Flight Delay Compensation - UK Passenger Rights
Thousands of UK travellers take to the skies every year, yet many are unaware of the substantial passenger rights that protect them under EU and UK regulations.
Flight delay compensation is available if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more. Under UK and EU law (UK261/EU261), you could claim up to £520, depending on flight distance and delay length, no matter the ticket cost.
AirHelp is here to guide you through your rights and ensure you get the airline compensation you deserve – keep reading to find out how we can help.
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Key points about flight delay compensation
If your flight arrives at its destination with a delay of at least 3 hours, you might be entitled to compensation. The flight must have taken off from the EU or UK; flights into either may also qualify.
Compensation ranges between £220 and £520 per person, depending on flight distance. The amounts are set by EC 261 (and UK 261) regulations, so airlines can't offer you less.
Under UK law, you can claim for flights delayed within the past 6 years (5 years in Scotland).
The airline is exempt from paying compensation if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather and other high-risk events beyond the airline's control.
AirHelp supports your right to compensation and makes the claims process simple. Our assistance is risk-free – you pay nothing if we don’t win your compensation.
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What is flight delay compensation?
If your flight arrived at its final destination with a significant delay, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. In the UK, this right is protected under UK 261.
Following Brexit, EU passenger rights were transferred into domestic law, ensuring that passengers continue to receive the same protections. So, if your flight arrives at its destination with a delay of at least three hours, you could be entitled to compensation of up to £520.
UK 261 covers not only monetary compensation but also other passenger rights. The table below provides a breakdown of your key rights:
| Delay length | Distance | Rights |
|---|---|---|
| 2+ hours | Up to 1,500 km | Free meals & drinks |
| 3+ hours | 1,500–3,500 km | Free meals & drinks |
| 4+ hours | Over 3,500 km | Free meals & drinks |
| 2–4+ hours | All distances | 2 free calls/emails |
| 5+ hours | All distances | Refund if you opt out |
| Overnight | All distances | Free hotel + transfers |
In cases of extraordinary circumstances – such as severe weather or natural disasters – the airline may be exempt from paying monetary compensation. However, it still has a duty to provide care and assistance during your wait, even in such situations.
What to do when your flight is delayed
Knowing what to do when your flight is delayed can seem complicated, but don’t worry: AirHelp is here to assist you. Your rights are protected under UK 261, and below, we’ll guide you step by step on how to handle the situation and file your claim.
Under UK law, you have up to 6 years (5 years in Scotland) to file a claim for a delayed flight.
Flight delay compensation: how much can you claim?
When your flight is delayed, you might be entitled to more than just an apology: financial compensation could be yours! For flights delayed by 3 hours or more, you may claim between £220 and £520, as set out by UK261 rules. The amount you’re eligible for hinges on how far you’re travelling and how long you’re delayed upon arrival.
To make things clearer, we’ve created the following flight compensation map:
And for even greater clarity, the table below provides examples of air travel and the corresponding UK compensation amounts:
| Delay length | Flight distance | Compensation | Example routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3+ hours | Up to 1,500 km | £220 | London – Paris |
| 3+ hours | 1,500 - 3,500 km | £350 | London – Athens |
| 4+ hours | 3,500+ km | £520 | London – New York |
Did your journey include multiple flights? In this case, compensation is based on the total delay at your final destination.
Are you eligible for compensation?
When can you claim for flight delays?
The UK 261 regulation (and the corresponding EU 261 regulation) states that in the event of flight delays, passengers may be entitled to compensation, but only if certain conditions are met. One of these is a delay of at least three hours, but it is not the only requirement. Let's take a closer look:
You arrived at your final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours
The flight departed from a UK or EU airport
The flight arrived at a UK or EU airport on a UK or EU-based airline
The airline was responsible for the delay
Your booking was confirmed and you checked in for your flight on time
You submit your claim within 6 years of the flight date (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland).
Which flights are covered by UK 261?
As we have just seen, passengers can receive compensation for an airline delay only on certain flights. Below is a breakdown of the flights covered under UK 261 and EC 261:
| Flight type | UK/EC261? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Departing from UK or EU | ✔️ Yes | London – New York |
| Arriving in UK (UK/EU airline) | ✔️ Yes | New York – London (British Airways) |
| Arriving in UK (non-UK/EU airline) | ❌ No | New York – London (Delta Airlines) |
| Non-UK/EU routes | ❌ No | New York to Dubai |
How long does a flight need to be delayed for compensation?
