How much flight delay compensation am I entitled to?

Under UK261, the fixed rates are: flights under 1,500km = £220 per passenger; flights 1,500–3,500km = £350; flights over 3,500km = £520. These apply to delays of 3+ hours at your destination. For long-haul flights where the airline offered a re-routing that reduced the delay, the amount may be reduced by 50%.

What is UK261 flight compensation?

UK261 is the UK's retained version of EU Regulation 261/2004, which gives passengers the right to fixed-rate compensation for flight delays of 3+ hours, cancellations within 14 days, and denied boarding — unless caused by extraordinary circumstances outside the airline's control.

What counts as extraordinary circumstances?

Extraordinary circumstances include severe weather (not routine bad weather), air traffic control strikes, security threats, and political instability. Technical faults are generally NOT extraordinary circumstances — the courts have consistently ruled that mechanical problems are the airline's responsibility. An airline claiming extraordinary circumstances must prove it.

How long do I have to claim flight compensation?

In England and Wales, you have 6 years to claim under UK261. In Scotland, the limit is 5 years. The clock starts from the date of the delayed or cancelled flight. Always claim as soon as possible — evidence is easier to gather and airlines are more cooperative within 12 months.

Can I claim for a flight booked years ago?

Yes, if within the 6-year limitation period. You'll need your booking confirmation and evidence of the delay (departure boards, correspondence with the airline, or flight tracking data from FlightAware or FlightRadar24). Many people claim for flights they took 2–4 years ago successfully.

Flight Delay Compensation UK 2025 — Free Calculator

Quick answer

How much flight delay compensation can I get?

Under UK261, you're entitled to £220, £350 or £520 per passenger — depending on flight distance. The delay must be 3 hours or more at your destination, and the cause must not be extraordinary circumstances (like extreme weather or air traffic control strikes). Technical faults, staffing issues, and operational problems are not extraordinary circumstances.

✓ Fixed by statute ✈️ Per passenger ⏱ 6 year limit

Free calculator

UK261 Flight Compensation Calculator

Enter your flight details below for an instant, regulation-based estimate. Rates are set by statute — there's no guesswork.

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Flight Delay Calculator

Based on UK Regulation 261/2004 (retained from EU261)

Your flight details

Route distance

Type of disruption

Number of passengers

Reason airline gave (if any)

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Right to care is separateIn addition to compensation, UK261 gives you the right to meals, refreshments, and accommodation during delays — regardless of the cause. Keep receipts for any reasonable expenses during your delay.

Source: UK Regulation 261/2004 (retained). Rates are fixed by statute and apply to all qualifying flights from UK airports, and flights by UK/EU airlines arriving in the UK.

Free specialist help

Your claim could be worth up to £520 per passenger

If the airline rejected your claim or hasn't responded, a specialist can handle the escalation for you — including ADR and court proceedings.

No win, no fee

Free assessment

Experts in airline rejections

ADR and FOS experience

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Did you fly with a UK or EU registered airline?

Step 1 of 3

Was the flight from a UK airport, or with a UK/EU airline?

UK261 covers all flights departing the UK, plus UK/EU airline flights arriving in the UK.

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Your claim looks valid

A specialist will review your flight details and contact you — usually within 1 working day. If the airline has rejected your claim, they'll advise on the best escalation route.

Reference: — · Estimated: —

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What happens nextYour specialist will assess whether the airline's rejection (if any) is valid, identify the correct ADR scheme or FOS route, and handle the claim process on your behalf. No win, no fee.

Eligibility

Are you eligible for flight compensation?

UK261 applies when all of these conditions are met:

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UK departure or UK/EU airline

The flight must depart from a UK airport (any airline), or be operated by a UK or EU registered airline arriving in the UK.

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Delay of 3+ hours

Measured at your final destination, not departure time. Even a 3-hour departure delay that was partly caught up counts if you arrived 3+ hours late.

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Not extraordinary circumstances

The disruption must be the airline's responsibility — not severe weather, ATC strikes, or security threats. Technical faults are not extraordinary.

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Within the 6-year limit

In England and Wales you have 6 years from the flight date (5 years in Scotland). Claims for flights back to 2019 are still valid in 2025.

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Don't accept "extraordinary circumstances" at face valueAirlines routinely reject valid claims by claiming extraordinary circumstances. UK courts and the FOS have consistently found that airlines misapply this exemption — particularly for technical faults. If rejected, always challenge the decision.

Evidence

What evidence do you need?

📋 Required evidence

Booking confirmation — your original booking email or e-ticket showing the flight number, route, and date.

Boarding pass — proof you checked in and boarded (or attempted to). Digital or paper copies both accepted.

Evidence of the delay — airline notification, departure board screenshot, or flight tracking data (FlightAware or FlightRadar24 are free).

Any airline correspondence — if you've already contacted them, include their response.

Receipts for expenses — optional, but claimed separately as "right to care" costs (meals, accommodation).

If you don't have all documents, a specialist can often retrieve flight data independently. Don't be put off by missing paperwork.

