Comment by FirmwareBurner

I used to fly out out GBG which only has few flights to the intercontinental hubs per day. So it happened to me quite frequently that my incoming intercontinental flight was late by 1.5h which resulted in a 5-7h delay because I missed the connection. That entitles you to 600 euros. After my first 2 trips I quickly learned that for flights into Europe it's only European airlines that have to pay those fines (outbound flights it's everyone). I probably collected around between 4k-6k euros because it happened so often.

I never used one of the "collection agencies", because it's an incredibly easy process to do yourself. Yes some airlines try to wiggle out of it, but you just threaten them with going to arbitration (I think that's what it was? I've moved away from Europe several years ago), and show that you know the rules and they quickly let up, because IIRC they get fined (not just your compensation) if they get found to be in the wrong.

Lufthansa surprisingly directly issued 250 euros to my mom for a delayed flight after filling out the passenger name and flight number on a site provided by their chatbot, which also explained how to use a 20 Euro food voucher they provided directly. It was very well made imo.

The EU has really put their foot down when it comes to these claims. There is no legit delay or cancellation. Either I'm there on time or not. And if I'm late or the flight is cancelled then the carrier will reimburse. This seems o work pretty well these days is my experience.

I've done it twice and was paid the compensation, but both times were normal airlines, not budget carriers.

I only had to do it once, but they cooperated well.