Originally Posted by
Often1
There is absolutely no reason for you to pay anything to one of the claims agents (which will take 25-33% of the loot). Presuming that the CAA's information is accurate, If you have a UK address, you may file through MCOL with all of the forms being supplied to you on its website. If not, small claims is still available to you and telephonic hearings have been the norm for ages (even before Covid-19 forced them).
At this point, it is highly unlikely that there is a good data source for flight delays, I would simply include the CAA letter to you as evidence of your position that QR itself does not view the delay as extraordinary. Do not try to play amateur meteorologist as that is futile.
As a broader warning for others, complaints to national enforcement bureaus are largely useless. Don't let time pass. Make a demand to the air carrier. If you get push back, send a Letter Before Act (form on the MCOL website) and proceed.
I agree with most of what you propose, with just one note - not everyone has the time or energy to pursue cases like these. And in OP's situation, it has clearly taken a lot of effort to get to where they are now. So
in some cases, it is worth passing it on to lawyers who are contractually bound to deliver the service. If you consider the maximum payout (EUR600), the lawyers' fees will only be ~EUR160. That's a steal for what may be almost 3-4 solid hours worth of time.
And in my case, it was a short-haul flight. 30% of EUR250 is a pittance for having someone chase the airlines and to do all the back-and-forth for me.
So I wouldn't say there is absolutely no reason.