Flight Delay Compensation UK 2026: If your flight departing from a UK/EU airport (or arriving on a UK/EU airline) was delayed by more than 3 hours, you are legally entitled to cash compensation. This applies regardless of the ticket price. This guide provides the official claim steps, letter templates, and a calculator to ensure you get paid what you are owed under Regulation UK261.
💷How Much Can I Claim? (2026 Rates Table)
Compensation amounts are fixed by law and depend entirely on the flight distance and the length of the delay at your final destination. The cost of your ticket does not matter.
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Short Haul Flights (Up to 1,500km)
Examples: London to Paris, Manchester to Amsterdam, Edinburgh to Dublin.
-
Delay of 3 hours or more:
£220 per passenger
*Includes domestic UK flights.
Medium Haul Flights (1,500km – 3,500km)
Examples: London to Istanbul, Birmingham to Tenerife, Glasgow to Egypt.
-
Delay of 3 hours or more:
£350 per passenger
Long Haul Flights (Over 3,500km)
Examples: London to New York, Manchester to Dubai, UK to Asia.
-
Delay between 3 and 4 hours:
£260 (50% of max) -
Delay over 4 hours:
£520 per passenger
This is the maximum compensation cap under UK law.
📋Who is Eligible to Claim? (Requirements)
Not every delay qualifies. The “Golden Rule” is that the delay must be the airline’s fault. Check the criteria below before applying.
The “Airline Fault” Rule
You CAN claim for: Crew sickness, technical faults, understaffing, or routine maintenance issues.
You CANNOT claim for: “Extraordinary Circumstances” like bad weather (storms/fog), air traffic control strikes, political unrest, or security risks.
6-Year Deadline
In England and Wales, you can claim for flights up to 6 years ago. (Scotland is 5 years).
Arrival Matters
The delay is calculated based on when the cabin doors open at arrival, not when the plane lands.
💡 Hidden Benefits: Your “Right to Care”
While waiting at the airport, you have rights immediately after a 2-hour delay. Click icons to reveal.
Food & Drink
The airline MUST provide vouchers for meals and refreshments reasonable to the waiting time. If they don’t, keep your receipts to claim back later.
Hotel Stay
If the delay happens overnight, the airline must pay for hotel accommodation and transport to/from the airport. Do not sleep on the floor!
Communication
You are entitled to 2 free phone calls, faxes, or emails. This is crucial if you need to rearrange meetings or family pickups.
✉️How to Claim Compensation: 4-Step Guide
Do not pay a third-party agency 30% of your money. You can do this yourself for free. Follow this proven process.
1. Evidence
Gather Proof
Take photos of the departure board. Ask staff for the reason for the delay. Save your boarding pass and e-tickets.
Tip: Use websites like FlightRadar24 to screenshot the delay history.
2. The Letter
Contact Airline
Use the airline’s official online form or send a letter citing “Regulation UK261”.
State your flight number, date, and passenger names clearly. Demand payment within 14 days.
3. Escalate
ADR Scheme
If the airline rejects you or ignores you for 8 weeks, refer your case to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.
Most airlines are signed up to an ADR scheme (e.g., CEDR or AviationADR).
4. Court
Small Claims
As a final resort, you can file a claim via “Money Claim Online”.
Warning: Only do this if you have a strong case. There is a small fee, but you can claim it back if you win.
⚠️Critical Warnings: Do Not Accept These Offers
🚫 The “Voucher” Trap
Airlines often try to offer travel vouchers or “Miles” instead of cash. Do NOT accept them unless the value is higher than the legal cash amount.
Once you sign a waiver accepting vouchers, you lose your legal right to claim the cash compensation (£220 – £520). Cash is always better as it doesn’t expire.
🧮Flight Compensation Calculator (UK261)
Select your flight distance to see the maximum compensation per person. (Assumes delay > 4 hours).
*Distances are approximate straight-line (“Great Circle”) routes.
📝Quick Summary & Action Plan
Claim Checklist
- Amount: Up to £520 cash per person (not vouchers).
- Deadline: You have 6 years to claim in the UK.
- Rule: Delay must be 3h+ and “Airline Fault” (No weather/strikes).
Action: Check your flight distance and submit your claim letter to the airline today.
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❓Frequently Asked Questions (UK261)
It depends. If you depart from a UK/EU airport, ANY airline is covered. If you arrive into the UK/EU, only UK/EU airlines (like BA, EasyJet, Ryanair) are covered. A US airline flying New York to London is NOT covered.
Yes. If you paid for a seat for your child, they are entitled to the full compensation amount. If an infant travelled on your lap for a small fee, some airlines argue no, but courts have often ruled yes.
False. Routine technical problems or component failures are considered the airline’s responsibility. Do not let them reject your claim on these grounds.
Simple claims can be settled in 2-4 weeks. If the airline ignores you or you need to go to ADR/Court, it can take 6 months or more. Be patient.
Yes, if the flights were booked on a single ticket. If a delay on the first leg causes you to miss the second leg and arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late, you can claim for the whole journey.
🛡️ DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Aviation regulations are complex and subject to change. Please verify your eligibility with the official Civil Aviation Authority or a legal professional before taking action.
