Understanding EasyJet Flight Compensation
When your EasyJet flight is delayed or cancelled, you have important rights as a passenger under both UK and EU laws. These rules are designed to protect travellers and ensure fair treatment when journeys don’t go as planned.
Under UK law (UK261) and the EU regulation EC 261/2004, you may be entitled to compensation or a refund if your EasyJet flight is significantly delayed or cancelled. These regulations apply to all EasyJet flights departing from UK or EU airports, as well as flights arriving in the UK or EU on an EasyJet plane.
What are your rights?
If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, or cancelled at short notice, you could qualify for compensation. The amount depends on the length of your delay and the distance of your flight. For example, a delay of over three hours on a flight of more than 1,500km could entitle you to up to £520 in compensation. You may also have the right to refreshments, accommodation, and communication while you wait, depending on the circumstances.
When are you eligible for compensation?
You are generally eligible if:
Your flight was delayed by at least three hours, or cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
The disruption was within EasyJet’s control (for example, technical issues or crew shortages). Extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes, may not qualify.
You checked in on time and your ticket was confirmed.
If your flight is cancelled, you can usually choose between a full refund, an alternative flight, or re-routing to your destination. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions and ensure you receive what you are owed.
Why is it important to understand your rights?
Airlines don’t always automatically offer compensation or refunds, so it’s important to be proactive. By understanding the rules, you can confidently approach EasyJet for the payments or assistance you’re entitled to. This helps you avoid unnecessary stress and ensures you’re not left out of pocket.
For more detailed guidance on what you can claim and how to go about it, see our overview of flight delay compensation rights. This will help you understand the process and ensure you get the support you need if your EasyJet flight is disrupted.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation from EasyJet?
If your EasyJet flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation under both UK and EU regulations. Understanding when you qualify for a payout can help you assert your rights confidently.
Eligibility Criteria for Compensation
You can claim compensation from EasyJet if your flight meets certain conditions:
Flight Delays: If your EasyJet flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours later than scheduled, you may be eligible for compensation. The delay is measured at the time the aircraft doors open at your destination, not when it leaves the departure airport.
Flight Cancellations: If EasyJet cancels your flight less than 14 days before departure and you are not offered a suitable alternative, you could also be entitled to compensation.
The amount you can claim depends on the distance of your flight and the length of the delay. For a full overview of how these rules work, see the flight delay compensation rules.
Exceptions: When Compensation Doesn’t Apply
There are situations where EasyJet is not required to pay compensation, even if your flight is delayed or cancelled. The most common exception is when the disruption is caused by “extraordinary circumstances.” These are events outside the airline’s control, such as:
Severe weather conditions (e.g., snow, storms)
Air traffic control restrictions
Security risks
Political unrest
Strikes by airport staff (but not EasyJet’s own staff)
If the delay or cancellation is due to reasons within EasyJet’s control, such as technical faults or staffing issues, you are more likely to qualify for compensation.
How UK and EU Regulations Apply
Compensation for flight delays and cancellations is governed by two main sets of rules:
EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261): This law protects passengers on flights departing from an EU or UK airport, or arriving in the EU/UK on an EU or UK airline, including EasyJet.
UK Law (post-Brexit): After the UK left the EU, EU261 was adopted into UK law with only minor changes. This means your rights remain largely the same for flights departing from the UK or operated by a UK carrier.
In summary, if your EasyJet flight is delayed by more than 3 hours or cancelled at short notice, and the cause is not an extraordinary circumstance, you are likely entitled to compensation under these regulations. Always check your specific situation against the flight delay compensation rules to ensure you understand your rights and what you can claim.
How to Claim Compensation from EasyJet
Claiming compensation from EasyJet for a delayed or cancelled flight is a straightforward process if you know what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through making your claim, including what you’ll need, how long it might take, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting your claim, make sure your situation qualifies under UK law (UK261) or EU Regulation 261/2004. Generally, you may be entitled to compensation if your EasyJet flight was delayed by more than three hours on arrival, cancelled at short notice, or you were denied boarding due to overbooking – unless the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances (like severe weather or air traffic control strikes).
Step 2: Gather the Required Information
To make your claim, you’ll need to provide EasyJet with key details. Have the following ready:
Your flight number and booking reference
Date and route of your flight
Details of the disruption (delay length, cancellation notice, reason given by EasyJet)
Boarding passes and booking confirmation emails
Receipts for any extra expenses you incurred (such as meals or accommodation) if relevant
Having all this information to hand will make the process smoother and help avoid delays.
