Claim up to £520 compensation for flight delay
No one enjoys flight delays, but it’s important to know that you have rights! If your flight began in the EU, or landed in the EU with a European airline, you could be eligible to claim up to £520, depending on flight distance and delay length, no matter the ticket cost. The only conditions are that the airline must be responsible for the cause of the delay, and you must have reached the final airport in your trip with a delay of at least 3 hours.
Our free flight delay compensation calculator will let you know if you meet these conditions. Simply enter your flight details and we’ll tell you if you are eligible to receive flight delay compensation.
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Everything you need to know about flight delay compensation
3+ hours flight delay: In the event of a delayed arrival of more than three hours, passengers are entitled to compensation.
Compensation amount: Depending on the flight distance, between £220 (up to 1,500 km), £350 (1,500–3,500 km), and £520 (over 3,500 km).
Care services: Passengers are entitled to free meals and refreshments for delays of 2 hours or more.
Overnight accommodation: If the delay requires an overnight stay, the airline must cover the cost of hotel accommodation and transfers.
No compensation in exceptional circumstances: There is no entitlement to compensation in the event of strikes, severe weather, or other force majeure.
Claimable period: Compensation claims can be made retroactively for up to 6 years.
Did you have a flight delay or cancellation? Use our free claim check now and see if you are eligible for compensation.
What are my flight delay rights?
Your flight must have been on a UK/EU flight or airline.
You are entitled to compensation if you arrive at your final destination with a flight delay of more than 3 hours.
The airline must be responsible for the delay. You can make claims for technical faults or even crew shortages, but not bad weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Under UK law (UK261/EC 261), you are entitled to flight delay compensation between £220 to £520. It depends on the distance of your flights.
The airline has to provide food and drinks after 2 hours of delay, plus accommodation and the necessary transfers if your flight is delayed overnight.
Your flight delay must have been within the last six years (5 years in Scotland).
When am I entitled to flight delay compensation?
UK passengers travelling to or from the European Union, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland enjoy a higher level of protection than almost anywhere else in the world. The UK261 regulation (formerly EU261) provides a set of conditions under which air passengers are entitled to compensation.
In the case of flight delays, the most important condition is that you arrive at your final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours. Further, the flight must have departed from a UK or EU airport, and the airline must be at fault for the delay.
How is flight delay compensation calculated?
Under UK261, the flight delay is calculated based on arrival time, not departure. So even if you leave the airport with a delay of three hours but land at your final destination with only a one-hour delay, you won’t qualify for compensation. Officially, a flight is considered to have arrived when the doors open at the gate, not when the aircraft touches down.
Definition of “arrival time”
In September 2014, the European Court of Justice defined the arrival time as the moment at which the aircraft reaches its destination airport and opens at least one door for disembarkation.
Further, it is also essential that your flight meets one of these criteria:
Departs from a UK airport on any airline
Arrives in the UK on a UK or EU airline
Arrives in the EU, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland on a UK airline
Do you meet these conditions and qualify for flight delay compensation? Then take a look at how much money you are entitled to:
All short-haul flight delays – 1,500 km or less: £220 per person
Internal EU flight delay (medium and long-haul) – over 1,500 km: £350 per person
Non-internal EU flight delay (medium and long-haul) – between 1,500 and 3,500 km: £350 per person
Non-internal EU flight delay (long-haul) – over 3,500 km: £520 per person
Compensation for flight delay: You are entitled to
Short distance up to 1500 km | Medium distance up to 3500 km | Long distance of 3500 km |
|---|---|---|
e.g. London – Edinburgh | e.g. London – Athens | e.g. London – Tokyo |
£220* | £350* | £520* |
*Minus commission (usually 20 to 30% [if nec. plus attorney’s fee of 14% ] plus VAT) if claimed through our service
Note
If your journey contains multiple flights, the distance is calculated from the first departure airport to the final destination airport.
In case your flight was delayed by less than three hours, the Air Passenger Rights Regulation still offers you some protection as well as assistance while you wait:
Delayed departure of 2 or more hours (short-haul) | The airline must provide free drinks and snacks |
|---|---|
Delayed departure of 3 or more hours (medium-haul) | Passengers have the right to care, including two free phone calls, fax messages, or e-mails |
Delayed arrival or 3 or more hours | £220 – £520 per person |
Delayed departure of 4 or more hours (long-haul) | Passengers are entitled to drinks and snacks |
Delayed departure of 5 or more hours (all distances) | Passengers can opt to cancel their flight. The airline must refund ticket costs in full |
Overnight delay (next-day departure) | Passengers are entitled to one night’s hotel accommodation, including transport to and from the airport |
What to do when your flight is delayed: Step-by-step guide
While it may seem complicated and overwhelming at first to make a claim, Flightright is here to help. Here’s how to best proceed in the event of a delay: At the airport, you should first contact the airline or ground staff to obtain information about the cause and expected duration of the delay. Keep all relevant documents, such as your boarding pass and booking confirmation. Document the delay and your expenses, for example, for meals or overnight accommodation.
