Flight Delayed or Cancelled? When You Can Claim Compensation
Arrive more than 3 hours late and you may be owed £220 to £520 each, on top of meals and a hotel while you wait.
A delayed flight can wreck a holiday or a work trip. What many people do not know is that the airline may owe you a fixed sum of money as well as an apology, and the amount does not depend on what you paid for the ticket.
When the Rules Apply
The UK rules (known as UK261) cover flights leaving a UK airport on any airline, flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, and flights arriving in the EU on a UK airline. Compensation is judged on when you arrive at your final destination, not when you take off.
How Much You Could Get
Under 1,500 km
£220 per passenger if you arrive more than 3 hours late. Most UK domestic and short European flights fall here.
1,500 to 3,500 km
£350 per passenger if you arrive more than 3 hours late. Many flights to Spain, Portugal and Greece fall here.
Over 3,500 km, 3 to 4 Hours Late
£260 per passenger.
Over 3,500 km, More Than 4 Hours Late
£520 per passenger.
Use our flight delay checker to see which band your flight falls into.
When the Airline Does Not Have to Pay
No compensation is due if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside the airline's control, such as extreme weather or an air traffic control strike. A technical fault with the plane is not usually treated as extraordinary. Our guide to extraordinary circumstances explains how to challenge a refusal.
Care While You Wait
Whatever the cause, the airline must look after you once the delay reaches 2 hours (flights under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km). That means food and drink, a way to make two calls or send two emails, and a hotel and transport if you are delayed overnight. If you pay yourself, keep itemised receipts and keep costs reasonable. See food and hotel during a delay.
How to Claim
- Write to the airline. Claims are not paid automatically. Give your booking reference, flight number, date and how late you arrived.
- Claim expenses separately. Meals and hotel costs may need a separate claim with receipts.
- Wait up to 8 weeks. If the airline says no or does not reply, take it to the airline's dispute scheme (ADR) or, if it is not signed up to one, the Civil Aviation Authority's complaints team.
- Do not leave it too long. You can usually claim for flights up to 6 years ago in England and Wales (5 in Scotland).
Flight cancelled rather than delayed? Read cancelled flight compensation.
- Delays (Civil Aviation Authority, checked 18 October 2026)
- Cancellations (Civil Aviation Authority)
Ready to Take Action?
Tell us what happened. Our initial case review is free.