If your flight to or from Europe has been delayed by two hours or more, an app called Service may be a big help to you.
Service scans your inbox (that’s right: you have to grant them access to your email). It claims this is so it can “automatically find past flight disruptions and to know what flights you’re taking in the future. And with AutoProtect turned on, [it files] claims whenever you’re disrupted, you don’t even have to open the app!” Keep in mind that the delays can’t be caused by weather or Air Traffic Control (ATC)-related disruptions.
With most airlines, it take 2-4 weeks for a claim to be reviewed and resolved. However, with some airlines it could take longer. What’s nice is that you don’t need to keep following up, as Service does all the legwork. Service also doesn’t look for flights that are delayed under 90 minutes because airlines rarely provide compensation for such delays and most payouts are for delays of two hours or more. Service also requires your credit card info, but it won’t charge you unless it gets you compensation (it takes 30% of your cut).
Good to know: When you first add a credit card, Service does a $1 authorization to verify the card is good. Additionally, when you file a claim, Service authorizes your card again. These are not charges—only authorizations—and will fall off before you get your statement.
It’s a good deal but I prefer the app AirHelp since it doesn’t require access to your email and only charges 25% of your fee.
Related: What to Do: Weather Delays and Flight Cancellations