Which flights are covered by UK261?
If you want to receive compensation for a delay, the flight must meet the criteria that are covered by the UK261 (or EU261) regulation. The following table highlights exactly which flights are covered by these regulations:
Flight type | UK261 (EU261) | Flight delay example |
|---|---|---|
Departing from the UK or the EU | London – Rome | |
Arriving in the UK with a UK- or EU-airline | Seattle – London (British Airways) | |
Arriving in the UK with a non-UK- or EU-airline | Not eligible for compensation | Dubai – London (Emirates Airline) |
Flights outside the EU and UK region | Not eligible for compensation | Vancouver – Istanbul |
What if my flight is not covered?
If you were on a non-UK or EU flight, you may still be eligible to claim under the Montreal Convention of 1999. This international treaty includes a total of 143 countries worldwide, which sets rules for airline liability in cases of flight delays, cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, and injuries during international air travel. To make a claim, you usually need to contact the airline directly, submit details of your flight, explain the issue (e.g., delay, baggage loss), and provide supporting documents like tickets and receipts. Find out more on our dedicated Montreal convention page.
Alternatively, you can also check with your travel insurance to see if your policy offers coverage for delays.
How long does a flight have to be delayed to get compensation?
Under UK261 regulation, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination with a delay of three hours or more. The claimable compensation amount varies from £220 to £520, depending on the significance of the actual delay as well as the flight distance.
However, the flight delay is restricted to what actually caused it – if it was not the airline’s fault, you are not eligible to claim flight delay compensation.
Airlines must provide care (food, communication, accommodation) when delays exceed certain thresholds:
Short‑haul (≤ 1,500 km): after 2 hours waiting
Medium‑haul (1,500–3,500 km): after 3 hours waiting
Long‑haul (> 3,500 km): after 4 hours waiting
For compensation eligibility, delays are measured upon arrival:
Arrival ≥ 3 hours late triggers compensation entitlement
Arrival 3–4 hours late on long‑haul = £260; ≥ 4 hours = £520
Medium‑haul (≥ 3 h arrival) = £350; short‑haul = £220
How much compensation for a delayed flight?
The amount of compensation you will receive for a delayed flight will vary depending on the distance of your flight, as well as the length of the delay (how late you arrive at your destination).
As an example: If you are flying from London to Amsterdam, the flight distance is less than 1,500km and counts as a short-distance flight. This entitles you to flight delay compensation of £220.
However, if you were delayed on a flight from Manchester to San Francisco, the flight distance accounts for more than 3,500 km, and you can claim compensation of up to £520.
Compensation for flight delay: You are entitled to
Delay in your arrival | Flight distance | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
Less than 3 hours | All flight distances | No compensation |
3 hours or more | Less than 1,500km | £220 |
3 hours or more | Between 1,500km and 3,500km | £350 |
4 hours or less | More than 3,500km | £260 |
4 hours or more | More than 3,500km | £520 |
What about codesharing?
In order to be eligible for flight delay compensation, it’s the airline operator that counts. If you book a flight from Manchester to New York with BA, you are covered under UK261. However, if you return from New York on a codeshare operated by Delta Airlines, then this airline counts and you are no longer covered.
What else are you entitled to if your flight’s delayed?
As mentioned above, you are entitled to flight delay compensation between £220 and £520 if your flight arrives more than three hours late.
Despite monetary compensation, the airline is also legally responsible for providing you with care and assistance once the delay threshold is met. This means they must provide you with:
Food and refreshments: The airline should provide you with a minimum of a small snack and water, often in the form of food vouchers. Should you not receive these, keep your receipts for expenses and claim them from the airline later.
A means of communication: The airline needs to grant you access to free phone calls and emails.
Regular flight updates: If you incur a flight delay of two hours, the airline must inform you about the status of your flight at regular 30-minute intervals.
Accommodation and Transport: If you experience a significant flight delay overnight, the airline must offer you the option of sleeping in a nearby hotel, as well as pay for your transportation to and from there.
Good to know: The airline must provide you with these items until it can fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.
Does the airline have to reimburse additional costs and expenses in the event of a flight delay?
Yes, in addition to your right to compensation, the airline is obliged to reimburse you for all additional costs and expenses incurred as a result of the delay. Reimbursable additional costs include, in particular:
Costs for a replacement flight: If you have to book a replacement flight as a result of the delay, you can demand reimbursement from the airline for any additional costs that exceed the price of your original ticket.