Step 3: Submit Your Claim to EasyJet
EasyJet allows you to submit compensation claims directly through their website. Look for their official compensation or customer service portal – this is usually the fastest way to start your claim. Fill in the required forms with accurate details and upload any supporting documents.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
Once you’ve submitted your claim, EasyJet should acknowledge receipt promptly. By law, airlines are expected to respond to compensation claims within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days. Keep an eye on your email (including spam folders) for updates or requests for more information.
Step 5: Receiving Your Payment
If your claim is approved, EasyJet will usually pay compensation directly into your bank account or by another agreed method. The amount you receive depends on the flight distance and length of delay, as set out in UK and EU regulations. For example, compensation can range from £220 to £520 per passenger, depending on the circumstances.
What If Your Claim Is Rejected or Delayed?
If EasyJet rejects your claim or fails to respond within a reasonable time, don’t give up. Double-check the reason for rejection – sometimes missing documents or incorrect details can be the cause. You can resubmit your claim with any missing information or ask for a detailed explanation.
If you still can’t resolve the issue, you may escalate the complaint to an independent dispute resolution body, such as the Civil Aviation Authority’s Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme. It’s also worth checking if your travel insurance covers flight disruptions. If you encounter problems with your travel insurance claim, there are steps you can take to challenge the insurer’s decision.
Tips for a Successful Claim
Keep all correspondence with EasyJet and note down any reference numbers.
Submit your claim as soon as possible after the disruption.
Be clear and concise in your explanation of what happened.
Follow up if you haven’t heard back within 30 days.
By following these steps, you can give yourself the best chance of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to after an EasyJet flight delay or cancellation.
What to Do if Your EasyJet Flight Is Cancelled or Delayed
When your EasyJet flight is cancelled or delayed, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you should take to protect your interests. UK law, including the retained EU Regulation 261/2004 (often called “EU261”), gives you clear entitlements if your flight is disrupted. Here’s what you need to do:
Your Rights to Refunds, Rebooking, and Assistance
If your EasyJet flight is cancelled or significantly delayed (generally by 2 hours or more for short-haul flights), you are entitled to certain support from the airline:
Refund or Rebooking: EasyJet must offer you a choice between a full refund of your ticket or an alternative flight to your destination at the earliest opportunity. If you still want to travel, you can also choose a later date that suits you.
Assistance at the Airport: For long delays (usually 2 hours or more for flights under 1,500km, 3 hours for longer flights), EasyJet must provide reasonable meals and refreshments, access to communications (such as phone calls or emails), and, if necessary, hotel accommodation with transport between the airport and hotel.
Compensation: If your flight is cancelled or arrives at your destination more than 3 hours late (unless the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances, like severe weather), you may be entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay.
Handling Cancellations and Delays at the Airport
If you find yourself stuck at the airport due to a cancellation or long delay, take these steps:
Speak to EasyJet Staff: Approach an EasyJet help desk or customer service representative. Ask for written confirmation of the reason for the delay or cancellation – this will help if you need to claim compensation later.
Keep Receipts: If you have to buy food, drinks, or even arrange your own accommodation because EasyJet doesn’t provide it, keep all receipts. You may be able to claim these costs back.
Stay Informed: Monitor EasyJet’s website and departure boards for updates. If you’re unsure of your next steps, ask staff for guidance on your rights to care and assistance.
Contacting EasyJet Customer Service Effectively
If you need to claim a refund, rebook your flight, or seek compensation, start by contacting EasyJet’s customer service team. You can do this online through their official complaints and claims process, or at the airport. When reaching out:
Provide your booking reference, flight details, and a clear description of what happened.
Attach any relevant documents, such as boarding passes, receipts, or written explanations from EasyJet staff.
Be clear about what you are requesting – whether it’s a refund, rebooking, or compensation – and reference your rights under UK law and EU261.
If you’re not satisfied with EasyJet’s response, you may be able to escalate your complaint to an alternative dispute resolution body.
For broader advice on what to do when your travel plans are disrupted – including holidays, trains, or other forms of transport – see our guide on travel and holiday cancellations and compensation.
