ADR Escalation Letter Template & Generator
How to escalate rejected flight claim to Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme — the right approach, your legal rights, and a free generator ready in seconds.
← All Letter Templates & Generators · Flight Delay Compensation · Last updated 18 August 2026 · Written and reviewed by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights
This is free rights guidance, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, see our About page or contact Citizens Advice.
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, plus a free tool to generate yours.
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.
Ready to write yours?
Answer a few questions and get a professionally drafted letter, ready to send — free, no account needed.
✉️ Generate This Letter Free →Comments
Comments are loading…