Understanding Flight Delay Compensation
When your flight is delayed, you have important rights under UK law that can help you claim compensation in certain situations. The main rules come from UK Regulation EC 261/2004, which sets out what airlines must do when flights are significantly delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
A flight delay that qualifies for compensation usually means your flight arrives at its final destination three hours or more later than scheduled. The delay must happen on a flight departing from a UK airport or on a flight arriving in the UK with a UK or EU airline. Not every delay is covered – extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control strikes may mean the airline doesn’t owe you compensation.
Knowing your rights is crucial. If your delay meets the criteria, you could be entitled to a fixed sum, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight. For example, delays of three hours or more on short-haul flights can result in compensation of £220, while longer flights may qualify for up to £520. Airlines must also provide assistance, such as meals and accommodation, if your delay is long enough.
Flight delays aren’t the only travel disruptions you might face. Sometimes, flights are cancelled altogether, or your luggage goes missing. It’s helpful to understand how flight cancellations and compensation rules work, as these situations have their own sets of rights and procedures.
By understanding your rights, you put yourself in a stronger position to make a successful claim and ensure the airline treats you fairly. If you experience a delay, keep all your travel documents and ask the airline for written confirmation of the reason. This will make the claims process easier if you decide to pursue compensation.
When Can You Claim Flight Delay Compensation?
If your flight has been delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under UK law. The main rules are set out in UK Regulation EC 261/2004, which covers most commercial flights to, from, or within the UK. Here’s what you need to know about when you can claim:
Minimum Delay Time
To qualify for compensation, your flight must arrive at its destination at least three hours later than scheduled. The delay is measured at the time the aircraft doors open at your final destination, not the time of take-off.
Types of Flights Covered
You can claim compensation if your flight:
Departs from a UK airport, regardless of the airline.
Arrives in the UK on an airline based in the UK or another country in the EU.
For example, if you fly from London to Paris with any airline, or from New York to Manchester with a UK or EU airline, you are covered. However, if you are flying to the UK with a non-UK/EU airline from outside the UK or EU, you may not be eligible.
Circumstances Affecting Eligibility
Not all delays qualify for compensation. Airlines are not required to pay if the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances.” These are events beyond the airline’s control, such as:
Severe weather (e.g., storms, snow)
Security risks
Air traffic control restrictions
Strikes by airport staff (but not airline staff)
If the delay is due to reasons within the airline’s control, such as technical faults or staffing issues, you are more likely to be eligible for compensation.
How Delay Length and Flight Distance Affect Compensation
The amount you can claim depends on how long your flight was delayed and the distance of your flight. Here’s a general guide:
3–4 hours delay: £220–£350, depending on flight distance
More than 4 hours delay: £220–£520, depending on flight distance
Distance bands:
Up to 1,500km: lower compensation
1,500–3,500km: mid-range compensation
Over 3,500km: highest compensation
For example, a delay of more than 4 hours on a long-haul flight (over 3,500km) departing from London could entitle you to the maximum compensation.
Check Your Airline’s Policy
While the law sets minimum standards, airlines sometimes have their own procedures or additional requirements. It’s important to review your carrier’s terms and conditions, as these can affect how you make a claim or what supporting documents you need. For more tailored information, see our airline-specific compensation guidance.
Understanding your rights can make claiming compensation for a delayed flight much easier. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, reviewing your flight details and the reason for the delay is a good place to start.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect?
When your flight is delayed, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on both the length of the delay and the distance of your journey. These rules are set out in UK law, which is based on the standards established by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 7. Understanding how much you can claim will help you set realistic expectations and ensure you know your rights.
How Compensation Amounts Are Calculated
Compensation is typically paid as a fixed sum, determined by:
The distance of your flight (in kilometres)
How late you arrive at your final destination (in hours)
Below is a breakdown of the standard compensation amounts:
| Flight Distance | Delay at Final Destination | Compensation Amount (per passenger) |
|————————————-|—————————|————————————-|
| Up to 1,500 km (short-haul) | 3 hours or more | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km (medium-haul) | 3 hours or more | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km (long-haul, within EU)| 3 hours or more | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km (long-haul, between EU and non-EU airports) | 3–4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 km (long-haul, between EU and non-EU airports) | 4 hours or more | €600 |
Note: Compensation is usually paid in pounds sterling, converted from euros at the current exchange rate.