Knowing your rights and acting promptly can make a stressful situation much more manageable, ensuring you get the support and compensation you’re entitled to.
Comparing EasyJet Compensation with Other Airlines
When it comes to flight delays and cancellations, EasyJet follows the same core rules set out under UK law (UK261, which mirrors the former EU Regulation 261/2004) as most other major airlines operating in and out of the UK. However, there can be important differences in how each airline applies these rules, handles claims, and communicates with passengers. Understanding these differences can help you set your expectations and choose the best approach if you need to claim compensation.
How Do EasyJet’s Compensation Policies Compare?
Legal Framework:
All UK and EU-based airlines, including EasyJet, British Airways, Jet2, and TUI, must comply with UK261. This law entitles passengers to compensation if their flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, provided the disruption wasn’t caused by “extraordinary circumstances” (such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes). The amount you can claim is based on flight distance and delay length, and applies regardless of the airline.
EasyJet vs. Other Airlines:
While the underlying rules are the same, airlines differ in how they process claims, what supporting information they request, and how quickly they pay out. EasyJet is known for its online claims portal, which can make submitting a request relatively straightforward. However, some travellers report varying response times and occasional requests for additional evidence.
Other airlines like British Airways and Jet2 also offer online claim forms, but their customer support processes and compensation timelines can differ. TUI, for example, may require more detailed documentation or have longer processing times, especially during busy travel periods.
If you’re travelling with multiple airlines or want to compare specific policies, you may find it useful to review each airline’s approach in detail. For example:
See how the process works for Air India flight compensation if you’re flying internationally.
Learn about British Airways flight compensation for a comparison with a full-service UK flag carrier.
Explore Jet2 flight compensation to see how another popular UK-based airline handles delays and cancellations.
Read about TUI flight compensation if you’re travelling on a package holiday or charter flight.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Communication: Some airlines are more proactive than others in notifying passengers of their rights. EasyJet typically provides clear information on your options via email or at the airport, but it’s wise to check their official channels for updates.
Claim Submission: Always keep your flight details, booking reference, and any communication from the airline. This will help speed up your claim, regardless of the airline.
Extraordinary Circumstances: All airlines may deny compensation if the delay or cancellation was due to events outside their control. If you believe your claim was wrongly rejected, you can escalate it to the Civil Aviation Authority or an alternative dispute resolution body.
For more in-depth comparisons and guidance across different airlines, visit our airline-specific flight cancellation guidance. This resource covers a wide range of carriers and will help you understand your rights and the steps to take, no matter who you’re flying with.
Getting Further Help and Advice
If EasyJet refuses your compensation claim or you’re not satisfied with their response, you still have options. Here’s how you can get further help and advice to resolve your issue:
1. Escalating Your Complaint
Start by making a formal complaint to EasyJet’s customer service team, outlining your situation clearly and referencing your rights under UK law (such as the UK version of EU Regulation 261/2004). Ask for a written response if possible. If EasyJet rejects your claim or fails to respond within a reasonable time, you can escalate the complaint.
2. Using Consumer Protection Services
If you’re unable to resolve the dispute directly with EasyJet, you can take your complaint to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body. ADR schemes are independent organisations that review complaints between consumers and airlines. EasyJet is a member of certain ADR schemes, and details can be found on their website or in their correspondence with you. These services are designed to be impartial and can often help reach a fair outcome without going to court.
3. Further Steps and Small Claims Court
If ADR does not resolve your issue, you may consider taking legal action through the small claims court. This process allows you to present your case before a judge, but it’s best to seek advice before proceeding, as there may be costs involved.
4. Understanding Your Broader Consumer Rights
Flight compensation is just one aspect of your rights as a traveller. You may also be entitled to care and assistance during delays, or refunds for other travel services affected by disruption. For more comprehensive guidance on your rights and what to do if you encounter problems, see our page on getting more help with consumer issues. This resource covers dispute resolution, complaint escalation, and wider consumer protection topics.
Practical Tips:
Keep records of all communication with EasyJet, including emails, claim forms, and responses.
Gather supporting evidence, such as boarding passes, receipts, and details of the disruption.
Know the time limits for making a claim – generally, you have up to six years in England and Wales, and five years in Scotland.
Remember, you have legal rights when your flight is delayed or cancelled. If you feel your claim has been unfairly rejected, don’t hesitate to seek further support and explore your options for resolution.