Costs for taxi and train journeys: If you have incurred expenses for taxi or train journeys, for example, to reach your destination or a hotel, these are also reimbursable under certain conditions.
Costs for meals, hotel accommodation and other expenses: Expenses incurred for meals, accommodation or other necessary expenses as a result of the delay must also be reimbursed.
Good to know: Keep all receipts as they are essential to claim the costs incurred from the airline.
How to claim compensation for a delayed flight?
First, document everything: boarding pass, booking reference, flight numbers, actual arrival time, evidence of delay, and communications. Keep any receipts for refreshments, transport, or overnight costs.
Next, use Flightright’s flight delay compensation calculator to assess your claim amount. Submit your claim through Flightright or directly to the airline as a claim for a delayed flight.
When can you not claim compensation for a delayed flight?
Even though your flight might be delayed, you are not always entitled to claim compensation. Under the so-called ‘extraordinary circumstances’, the airlines are not responsible for any compensation payments because the delay was not their fault. Here are a few examples of extraordinary circumstances under UK law:
Airport or air traffic control strikes
Acts of terrorism or security risks
Severe weather such as hail, tornadoes, or volcanic eruptions
If your flight was delayed for any of these reasons, the airline is not legally obliged to pay compensation because there is nothing they could have done to have avoided the flight delay.
Sometimes the airlines will also cite technical problems on the aircraft as a reason for their delay. According to the Court of Justice of the European Union, such technical problems are not classified as exceptional circumstances, and you are still entitled to compensation.
Quick overview of flight delays and compensation claims
Reason for flight delay | Can I claim compensation? |
|---|---|
Missing crew | Yes |
Technical defects | Yes |
Delays of earlier flights | Yes |
Pilot or ground personnel strikes | Yes, if the airline has any influence over the strike |
Severe weather/airspace closure | No |
ATC strikes | No |
Pandemic (e.g., Corona) | No |
Acts of terrorism | No |
Natural disasters | No |
Emergency landing (e.g., due to medical emergencies) | No |
How long can you claim flight delay compensation?
In England, Wales & Northern Ireland, you have six years from the date of your flight to make a claim under UK261. In Scotland, the limit is five years. This stems from the landmark case Dawson v Thomson Airways Ltd (2014) under the Limitation Act 1980 — ruling that EU‑261-based claims follow UK contract law, not the Montreal Convention two‑year limit.
The 6-year claim period begins from the end of the year in which the incident occurred, e.g., if you had a delayed flight on 01.01.2025, you can still claim compensation until the end of 2031.
If your flight is delayed for more than 5 hours
If there is a delay of more than 5 hours, you, as a passenger, have the right to decide for yourself whether you want to continue your journey or not. The airline is obligated to offer you the following options:
How can I ensure that my future flights are secure?
Once bitten, twice shy. The long delay that ruined your trip is still haunting you to this day. Next time, let Flightright handle it. We can lift the weight off your shoulders by taking care of any problems that arise on your next flight.
Simply enter your upcoming trip into our compensation calculator, and we will monitor the flight for you. If you are entitled to compensation, we will reach out to you and let you know what steps to take to enforce your claim.
What should I do if the airline refuses to pay?
Flight delays and cancellations are annoying enough for travellers – it is even more frustrating when the airline refuses to pay justified compensation, fails to pay, or does not respond at all. But you do not have to put up with this. Flightright is a strong partner at your side and will consistently enforce your claims.
Your options in the event of claim rejection or non-payment by the airline
Rejection of compensation: If the airline rejects your compensation claim – for example, citing alleged ‘extraordinary circumstances’ or missing documents – you should not simply accept the decision. Claims are often rejected unjustly.
No response or late payment: If the airline does not respond at all or does not pay despite agreeing to do so, this is no reason to give up your claim. Many airlines hope that passengers will give up in such cases.
Have you experienced a flight delay?
Flightright: Your strong partner in enforcing your rights
Your advantages with Flightright:
No financial risks: If legal proceedings are necessary, we will cover all court and legal fees for you, so you bear no financial risks.
Expert support: Our experienced team of experts and partner solicitors knows the tricks of the airlines and will ensure that you get what you are. And with over 50 won cases in court – we know exactly how to help you get the compensation you are owed.
Quick and easy processing: Simply submit your documents online – we’ll take care of the rest.
No win, no fee: We only charge a commission if we successfully obtain your compensation. So there are no hidden costs for you.
Here’s how we work:
Check your claim: Use our free flight delay compensation calculator and submit your flight details.
Upload your documents: Upload all relevant documents (boarding pass, booking confirmation, correspondence).
Sit back and relax: Flightright will take care of the entire process of enforcing your claim – including legal action, if necessary.
