Flying is usually safe and comfortable, but sometimes things go wrong. Whether you were injured due to turbulence, slipped in the aisle, or got burned by hot drinks served by the crew, you might be wondering: Can I claim compensation for this?
The answer is yes—if the accident happened on an international flight like Air France, or while boarding or disembarking, you may have the right to claim. This guide explains your rights in simple terms, how to start a claim, and what kind of compensation you could receive.
Why This Matters To You
You might be dealing with pain, stress, missed work, or even long-term health problems. The accident was not your fault, and now you’re left with medical bills and uncertainty. This guide helps you understand:
- What you can claim for
- How international law protects your rights
- The step-by-step process to make a successful claim
- How much compensation you may be entitled to
Let’s walk you through everything clearly and calmly.
What Counts As An In-Flight Accident?
An accident in aviation terms doesn’t have to mean a crash. You can make a claim for many different kinds of incidents, including:
- Burns or scalds from spilled hot drinks
- Trips or slips on board or in the airport
- Trolley collisions with passengers
- Falling overhead luggage causing injury
- Injuries from turbulence
- Food poisoning or allergic reactions
- Faulty or broken seating
- Mistreatment of disabled passengers
If you’ve experienced anything like this while flying internationally (like on an Air France flight), you could have a valid claim.
What Law Protects You?
If the flight was international (even if it started or ended in the UK), your rights are protected by something called the Montreal Convention.
This international agreement covers most flights operated by major airlines—including Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and others.
What the Montreal Convention says:
- Airlines are strictly liable up to ~£130,000 (approx. 120,000 SDRs) for injuries on board, during boarding, or disembarking.
- You don’t have to prove fault for claims under this amount.
- Beyond that, if you want more compensation, you need to show the airline was negligent.
- You only have two years from the date of the incident to bring a claim.
Common In-Flight Injuries That Can Lead to Compensation
Hot Drink Scalds and Burns
This is one of the most common in-flight accidents. A member of the crew might spill hot coffee or tea on your lap. Even if you moved unexpectedly, they are still trained to serve safely. If they fail, and you’re injured, you could claim.
Mishandling of Disabled Passengers
Airline staff are trained to assist passengers with disabilities. If you’re injured because someone failed to handle your mobility needs properly, it’s a breach of duty.
Trolley Accidents
Cabin crew use service trolleys in narrow aisles. If you’re hit by one, or it’s left in the way and causes a fall, you may have a claim.
Slips and Trips
Slipping in the lavatory, tripping over loose luggage, or falling on the steps while boarding—all of these are valid reasons for claiming compensation.
Overhead Locker Injuries
Crew must check that luggage in overhead bins is secure. If a bag falls and hits you, it’s likely the airline could be held responsible.
Injuries Caused by Turbulence
Turbulence is often unavoidable, but the crew must act quickly. If they failed to switch on the seatbelt sign or didn’t ensure you were seated, and you were injured, you might be entitled to compensation.
Food-Related Illnesses or Allergies
Airlines are required to serve safe, properly labelled food. If you became ill from spoiled meals, or had an allergic reaction because allergens weren’t declared, that’s a valid claim.
Broken Seats
Aircraft seats must be safe and secure. If a broken seat caused you to fall, get stuck, or suffer back pain, this could be due to negligence on the airline’s part.
What Can You Claim For?
You can usually claim for two types of damages:
General Damages
These cover non-financial harm:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional or psychological distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
Special Damages
These cover financial losses caused by the accident:
- Medical treatment and prescriptions
- Lost wages (now and in future)
- Cost of care or support at home
- Travel expenses related to treatment
- Cost of adapting your home if needed
How Much Compensation Could You Get?
It depends on how serious your injury is. Here are examples of what courts have awarded in the UK:
| Injury | Compensation (Up to) |
|---|---|
| Toe injury | £49,134 |
| Ankle injury | £61,134 |
| Foot injury | £96,134 |
| Leg injury | £120,530 |
| Hand injury | £96,150 |
| Wrist injury | £52,490 |
| Arm injury | £120,270 |
| Back injury | £141,164 |
| Neck injury | £130,060 |
| Finger injury | £21,910 |
| Thumb injury | £48,080 |
Note: These figures are only guidelines. A solicitor will help estimate the true value based on your specific injury.
How To Start Your Claim – Step By Step
Step 1: Act Quickly
The 2-year limit is strict. Don’t delay. The earlier you start, the easier it is to gather evidence.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention
Even if the injury seems minor at first, see a doctor. You need an official medical report as part of your claim.
Step 3: Collect Evidence
- Take photos of injuries or the accident scene
- Get witness contact details
- Ask for the incident report from cabin crew or airport staff
Step 4: Contact the Airline
Let Air France (or the relevant airline) know about the incident formally. This is the first step in resolving the matter.
Step 5: Speak to a Solicitor
A specialist aviation solicitor can help you:
- Prove negligence (if needed)
- Understand how much your claim is worth
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Handle paperwork and legal processes
Most solicitors offer no win, no fee services, so there’s minimal financial risk to you.
What If The Airline Disputes Your Claim?
If you’re claiming less than £130,000, and your accident occurred onboard or during boarding/disembarkation, the airline is automatically liable under the Montreal Convention.
However, if your claim goes above that amount, the airline might argue that it was not at fault. In such cases:
- You may need to prove negligence
- The matter could go to court
- Your solicitor can help build a strong case
What About Advance Payments?
In cases of death or serious injury, the airline is required to make an advance payment to help cover immediate expenses. For example:
- In fatal accidents, this amount may be around €19,800, paid within 15 days
- This payment does not affect your final settlement amount
What If The Injury Happened At The Airport?
If the incident took place in the airport (not on board), liability might depend on:
- Who operates the space (Air France or the airport authority)
- Whether there was negligence (e.g., no wet floor sign, poor lighting)
You can still claim, but the process may differ slightly. A solicitor will help determine who is responsible.
Can You Claim For Missed Work Or Long-Term Impact?
Yes. If your injury stopped you from working, or affects your ability to do your job long-term, you can claim for:
- Lost earnings
- Loss of future income
- Impact on your career
These losses can form a major part of your special damages claim.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Fair Compensation
Being injured on a flight can turn your travel experience into a nightmare. But you don’t have to go through it alone. If you suffered harm because of an airline’s mistake—or even if no one was at fault—you may still have the right to claim under international law.
By acting quickly, collecting the right evidence, and speaking to a specialist solicitor, you can make sure your rights are respected and you get the compensation you deserve.