Is AirHelp Legit and Worth It?

I was traveling with my fiancée for a holiday in New York, and my flight was delayed for four hours. Frustration set in as I realized our carefully planned trip was unraveling before my eyes. We missed an important event that was supposed to be a highlight of our trip, and I felt helpless about what to do next.

While searching for alternative solutions, I stumbled upon AirHelp, a company that specializes in securing compensation for passengers affected by delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights. Curious and somewhat skeptical, I decided to explore AirHelp's services. Here's my experience with them, delving into their legitimacy, costs, and potential alternatives.

About AirHelp

AirHelp is a flight compensation company that assists passengers in securing compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 and other international flight compensation laws. Founded in 2014, AirHelp claims to have helped over 2 million passengers. The company is a part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA), whose mission is to promote and protect passengers' rights. Operating on a "No win, No fee" basis, AirHelp ensures that passengers risk nothing, with fees only deducted upon a successful claim. But, is AirHelp legit? Let's dive into the details.

AirHelp Reviews

Before committing to AirHelp, I decided to check their reputation. A quick search for "AirHelp Google Reviews" revealed a mixed bag of experiences. AirHelp holds an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on reviews from over 350 customers. Many praised their efficient service, highlighting the ease and speed with which their claims were processed. However, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the high fees charged by AirHelp, feeling that a significant portion of their compensation was lost.

Pro Tip: If you subscribe to AirHelp Plus, you can get 100% of the compensation paid, avoiding the standard fees and ensuring you receive the full amount of your claim.

Is AirHelp Worth It?

Free Plan: AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means they only charge a service fee of 35% if they successfully secure your compensation. However, if legal action is required, the total fee can go up to 50%. This unpredictability can be concerning because you never know if legal action will be necessary. In such cases, it might be wise to consider alternatives like ClaimFlights, which doesn’t charge additional legal action fees.

AirHelp Plus: For frequent travelers, AirHelp offers a membership plan called AirHelp Plus. There are two plans: Smart for 3 Trips at €39.99/year and Pro for 9 Trips at €99.99/year. These plans provide additional benefits, such as airport lounge access during delays and cover for multiple claims without extra charges. This can be a cost-effective option for those who travel often and want the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive coverage.

AirHelp Commission

One of the primary concerns for many is the commission AirHelp charges. The standard service fee is 35%, which covers their efforts in negotiating with airlines and handling all the necessary paperwork. However, if the case escalates to legal action, an additional 15% legal fee is applied, bringing the total to 50%. This substantial fee can significantly reduce the amount of compensation you ultimately receive, making it a critical factor to consider when deciding whether to use AirHelp's services.

How They Get Paid

AirHelp's payment model is straightforward. They only take their fee after they have successfully secured compensation for you. This ensures that you are not out of pocket upfront, providing a measure of financial security. However, it also means that a significant portion of your compensation will be allocated to their fees, which is an important consideration when deciding to use their services.

Alternatives to AirHelp

While AirHelp is a well-known option, there are several alternatives worth considering:

ClaimFlights: Known for their lower fees, ClaimFlights charges a 25% service fee with no additional legal fees. Moreover, VAT is not applied if you are a non-EU resident, potentially saving you even more on your compensation claim.

Flightright: Flightright charges between 20% to 30% plus VAT, with an additional 14% for legal action. This tiered fee structure can be advantageous depending on the specifics of your case, but the extra legal fees can add up.

Myflyright: Myflyright charges 25% plus VAT and an additional 10% for legal action. While their base fee is competitive, the added cost of legal action should be considered if your claim is likely to escalate.

Each of these alternatives offers different advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to evaluate which service aligns best with your needs and the specifics of your flight disruption.

DIY Approach

You can also choose to file claims directly with the airlines. This do-it-yourself (DIY) approach eliminates service fees but comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating the claims process can be time-consuming and complex, requiring a thorough understanding of the relevant regulations and the persistence to deal with airline bureaucracy. While it can save you money, it demands a significant investment of time and effort, which might not be feasible for everyone.

Conclusion:

My experience with AirHelp has been a blend of convenience and cost considerations. AirHelp is undoubtedly a legitimate and efficient service for claiming flight compensation, but their fees can be quite steep, especially if legal action is required. For those who prefer a hands-off approach and are willing to pay higher fees for convenience, AirHelp is a solid choice. However, exploring alternatives like ClaimFlights or even handling claims directly with airlines can sometimes be more cost-effective.

Ultimately, whether AirHelp is worth it depends on your individual needs and how much you're willing to pay for convenience. For me, the ease of the process and the assurance of expert handling made AirHelp a viable option, despite the higher fees.

FAQs

Is AirHelp a legitimate company?

Yes, AirHelp is a legitimate company with a proven track record of helping passengers secure compensation for flight disruptions. They are known for their expertise and extensive experience in aviation law.

What percentage does AirHelp take?

AirHelp takes a standard service fee of 35%. If legal action is required, they charge an additional 15%, bringing the total fee up to 50%.

Can I claim for flight delays outside the EU?

Yes, you can claim compensation for flight delays outside the EU, provided either the departure was from an EU airport or the arrival was at an EU airport with an EU-regulated airline.