This is the letter you get for $19.99

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to formally claim compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, as retained in UK law, in respect of flight BA117 operated by British Airways on 14 March 2026 on the route London Heathrow (LHR) to New York JFK (JFK). The flight arrived at its destination 4 hours and 22 minutes after its scheduled arrival time, entitling me to compensation of £520 (€600 equivalent) under Article 7(1)(c) of the Regulation, the route exceeding 3,500 km.

Pursuant to Article 7(1)(c) of EU Regulation 261/2004 (as retained), I hereby formally demand payment of £520. I require your written response within 14 days of receipt of this letter.

The carrier is on notice that the defence of “extraordinary circumstances” under Article 5(3) is narrowly construed. Technical faults inherent to the aircraft, crew rostering shortfalls, and commercial operational decisions do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances per Wallentin-Hermann v Alitalia (C-549/07) and van der Lans v KLM (C-257/14). Where the carrier wishes to rely on this defence, it must produce contemporaneous evidence proving (a) the event was outside the actual control of the carrier, and (b) all reasonable measures were taken to avoid the disruption.

Payment is to be made in full by bank transfer to the account I will provide on request. I do not accept travel vouchers, mileage credit, or partial settlements in lieu of statutory compensation. Settlement of this claim is without prejudice to any further consequential losses I may pursue separately under Article 12.

Should the carrier fail to respond, or refuse this lawful claim, I will without further notice (i) lodge a formal complaint with the UK Civil Aviation Authority as the National Enforcement Body for flights departing the United Kingdom, and (ii) commence proceedings in the appropriate small claims court for the full sum plus interest pursuant to s.69 of the County Courts Act 1984, and costs.

Yours faithfully,

Jane Smith