Claim Money Back For Delayed Flight

Delayed flights can be little more than an inconvenience for some or can have major ramifications for others, depending on the circumstances. However, regardless of the extent of the personal inconvenience, did you know that the EC 261 entitles you to claim compensation for any EU and many international flights if they are delayed for more than three hours? The amount of compensation can vary but you may be entitled to as much as £520, as well as other benefits including hotel stays, meals and reimbursement for unavoidable downgrades.

Check Compensation

Did you know that in many circumstances of flight delay in the EU, you've got money coming to you?

Here's a brief overview of when you are eligible to claim money back for a delayed flight. You're entitled to claim if your delay exceeded three hours, took off from the EU (regardless of airline) or landed in the EU (as long as it's an EU-based airline). Something to keep in mind though is that the delay can't be your fault! If they held the gate for you, the other passengers may have earned the right to claim but you won't have, so make sure you check in on time.

Also, you need to submit your claim within three years of the delayed flight. Airlines may seek to offer you vouchers or other complementary goods as compensation but you should ensure that you are not waiving your rights to claim EC 261 compensation by accepting them. If what the airline offers you is more than the maximum you could claim under EU law, then we say take it!

AirHelp is here to help you get compensation for flight delays and cancellations. Find out what you could be entitled to.

All airlines

All countries

No win, no fee


About AirHelp

AirHelp is the world's largest air passenger rights organisation, here to help air travellers secure compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights .

We make claiming compensation easy and stress-free. Whether you are unsure of your rights, lack the time, or simply want an expert to handle your entire claim for you, AirHelp can help you get what you are rightfully owed.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can check your compensation risk-free.


Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

How do you know when you should claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight? Though the law can be complicated, we're here to break it down for you:

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late.
Cancelled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.
Overbookings: you are owed compensation any time you are denied boarding through no fault of your own — so long as you didn't voluntarily give up your seat.

We should note that if extraordinary circumstances were involved, arirlines are under no obligation to pay compensation. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include bad weather, travel restrictions, and air traffic control strikes. Though these situations cause delays and cancellations, the airline isn't at fault, so can't be expected to offer compensation.

Remember these are European flight regulations and so only apply to flights departing from an EU airport, or flights landing in the EU with a European airline. The table below makes it clear which flights are covered:

Claim up to £520 in compensation if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or overbooked within the last 3 years.

All airlines

All countries

No win, no fee


How Much Flight Compensation?

DistanceCompensation
All flights under 1,500 kmUp to £220 per person
Internal EU flights over 1,500 kmUp to £350 per person
Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 - 3,500 kmUp to £350 per person
Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 kmUp to £520 per person

Table shows values in € as specified in EC 261

In some circumstances the compensation amount may differ from the standard amounts shown above. The easiest way to find out what you’re owed is to use our Compensation Check.


What to Do if Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled

If you experience a flight delay or cancellation, here's what you should do:

  • Hold onto your boarding pass and other travel documents.
  • Ask why the flight was delayed or cancelled.
  • Request food, drinks, and if necessary, free transport and hotel accommodation.
  • If you had a cancelled flight, ask for an alternative flight or a refund.
  • Keep all receipts of any extra expenses you may have had, including necessary food, clothing, etc.
  • Be careful not to sign any waivers or accept vouchers that will require you to waive your right to compensation.

Have AirHelp claim your compensation

All airlines

All countries

No win, no fee


AirHelp has been featured in:

The Mirror logoThe Express logoThe Daily Mail logoUK Business Insider logo
APRA

AirHelp is a part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) whose mission is to promote and protect passengers’ rights.

Copyright © 2023 AirHelp

Check Compensation

All airlines