Don’t be discouraged by a rejection or inaction on the part of the airline. With Flightright by your side, you can enforce your rights risk-free and professionally – for your compensation and refund in the event of flight delays and cancellations.
Flight delay compensation: How quickly will I receive the money?
When you instruct Flightright to enforce your claim for compensation by entering your flight details and documents, all documents are first checked. Once we have your signature and booking documents, we can get started.
Your claim will be reviewed, and we will then demand payment of your compensation from the airline. A deadline will be set by which the payment must be received by us.
If no payment is received, legal action against the airline will be considered. Once legal proceedings have to be brought against the airline, it can take several months. The court is responsible for setting the court dates, which can also significantly prolong the time it takes to reach a verdict, depending on how busy the court is.
How quickly will I receive the money? How long it takes for you to receive the money depends on the airline’s willingness to cooperate. If it responds quickly to the out-of-court reminder, it will be significantly faster than if it waits for our solicitors to take legal action.
We will keep you informed of the progress of your case via your customer account. Once your case is being processed, everything will run its course. Please be patient, as legal proceedings simply take longer to reach a decision. We ask for your understanding of the additional time this may take.
When you hire Flightright, our specialist contract lawyers will work on your behalf at no cost to you. We only charge a commission if we successfully enforce your compensation claim.
Frequently asked questions about flight delay compensation
Current Flight Delays
Just found out your flight is delayed? Don’t tell us, we read your mind! Find your delayed flight in our list of recent delays and press the green button to check whether or not you have a valid compensation claim. If it looks like the airline owes you money, save yourself the paper warfare and let Flightright do the hard work for you.
All that’s left for you to do is figure out the best way to spend those extra hours at the airport… Cuppa tea, anyone?
Have you experienced a flight delay?
With more than 10 years of experience, Flightright helps you enforce your right to compensation.
From Doubt to Triumph: Terarne’s Journey to Flight Compensation
Terarne’s Long Delay and Initial Disappointment
After looking forward to his journey for weeks, Terarne’s excitement was dampened by an unexpectedly long flight delay. Hours passed, and with no end in sight, the frustration mounted. When he finally reached his destination, he felt worn out, both mentally and physically. Hoping to address the ordeal, Terarne reached out to the airline, expecting they would compensate for the lengthy delay. Instead, he was met with a disappointing refusal, leaving him with the feeling that his experience was being disregarded.
Seeking Help and Discovering Flightright
Terarne was not ready to let the matter go. Determined to explore every option, he began researching solutions online and soon came across Flightright. Seeing that they specialised in passenger rights, he was curious but still hesitant, wondering if anyone could really help secure compensation where the airline had already declined. Nonetheless, Terarne decided to give Flightright a try, comforted by their straightforward online claim process. “Submitting my claim was simple, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’” he recalls.
Updates and Reassurance: Flightright Takes Charge
From the moment Terarne submitted his case, Flightright kept him updated on every development, giving him a sense of security that someone was actively handling the matter. “Even though I had my doubts, the frequent updates reassured me,” he reflects. The process was entirely managed by Flightright, and Terarne was able to focus on other things, confident that his case was in expert hands.
The Legal Fight: Flightright’s Persistence Pays Off
Months passed, and Terarne knew that his case was still underway. Then came the message he had been hoping for—Flightright had taken his case to court and won. “I was astonished when I got the notification that a court case had ruled in my favour. I honestly didn’t think it would happen,” Terarne admits. Thanks to Flightright’s dedication and expertise, he received the compensation he was entitled to, with no extra effort on his part.
Terarne’s Conclusion: Trust in Flightright
With his compensation now secured, Terarne felt a renewed sense of trust and appreciation. Looking back, he sees the entire experience as a testament to Flightright’s professionalism and determination. “I would absolutely use Flightright again, and I’ve already recommended them to friends,” he says confidently.
Flightright was able to turn a situation that felt unfair into a victory for Terarne. We are glad we could support him and thank him for sharing his experience! ❤️
Overall: Top service – a very good experience with Flightright!!!
This is the review Terarne left us after Flightright successfully helped him get compensation for his flight delay
Flight Compensation Success!!!
After a long flight delay, the airline involved refused to compensate. So I appointed Flightright to step in. Submitting a claim was easy and updates were received throughout the process.
I very much doubted that the outcome would be successful but after (quite) a few months, I was notified that a court case had been ruled in my favour and compensation was received. This company initiates and conducts the case with no involvement from claimants.
I would definitely use again, if needed, and would recommend.
We will help you claim compensation for:
Your flight did not go as planned?
In the event of flight delays, cancellations and overbooking, passengers may be entitled to compensation or ticket reimbursement. Flightright enforces your rights.