Methodology
How the checker reaches a result
Clairo applies a simplified rules engine to flight and disruption details. The result is an informed screening assessment, not a legal decision or guarantee of payment.
What the checker evaluates
- departure and final-destination airports;
- the operating carrier, where known;
- arrival delay at the final destination;
- route distance and whether the journey is within the covered region;
The checker uses known route distances or airport coordinates where available. If it cannot verify a distance, it uses an estimate and lowers confidence. If live flight data is unavailable, it can use the details supplied by the passenger.
How amounts are screened
For potentially covered EU journeys, the rules engine screens distance bands commonly associated with €250, €400 and €600 compensation and accounts for the possible reduction on some long-haul delays between three and four hours. The current checker also returns euro-style estimates for routes involving UK airports; it does not calculate the separate sterling amounts under UK rules. Confirm UK amounts against current CAA guidance.
What the automated check does not decide
The current check flow does not ask for or submit the cause of disruption. It therefore cannot determine whether extraordinary circumstances apply or whether the airline took all reasonable measures. Those questions require evidence such as the airline's explanation, operational records and the facts of the event, followed by manual or legal review.
Important limitations
- Airport and airline lists are finite and may not reflect every route, carrier or legal status.
- Flight data can be delayed, incomplete or inconsistent with airline operational records.
- The automated result does not review evidence about the cause of the disruption.
- Connections, rerouting, cancellations, denied boarding, prior notice and claim deadlines can require a more detailed assessment.
- Rules, official guidance and case law can change. Clairo does not decide claims.
Official sources
Check the source text of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on EUR-Lex and the UK Civil Aviation Authority's delay and cancellation guidance. For a disputed or high-value matter, consider independent legal advice or the relevant enforcement or dispute-resolution body.
For the UK regime specifically — the sterling amounts, the scope test and where the retained text now differs from the EU one — see the UK261 guide, and how long you have to claim.