Examples of Typical Compensation
Short-haul flight (e.g. London to Paris, 1,000 km): If you arrive 3 hours late or more, you can claim €250.
Medium-haul flight (e.g. Manchester to Athens, 2,500 km): A delay of 3 hours or more entitles you to €400.
Long-haul flight (e.g. London to New York, over 5,500 km): If you arrive 4 hours or more late, you could receive €600. If the delay is between 3 and 4 hours, the amount is reduced to €300.
What’s Included – and What’s Not
Compensation under these rules is separate from:
Refunds for cancelled flights or if you choose not to travel
Reimbursement for meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, or transport during the delay
You may be entitled to both compensation and reimbursement for extra expenses, depending on your situation. For more on related topics, see our guides on flight cancellations and travel insurance claims.
When Might Compensation Be Reduced or Refused?
There are circumstances where you may not receive the full compensation, or any at all. Airlines are not required to pay if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as:
Severe weather conditions
Security risks
Air traffic control restrictions
Political instability
Strikes not involving the airline’s own staff
Additionally, for long-haul flights delayed between 3 and 4 hours, the compensation amount is halved.
For full legal details, you can refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 7, which sets out the exact rules and exceptions.
Practical Advice
Keep all travel documents and records of your delay.
Contact your airline to start your claim, providing details of your flight and the delay.
If your claim is refused, ask the airline for a written explanation.
Knowing what compensation you can expect helps you assert your rights confidently if your flight is delayed.
How to Make a Claim for Flight Delay Compensation
Making a claim for flight delay compensation can feel daunting, but following the right steps can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to under UK law. Here’s a clear guide to help you through the process.
Step-by-step guide to claiming compensation
Check your eligibility
Under UK law (specifically, UK Regulation EC 261/2004), you may be entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at your final destination more than three hours late, and the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes). Make sure your flight departed from a UK airport or was operated by a UK or EU airline arriving in the UK.Gather the necessary information
Before contacting the airline, collect all relevant documents. You’ll typically need:Your flight number and booking reference
Date and time of the delayed flight
Boarding pass and any booking confirmations
Receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay (such as meals or accommodation)
Contact the airline
Most airlines have a specific process for compensation claims, often available on their website. Submit your claim in writing, detailing your flight information, the length of the delay, and the impact it had on your journey. Attach copies of your supporting documents. Be clear and concise in your explanation.
Keep records of your communication
Save copies of all emails, claim forms, and correspondence with the airline. This will be useful if you need to escalate your claim later.
What to do if the airline delays or refuses your claim
If the airline fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually eight weeks) or rejects your claim without a valid reason, don’t give up. You can:
Follow up: Send a polite reminder, referencing your original claim and any previous correspondence.
Escalate the claim: If you’re still not satisfied, you can contact an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for further help. These organisations can review your case and help resolve the dispute.
Considering legal help
If you’re unable to resolve your claim through these steps, you may wish to seek independent legal advice. Some solicitors specialise in flight compensation claims and can guide you through the process, especially for more complex cases.
Claiming on your travel insurance
In some situations, you may also be able to recover costs through your travel insurance, particularly for additional expenses like meals, accommodation, or missed connections. Check your policy to see what’s covered. For more details, see our guidance on making a claim on your travel insurance.
By following these steps and keeping thorough records, you can improve your chances of a successful flight delay compensation claim. If you’d like to learn more about related topics, such as compensation for cancelled flights or airline-specific rules, explore the other sections of our site.
What Factors Affect Your Eligibility for Compensation?
When you experience a delayed flight, your right to compensation under UK law depends on several important factors. Understanding these can help you assess whether you’re eligible to claim, and what to expect from the process.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Under UK law – specifically Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which still applies in the UK post-Brexit – airlines are not required to pay compensation if the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances.” These are situations outside the airline’s control. Common examples include:
Severe weather conditions: Heavy snow, fog, or storms that make flying unsafe.
Air traffic control restrictions: Strikes or technical issues affecting air traffic management.
Security risks: Threats or incidents that require additional safety measures.
If your delay was due to one of these reasons, the airline must still provide care (such as meals and accommodation if necessary), but you won’t be entitled to financial compensation.
