Flight Delay Compensation
Delayed or cancelled flight? Under UK261 you could be owed up to £520 — and you can claim it yourself for free. Answer 4 quick questions to find out.
This is general guidance based on UK261 rules, not a guarantee of payment. Always claim directly with the airline first — it's free, and you don't need a claims company taking a cut.
UK flight delay compensation, explained
If your flight was delayed or cancelled, UK261 rules (the UK's retained version of EU261) may entitle you to compensation of up to £520 — separate from any refund. This tool walks through the key questions and tells you whether you're likely owed money and roughly how much.
The amount depends on the distance: up to £220 for short flights (under 1,500 km), £350 for medium flights (1,500–3,500 km), and £520 for long flights (over 3,500 km), with the long-haul amount halved to £260 if you arrived 3–4 hours late. Compensation generally applies when you arrive 3 or more hours late, the flight departed the UK/EU or arrived in the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline, and the delay was within the airline's control.
Airlines don't have to pay for delays caused by “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather, air-traffic-control strikes or security alerts. You can always claim directly with the airline for free — you don't need a claims company taking a cut. This tool is general guidance, not a guarantee of payment.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight?⌄
Under UK261, typically £220 (short haul), £350 (medium haul) or £520 (long haul) for arrivals 3+ hours late. Long-haul delays of 3–4 hours are paid at half, so £260.
What counts as the airline's fault?⌄
Things within their control — crew issues, technical faults, scheduling. “Extraordinary circumstances” like bad weather, strikes or security problems are not the airline's fault and usually mean no compensation, though care (food, drink) may still apply.
How far back can I claim?⌄
In England and Wales you can generally claim for flights up to six years ago; in Scotland it's five years. It's worth checking even older delays you never claimed for.
Do I need a claims company?⌄
No. You can claim directly with the airline for free using their official delay-compensation form. If they refuse unfairly, you can escalate for free to their CAA-approved ADR scheme.
What if my flight was cancelled, not just delayed?⌄
Cancellations can also qualify for compensation, plus the right to a refund or re-routing. The amount follows the same distance bands, depending on notice given and the cause.