up | Check which steps the provider agrees to handle |
| Support | You decide when to seek advice on unclear facts or rules | Check its role, qualifications and authority to act for you |
| Terms | Check the airline’s process and applicable time limits | Review exclusions, cancellation terms and any payment obligations |
| Timing | Depends on the process and response; no resolution date promised | Ask about its process; hiring a provider does not guarantee speed or success |
Prepare your own airline request
- 1 Use the preparation workspace to record known facts and what still needs checking.
- 2 Review the conditional draft, complete its placeholders and gather the actual evidence.
- 3 Check the airline’s channel and applicable time limits, then decide whether to submit the request yourself.
- 4 If you need outside help, compare current written provider terms and the support required for your situation.
If you'd rather use a firm
Check each provider’s current written terms, including taxes, legal-stage charges, exclusions and cancellation terms. The existing fee examples below are site references, not current quotes or guarantees of cost.
AirHelp
Existing site fee example: ~35% of payout (no win, no fee)
Confirm the current contract and which services it covers before authorising the provider to act.
AirAdvisor
Existing site fee example: ~30% of payout (no win, no fee)
Confirm the current contract and which services it covers before authorising the provider to act.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a request myself?
Record what happened, identify the operating airline, review the applicable official guidance and collect the evidence. Check the draft carefully and use the airline’s published submission channel if you decide to proceed.
When might I want outside help?
You may want advice when the facts or applicable rules are unclear, a response is disputed, or a case may involve proceedings. Decide what help you need and review the provider’s role, fees and terms before engaging it.
Are the fee examples on this site a quote?
No. Examples are not a current provider quote or a guarantee of cost. Check the provider’s written contract for fees, additional charges, exclusions and cancellation terms before making a decision.