How much does TravelStacks charge?

TravelStacks charges a flat $19 fee for US DOT refund and reimbursement claims. For EU261 and UK261 claims, we charge 25 percent of the compensation we recover. If we do not recover on EU/UK claims, there is no charge.

How long does TravelStacks take to resolve a claim?

Most US claims resolve within 4 to 8 weeks. EU261 claims typically take 6 to 12 weeks depending on the airline and whether escalation is required. Complex cases that proceed to legal enforcement can take longer.

Can I use a compensation service for EU261 claims?

Yes. TravelStacks handles EU261 and UK261 claims for flights departing EU and UK airports. We handle the regulatory filings, correspondence with the airline, and escalation to enforcement bodies if needed.

What if the airline goes bankrupt before paying?

If the airline files for bankruptcy, a chargeback is your fastest recovery option. File immediately with your credit card issuer. You may also file a creditor claim in the bankruptcy proceedings, but recovery timelines are uncertain.

What is the success rate for chargebacks against airlines?

Chargebacks for airline refusals have a high success rate when supported by documentation showing the flight was cancelled or significantly delayed and the airline failed to issue a cash refund. The DOT regulation citation is particularly effective evidence.

Can I use all three options at the same time?

You can run a DOT complaint and a chargeback simultaneously. If you are using a compensation service, they typically coordinate the process. Discuss with TravelStacks which escalation paths they are pursuing before independently filing a chargeback.

What happens if my chargeback is denied?

You can appeal a chargeback denial once. If the appeal is also denied, small claims court is the next step. A denied chargeback does not prevent you from suing in small claims.

Is there a time limit for using a compensation service?

TravelStacks accepts claims for incidents within the applicable statute of limitations: generally 2 years for US claims and 2 to 6 years for EU261 claims depending on the departure country. File as soon as possible for the strongest evidence.

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How-ToMay 19, 2026•3 min read

Someone to Help Me Get a Refund From My Airline

Loren Castillo

Founder, TravelStacks

Need help getting an airline refund? You have three options that require no lawyer: a flight compensation service, a credit card chargeback, and small claims court. Here is how each one works.

Your Three Options

If you need help getting a refund from an airline, you have three options that require no lawyer: a flight compensation service like TravelStacks, a credit card chargeback through your bank, or small claims court.

Each option has a different cost structure, time commitment, and likelihood of success depending on your situation. All three are available to any passenger without specialized legal knowledge.

How Each Option Works

1
A flight compensation service handles the entire claim for a flat fee or percentage of recovery. You submit your flight details and the service handles all communications with the airline, escalations, and regulatory filings on your behalf.
2
A credit card chargeback lets your bank dispute the charge on your behalf. You file a dispute with your card issuer citing services not rendered, provide documentation, and the bank investigates and issues a provisional credit while the dispute is open.
3
Small claims court lets you sue the airline for the ticket amount plus expenses, with no lawyer required. Filing fees are typically $30 to $100 and the process is designed for non-lawyers.

Comparison

›
Compensation service: hands-off, costs a flat fee or percentage, fastest for passengers who do not want to deal with the airline directly.
›
Chargeback: free but limited to purchases made on a credit card, typically resolves in 30 to 90 days, requires some documentation from you.
›
Small claims: no recovery limit, requires your time to file and appear, airlines frequently settle or default before the court date.

For passengers who want the least involvement, a compensation service is the most practical choice. For passengers with strong documentation who already tried direct requests, a chargeback is often the fastest self-help option. Small claims is the best option when the airline has formally denied all other avenues and the amount justifies the filing effort.

Your Rights in One Sentence

TravelStacks charges a $19 flat fee for US refund claims and 25% of recovered compensation for EU and UK claims. If we do not recover on EU/UK claims, you do not pay.

Read the Full Guide

For a full comparison of compensation services including TravelStacks vs. AirHelp, see the comparison guide. For the chargeback process in detail, see the chargeback guide. For small claims, see the small claims guide. To start a claim now, visit /claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

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