Step-by-step

How to claim flight compensation in 2025

Check eligibility with our calculator above

Confirm your route distance and delay duration. This determines your statutory rate (£220, £350, or £520 per passenger).

Write to the airline — use recorded delivery or email

Use the airline's official complaints form or write directly. Include: booking reference, flight number and date, delay/cancellation details, and the specific amount you're claiming under UK261.

If rejected — challenge the extraordinary circumstances defence

Ask for written evidence of the extraordinary circumstances. The airline must prove it — you don't have to disprove it. A technical fault or operational problem is almost never extraordinary.

Escalate to ADR or the CAA if not resolved in 8 weeks

Most airlines are part of an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. Submit your case there for free — decisions are binding on the airline.

Small Claims Court as a last resort

A Small Claims Court claim (via Money Claim Online) costs £35–£70 and is very effective for flight compensation. Airlines often settle before the hearing.

Airline data

UK airline delay rates and complaint success rates

CAA data shows significant variation between airlines in how they handle UK261 complaints.

✈️ Airline complaint handling — CAA 2024 data

RyanairHighest complaint volumeHard to claim

easyJetLargest UK operatorModerate

British AirwaysLower delays, higher valuesGenerally compliant

Jet2Good compliance recordGood compliance

TUI AirwaysCharter specialistVariable

Wizz AirHigh delay frequencyDifficult

LoganairRegional UK routesCooperative

Source: CAA consumer complaints data 2024. Airline-specific guides: easyJet claims · Ryanair claims · British Airways claims

Real examples

Flight compensation scenarios

Scenario 1

Family of 4, Manchester to Malaga, 4-hour delay

Flight distance: 1,943km (medium-haul). Delay caused by late incoming aircraft. Airline initially claimed "extraordinary circumstances" — challenged and found to be an operational issue. Rate: £350 × 4 passengers.

Total compensation: £1,400

Scenario 2

Couple, London Heathrow to New York, flight cancelled

Notified of cancellation 10 days before departure (within 14-day window). Re-routed via Dublin, arriving 5 hours late. Route distance: 5,540km (long-haul). Rate: £520 × 2 passengers.

Total compensation: £1,040

Scenario 3

Solo traveller, Bristol to Lanzarote, denied boarding

Overbooked flight, passenger removed at gate despite arriving on time. Distance: 2,965km (medium-haul). Rate: £350. Airline settled within 6 weeks of formal complaint.

Total compensation: £350 + £85 expenses

Common pitfalls

Mistakes that get claims rejected

❌ Avoid these common errors

Accepting a voucher as "full and final settlement" without expressly reserving your right to cash compensation. Vouchers are separate from statutory compensation.

Claiming for the wrong delay threshold — compensation only applies to arrival delays of 3+ hours, not departure delays.

Missing the 6-year limitation period — flights from 2019 are still claimable in 2025, but not much longer.

Not challenging the airline's extraordinary circumstances defence in writing. Airlines routinely misapply this; always request written evidence.

Using a claims company that charges 36%+ commission when the airline would pay out directly — always try direct first.

FAQs

Flight compensation — frequently asked questions

Does UK261 still apply after Brexit?+

Yes. The UK retained EU Regulation 261/2004 as domestic law after Brexit. The rules are essentially identical — fixed rates, same eligibility criteria, same extraordinary circumstances exemptions. The only change is that it now covers UK-registered airlines rather than EU-registered carriers operating internationally.

What if I booked through a travel agent or package holiday?+

Your UK261 claim is against the operating airline — not the travel agent, tour operator, or booking platform. Contact the airline directly using the flight number on your boarding pass. For package holidays, you may also have additional rights under the Package Travel Regulations.

What if the airline is no longer operating?+

If the airline went into administration, your options depend on how you paid. Credit card payments may be recoverable under Section 75. ATOL protection covers package holidays. If you paid by debit card, a chargeback via your bank is worth attempting. UK261 compensation from defunct airlines is generally not recoverable through the normal claims process.

Can I claim if I wasn't informed of my rights at the airport?+

Yes. Airlines are legally required to inform you of your rights in writing (UK261 Article 14), but failing to do so doesn't invalidate your compensation rights. If you weren't told, you can still claim — this failure to inform can actually strengthen your position when challenging the airline or escalating to the FOS.

Do I have to accept the compensation in vouchers?+

No. UK261 compensation is a cash entitlement. Airlines may offer vouchers as an alternative, but you are entitled to request payment in cash, bank transfer, or cheque. Accepting a voucher does not waive your right to cash unless you signed something explicitly waiving your rights — and even then, courts have found such waivers invalid.

Related guides

Airline-specific and related claim guides

Disclaimer: Compensation rates are fixed by UK Regulation 261/2004 (retained) and apply as stated. Eligibility depends on the specific facts of your case. This is not legal advice. The extraordinary circumstances exemption is fact-specific and may affect your claim. Always verify with an FCA-regulated specialist or the CAA before proceeding. ClaimValue is not regulated by the CAA or SRA.

Flight delayed or cancelled? You could be owed up to £520