Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
If your flight was delayed, cancelled or you were denied boarding, you may be entitled to compensation under UK rules. For delays, the key threshold is usually a delay of three hours or more when you arrive at your final destination, provided the airline is responsible for the delay. This guide explains who qualifies, the amounts commonly cited, how the rules apply after Brexit and how to make a claim. Rules and amounts can change, so check official guidance for the latest position.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
How long must the delay be?
For most flights covered by the UK rules, compensation is generally linked to a delay of at least three hours measured at your final destination, meaning the time your aircraft doors open on arrival, not the scheduled departure time. Shorter delays may still entitle you to care, such as food, drink and communication, but not to financial compensation.
The rules can apply to flights departing from UK airports on any airline, and to flights arriving in the UK on UK or certain other airlines, depending on the circumstances. Always check which rules cover your specific flight.
How much can I claim?
Compensation amounts under the UK rules are fixed bands based on the distance of your flight. As widely reported, the standard amounts are:
- Up to 1,500 kilometres: £220.
- Between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres: £350.
- Over 3,500 kilometres: £520.
In some cases the amount can be reduced if the delay is shorter than the maximum for that band or if you are rerouted. These figures are from the published UK regulations at the time of writing, so confirm them on the Civil Aviation Authority website before you make a claim. Compensation is per passenger, so a family of four may be able to claim for each ticket holder.
Who qualifies?
You are more likely to qualify if:
- Your flight departed from a UK airport, or arrived in the UK on a UK or qualifying airline.
- You had a confirmed booking and checked in on time.
- Your delay at arrival was three hours or more.
- The cause of the delay was within the airline’s control.
You may not qualify if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, which are events the airline could not reasonably have prevented. These can include severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, security risks or political unrest. Technical faults are a grey area, and whether they count depends on the facts. Airlines often rely on the extraordinary circumstances defence, so be prepared to ask for evidence and to challenge a refusal if you believe it is unfair.
Does it apply after Brexit?
Yes, in a modified form. After Brexit, the UK kept an equivalent regime in UK law, often called UK261, alongside the EU rules that continue to apply to flights within or departing from the EU. In practice, a flight from a UK airport is generally covered by UK rules, while a flight from the EU to the UK may be covered by EU rules if operated by an EU airline. Which rules apply depends on the route and the airline.
Because the details can be complex, check the Civil Aviation Authority guidance and the airline’s own policy. If you are unsure, an independent consumer organisation or the airline’s customer service team can help you identify which rules apply.
How do I claim?
You can claim directly from the airline for free, or use a claims company that takes a percentage of any payout. Claiming yourself keeps all of the money but requires a little patience. A simple process looks like this:
- Gather your booking confirmation, boarding passes, flight number, date and details of the delay.
- Check the actual arrival time using a flight tracking service or the airport’s records.
- Find the airline’s compensation claim form or customer service email.
- State clearly that you are claiming under the UK rules, quote the flight details and the length of delay, and ask for the amount you believe you are owed.
- Keep records of any expenses, such as meals, hotels or transport, and send the receipts.
- If the airline refuses, ask for a written explanation, then consider escalating to an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, if the airline participates.
Time limits apply to claims, and these differ by part of the UK. In England and Wales claims are often cited as possible up to six years after the flight, but check the current position for your situation.
What else can I claim for?
Even if you do not qualify for financial compensation, you may be entitled to care and assistance when your flight is significantly delayed. Depending on the length of the delay, airlines should usually offer meals and refreshments, access to communication such as phone calls or emails, and accommodation and transport if you are delayed overnight. If your flight is cancelled, you are usually entitled to a refund or re-routing, in addition to possible compensation.
If you pay for essentials yourself, keep your receipts, and keep your spending reasonable. Airlines may refuse excessive costs.
Protecting yourself before you travel
- Take screenshots of your booking, check-in and any delay notices.
- Note the time your plane actually lands and when the doors open, if you can.
- Consider travel insurance that includes travel disruption cover, which can help with costs the airline does not pay.
- Check airline baggage and check-in rules to avoid problems at the airport. If you are flying from Gatwick, our holidays from Gatwick guide has practical tips.
- Allow generous connection times, particularly if you are booking separate tickets.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long to claim and losing evidence such as emails, boarding passes or screenshots.
- Accepting the first refusal without asking for the airline’s reasons in writing.
- Giving up because the airline blames weather or technical faults, without checking whether the explanation is credible.
- Paying a high percentage to a claims company without first trying a direct claim.
- Assuming rules are identical on every route, when UK and EU rules apply differently depending on where you fly from and with which airline.
Keep your tone polite and factual. Clear, well-organised claims are easier for the airline to process and harder to dismiss.
Keeping good records from the start
A strong claim usually depends on good evidence. Keep your booking confirmation, boarding passes, any emails from the airline and screenshots of departure boards showing delays or cancellations. Make a note of the times you actually arrived, since the delay is normally measured by when you reach your final destination.
What counts as extraordinary circumstances
Airlines may not owe compensation when a delay is caused by events outside their control, such as severe weather or some security issues. However, technical faults and staffing problems are often treated differently, so the reason given by the airline does not always settle the matter. If you are unsure, it is reasonable to ask for the cause in writing.
Your right to care while you wait
Even when compensation is not due, you may still be entitled to care such as meals, refreshments and accommodation during a long delay. Keep receipts for anything you pay for, and ask the airline what it will cover before spending a lot of money.
Where to go if the airline refuses
If the airline rejects your claim, you may be able to escalate to an alternative dispute resolution scheme or take other formal steps. Check the regulator and airline websites for the current process. Our travel insurance guide also explains what a policy might cover when delays disrupt your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for a flight cancelled at short notice?
Possibly. Cancellations with short notice, particularly within two weeks of departure, can sometimes qualify for compensation, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. You are also usually entitled to a refund or re-routing.
What if I booked through a travel agent or package provider?
You can usually still claim from the airline, but package holiday rules may also give you rights against the organiser. See our cheap holidays and last minute holidays guides for booking tips.
Do I have to use a claims company?
No. You can claim directly for free. Claims companies handle the paperwork but take a fee from any payout.
What if the airline says the delay was caused by bad weather?
Weather can count as extraordinary circumstances, but airlines still need to show that it was the real cause of your delay. Ask for details and evidence.
How long does a claim take?
It varies from a few weeks to several months, particularly if the airline disputes your claim.
Compensation rules are detailed, so check the latest official guidance before you act. With the right paperwork and a clear claim, many passengers can recover money for significant delays.
Is there a time limit on claims?
Yes, there are time limits, and they can differ depending on where and how you claim. Check current guidance and start your claim promptly.
Can I claim for flights I did not use?
If you chose not to travel because of a disruption, your situation may differ, so read the airline terms and official guidance carefully.