ADR Escalation Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to escalate rejected flight claim to Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong adr escalation letter should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Summarise the claim, the airline's response and why it is not accepted
• Request the ADR scheme adjudicate on the claim
• Note willingness to accept the scheme's binding decision

What ADR does when an airline rejects your claim

If an airline rejects your flight delay or cancellation compensation claim and you believe it's wrong, most UK airlines are signed up to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme — a free, independent route to have the decision reviewed without going to court. This is often faster and simpler than legal action for straightforward compensation disputes.

What this letter or complaint needs to cover

• Your original claim details and the airline's reason for rejecting it
• Why you believe the rejection is wrong — for example, disputing an "extraordinary circumstances" claim
• Copies of relevant evidence — booking confirmation, delay notifications, boarding passes
• Confirmation you've exhausted the airline's own complaints process first

Which scheme covers your airline

Not all airlines use the same ADR provider — common UK schemes include Aviation ADR and the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), and it's worth checking which specific scheme your airline is signed up to, since submitting to the wrong one can delay your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my airline isn't signed up to any ADR scheme?
You may need to pursue the claim through the small claims court instead, since not participating in ADR isn't itself unlawful for airlines.

Is there a cost to use ADR?
No — these schemes are generally free for consumers to use.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of ADR Scheme, e.g. AviationADR / CEDR]
[Address - or use the scheme's online form]
[Date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

Subject: Request for adjudication – [Airline Name] – flight [Flight Number] on [Date] – airline reference [Reference]

Please adjudicate my claim for flight delay compensation against [Airline Name], which is a member of your scheme.

My claim:
• Flight: [Flight Number] from [Departure Airport] to [Arrival Airport] on [Date]
• Booking reference: [Booking Reference]
• Scheduled arrival: [Time]; actual arrival: [Time]; delay: [hours and minutes]
• Compensation claimed: £[amount] per passenger for [number] passengers, under UK Regulation 261/2004 (UK261)

The airline's response: On [Date], the airline rejected my claim because [reason, e.g. "extraordinary circumstances"].

Why I do not accept it: [e.g. the airline has given no evidence of extraordinary circumstances / the delay was caused by a technical fault, which is not usually extraordinary].

I enclose my booking confirmation, delay notifications, boarding passes and all correspondence with the airline.

I am willing to accept the scheme's decision as binding.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]