Technical Problems
Technical issues with the aircraft can be a grey area. According to court rulings and guidance, routine technical problems – like mechanical faults or equipment failure – are generally considered the airline’s responsibility. If your flight was delayed for three hours or more due to these kinds of issues, you are likely eligible for compensation.
However, if the technical problem was caused by something truly exceptional and unforeseeable (for example, a hidden manufacturing defect discovered suddenly), the airline may argue it was an extraordinary circumstance. Each case is assessed individually, but most common technical faults do not exempt the airline from paying compensation.
Passenger and Airport-Related Delays
You will not be eligible for compensation if the delay was caused by your own actions, such as arriving late at the gate or not having the correct travel documents. Similarly, if delays are due to problems at the airport – like long security queues or baggage handling issues that are not the airline’s fault – compensation is usually not available.
Keeping Evidence and Records
To strengthen your claim, it’s important to keep detailed records of your experience. Useful evidence includes:
Boarding passes and booking confirmations
Written communication from the airline about the delay
Photos of airport departure boards showing the delay
Receipts for any expenses incurred as a result of the delay
Having clear documentation will make it easier to prove your case and support your claim if the airline disputes your eligibility.
By understanding these factors, you can better assess your chances of receiving compensation and ensure you’re prepared if you need to make a claim.
Other Related Passenger Rights and Compensation Topics
When travelling by air, delays aren’t the only issue that can disrupt your journey. It’s important to be aware of your full range of passenger rights, as you may be entitled to compensation or assistance in a variety of situations – not just for late flights.
One common problem is flight cancellations. If your flight is cancelled, you could be entitled to a refund, a replacement flight, or flight cancellation compensation, depending on the circumstances and how much notice you were given. UK law, specifically under UK Regulation EC 261/2004, sets out your rights in these cases, including when airlines must provide meals, accommodation, or alternative travel.
Another frequent issue is lost, delayed, or damaged luggage. If your bags go missing or are returned damaged, airlines have a legal duty to compensate you up to a certain amount, as set out in the Montreal Convention. Learn more about what you can claim and how to start the process on our lost luggage compensation page.
Beyond flights, travel disruptions can also occur with package holidays, trains, or other forms of transport. Knowing your rights in these broader scenarios can help you secure compensation or alternative arrangements when plans change unexpectedly. For a wider view of your entitlements, including cancellations and compensation across all types of travel, see our guide to travel and holidays cancellations and compensation.
Understanding all your travel rights means you’re better prepared to protect yourself and your plans. Whether you’re dealing with a delayed flight, a cancelled journey, or missing luggage, being informed puts you in the best position to claim what you’re owed and minimise the stress of travel disruptions. Explore the topics above to make sure you know exactly where you stand before your next trip.
Special Considerations and Additional Support
Travelling can present extra challenges if you have a disability or need special adjustments, especially when your flight is delayed. Under UK law, airlines and airports are required to provide assistance to disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, both before and during your journey. This includes help with boarding, disembarking, and moving through the airport, as well as making reasonable disability adjustments to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
If your flight is delayed, you are still entitled to receive the assistance you need. This might include access to accessible toilets, seating areas, or help with communication if you have hearing or visual impairments. The airline and airport should continue to provide support for the duration of your wait. If your delay leads to an overnight stay, they must also ensure your accommodation and transport are accessible.
When claiming compensation for a delayed flight, your right to assistance is separate from your right to financial compensation. However, if the airline fails to provide the necessary support, you may be able to make a separate complaint or claim. It’s a good idea to keep records of any issues you experience, such as lack of assistance or inaccessible facilities.
Delays can also increase the risk of accidents and illness when travelling independently, especially if you have specific medical needs. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected medical costs or losses resulting from illness or injury while you’re away. If your delay causes you to miss medical appointments or disrupts your care, check your insurance policy for what support is available.
Another common issue during flight delays is difficulty accessing airline apps or digital boarding passes. If you experience problems with airline apps or software, such as being unable to access your booking or receive updates, you have rights under consumer protection law. Airlines should provide alternative ways to access your travel information, especially if you rely on assistive technology.
If you have specific needs or concerns about support during a flight delay, inform your airline as early as possible. This helps ensure they can put the right adjustments in place. For more detailed guidance on your rights and the types of assistance available, see our page on disability adjustments.
