How far back can you claim? Time limits by country
EU261 sets no deadline itself, so national limits apply. They range from about 1 year (Belgium, Poland) to 3 years (Germany), 5 years (France, Spain) and 6 years (UK, Ireland). The 2026 reform is expected to set 9 months for flights once the new rules apply, so older claims are best made now.
Check my flight in 30 secondsAn estimate from national limits. If you are close to the date, claim now and check with the national body.
The time limit depends on which country's courts would hear the claim, usually the country of departure, arrival, or the airline's home country. When several are possible, the longest one can work in your favour.
Main time limits
| Country | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Belgium, Poland | 1 year |
| Italy | 1 year (domestic) / 2 years (international) |
| Netherlands, Croatia, Malta | 2 years |
| Germany | 3 years, counted to the end of the year |
| Austria, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Finland | 3 years |
| France, Spain, Greece, Scotland | 5 years |
| United Kingdom (not Scotland), Ireland, Cyprus | 6 years |
| Switzerland, Luxembourg | 10 years |
Source: time limits compiled by SkyRefund, updated July 2026 (source). Rules can change; check with the national body if your claim is close to the limit.
The 9-month limit ahead
The EU261 reform approved in 2026 is expected to bring a single 9-month limit once the new rules apply, expected from 2027. Flights disrupted before then should be claimed sooner rather than later.