Everything you need to know before, during and after your flight.
AirHelpService helps travelers understand flight changes, cancellations, baggage, airport procedures, passenger rights and travel preparation - in plain, well-researched English. We are not an airline, not a travel agency, and we do not sell flights.
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Everything you need to know about flying
Twelve categories of independent, editorially reviewed guides. Start where your question lives.
Reschedule or modify a trip
Flight Changes
How airlines handle schedule changes, involuntary rebookings, voluntary changes, fare differences and same-day standby.
Refunds, rebooking, compensation
Flight Cancellation Guide
What to do when your flight is cancelled. Refund rules, protected rebooking, meal vouchers and hotel accommodation.
PIR reports and compensation limits
Lost & Delayed Baggage
Filing a Property Irregularity Report, tracing systems like WorldTracer, and the Montreal Convention baggage limits.
Passports, visas, ESTA, ETIAS
Travel Documents
Passport validity rules, transit visas, ESTA for the U.S., the upcoming ETIAS for Europe and country entry requirements.
Terminals, transit, connections
Airport Guides
Layouts of major hubs like ATL, DXB, LHR, CDG and NRT, terminal transfers, minimum connection times and airport lounges.
Family, business, solo, group
Travel Types
Guides tailored to travelers flying with infants, unaccompanied minors, pets, medical equipment or on group bookings.
EU 261, US DOT, Montreal Convention
Passenger Rights
What you are entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004, U.S. DOT rules, and the Montreal Convention for international travel.
Printable step-by-step lists
Travel Checklists
Carry-on packing, document checklists, pre-departure timelines and international travel readiness lists.
Small habits that save trips
Travel Tips
Practical tips from frequent flyers on lounges, seat selection, jet lag, airport food and getting through security faster.
Why trust AirHelpService
A calm, independent voice in a noisy industry
Independent by design
We do not sell flights or receive commissions from airlines. Editorial and any future commercial content are strictly separated.
Researched from primary sources
Every guide is cross-checked against official regulations (EU 261, US DOT, Montreal Convention) and current airline contracts of carriage.
Written by travelers
Our editorial team includes former airline staff, frequent flyers and travel journalists.
Kept up to date
Every article shows a last-updated date. When a regulation changes, the affected articles are reviewed within 30 days.
Featured guides
Handpicked reading
flight changes
How to Change Your Flight Without Losing Money
A practical walkthrough of what happens when you (or the airline) change a flight, from fare differences to same-day standby, with real examples from Delta, Lufthansa and Emirates.
passenger rights
Passenger Rights Explained: EU 261, US DOT and the Montreal Convention
Three legal frameworks decide what you are owed when things go wrong in the air. Here is what each one actually covers, with real amounts and worked examples.
airport guides
The Complete Airport Check-in Guide
From online check-in windows to bag drop cutoffs and what happens if you arrive late. A calm, detailed walkthrough of the first two hours at the airport.
Latest articles
Fresh from the editorial team
checklists
Travel Documents Checklist for International Flights
The document check at the counter is the last place you want a surprise. Use this checklist a week before departure and again the night before.
checklists
The Only Carry-on Packing Checklist You Need
Written for the traveler who does not want to check a bag. Real airline size limits, what actually fits, and what you will regret leaving at home.
travel tips
25 Airport Tips From People Who Fly Every Week
A collection of small, tested habits that make airports quieter, faster and less stressful. Not tricks or hacks - just what experienced travelers actually do.
Popular checklists
Printable, practical lists
checklists
Travel Documents Checklist for International Flights
The document check at the counter is the last place you want a surprise. Use this checklist a week before departure and again the night before.
checklists
The Only Carry-on Packing Checklist You Need
Written for the traveler who does not want to check a bag. Real airline size limits, what actually fits, and what you will regret leaving at home.
FAQ
Frequently asked
How early should I arrive at the airport?+
Two hours before a domestic flight, three hours before an international one. Add extra time at hubs like ATL, LHR or CDG during peak morning departures.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?+
You are entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method, or a rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost. Under EU 261 you may also be entitled to fixed cash compensation.
Is AirHelpService an airline?+
No. AirHelpService is an independent English-language information service that helps travelers understand air travel. We do not sell flights or hold funds for any airline.
Can I get compensation if my baggage is delayed?+
Yes, under the Montreal Convention for international flights (up to about USD 2,050 in proven costs) and often through your airline's own policy on domestic flights.
Do I need a visa for a layover?+
Sometimes. The UK, U.S., China, Russia and Australia require transit-specific visas or authorizations even if you never leave the airport.
How do I claim EU 261 compensation?+
Submit a written claim to the airline citing the regulation, flight distance and delay length. If ignored for 8 weeks, escalate to the departure country's National Enforcement Body.
Newsletter
The weekly travel briefing.
Guides on flights, baggage and passenger rights, written by our editorial team. Delivered every Tuesday. Unsubscribe with one click.
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