# Finnair's 2-Month EC 261 Claim Deadline Ruled Lawful in Finland

_Apr 18 09:45_

Tags: Finnair, EC 261/2004, EU, Finland, policy change, airline, loyalty program, service policy change

Finland's Market Court ruled that Finnair's requirement to file EC 261 compensation claims within two months is not unlawful, as EU regulation leaves deadlines to national law. This aggressive window applies only to Finnish passengers

## Summary

The Finnish Market Court has ruled that Finnair's practice of rejecting EC 261/2004 compensation claims filed more than two months after the flight is not unlawful. The Consumer Ombudsman had sued to stop the practice, arguing it was too short, but the court found that since EU regulation does not specify a deadline, Finnair's "reasonable time" of two months aligns with business practices. This 2-month window is significantly shorter than the 2-4 years typically allowed in other EU countries. The ruling applies specifically to Finnair passengers in Finland. The Consumer Ombudsman noted disappointment and is evaluating further actions, highlighting that the lack of a specific statutory deadline in Finnish law was an oversight

## Why it matters

Affects Finnair loyalty members and route planners.

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/04/18/market-courts-rules-that-it-is-not-unlawful-for-finnair-to-require-compensation-claims-filed-within-two-months?omhide=true) — Market Court Rules That It Is Not Unlawful For Finnair To Require Compensation Claims Filed Within Two Months

Older: [Grasshopper Bank Offers Up to $750 Business Checking Bonus for Existing Users](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/grasshopper-bank-offers-up-to-750-business-checking-bonus-for-existing-users.md)
Newer: [Lufthansa Strikes Paused for Next Week as Union and Management Begin Talks](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/lufthansa-strike-pause-no-further-disruptions-next-week-as-union-talks-begin.md)

Canonical URL: https://thetravelsignal.com/s/finnair-s-2-month-ec-261-compensation-deadline-ruled-lawful-by-market-court