If your flight arrives at its destination with a delay of three hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation, unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. The compensation amount ranges from £220 to £520, depending on the flight distance. For flights over 3,500 km, the compensation amount may be reduced by 50%.
For greater clarity, the table below outlines the main scenarios:
| Less than 3 hours | 3 - 4 hours | More than 4 hours | Flight distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ❌ £ – | £220 | £220 | 1,500 km or less |
| ❌ £ – | £350 | £350 | Between 1,500 km and 3,500 km |
| ❌ £ – | £260 | £520 | Over 3,500 km |
Does the length of the delay affect the compensation amount?
Generally, no. Whether your flight is delayed by four or six hours, the compensation remains the same: as shown in the table above, the main factor is the flight distance.
In the specific case of flights over 3,500 km, a delay of at least 4 hours qualifies for the maximum compensation of £520.
How is flight delay compensation calculated?
The right to compensation applies after a three-hour delay: but how is this delay calculated?
The delay is based on the arrival time, not the departure time. Let’s take an example: if your flight takes off four hours late but manages to arrive at its destination with a 2-hour and 50-minute delay, you would not be entitled to compensation.
The arrival time of a flight is determined by the moment the aircraft doors open at the gate at the destination airport – not the moment the plane touches down.
What is a flight’s "arrival time"?
In September 2014, the European Court of Justice, whose rulings are incorporated into UK law, defined ‘arrival time’ as the moment when the aircraft reaches its final destination and one of its doors is opened. This definition is important because it marks the point at which passengers are allowed to leave the aircraft.
Why is this important for claiming compensation?
The distinction between landing time and the actual arrival time – when the door opens – can sometimes be a difference of 15 minutes or more. If you make your claim with AirHelp, we will verify your exact arrival time to support your right to flight delay compensation.
Airline responsibility and extraordinary circumstances
The right to compensation for a delayed flight depends on the airline’s responsibility. Airlines are not required to compensate passengers in cases of extraordinary circumstances, meaning situations beyond the airline's control. These include severe weather conditions, medical emergencies, airport staff strikes, political instability, bird strikes, acts of sabotage, security risks… you get the idea.
If you’re still unsure, the table below helps clarify when you might be eligible for compensation:
Compensation
Disruptions due to operational issues (e.g., technical problems)
Denied boarding due to overbooking
Missed connections caused by delays on the first leg of your journey
Strikes by airline staff
Extraordinary Circumstances
Severe weather conditions (e.g., snowstorms)
Natural disasters (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earthquakes)
Security threats or emergencies impacting airport operations
Strikes by airport staff
Under extraordinary circumstances, compensation is therefore off the table. However, other rights still apply, such as the right to care and assistance during your wait and, if applicable, the right to a ticket refund.
What if my flight was part of a connecting journey?
When a delay affects a connecting flight, things might seem more complex, but you only need to remember one thing: your right to compensation depends on the total delay at your final destination. So, if your connecting flight arrives at the final destination airport with a delay of at least three hours, you might be entitled to compensation under UK 261/EU 261.
To make it simpler, here are some practical examples in the table below:
| Scenario | Compensation? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| London → Dubai (2h delay) → Bangkok (2.5h delay) | ✔️ Yes | Total delay: 4.5h |
| Manchester → Frankfurt (on time) → Tokyo (5h delay) | ✔️ Yes | Final delay: 5h |
| Edinburgh → Amsterdam (1.5h delay) → New York (3h delay) | ✔️ Yes | Total delay: 4.5h |
| London → Doha (on time) → Sydney (2.5h delay) | ❌ No | Final delay: < 3h |
Key points to remember
Your right to compensation depends on the total delay of the flight, not the delay of individual legs.
As with other flights, you’re entitled to compensation if the total delay at your final destination is 3 hours or more.
If one leg of the journey was delayed by more than 3 hours but the delay at the final destination was less than that, you’re not entitled to compensation.
The opposite also applies: if the delay on individual legs was less than 3 hours but the total delay at the final destination is at least 3 hours, then you’re entitled to compensation.
The compensation amount is calculated based on the distance of the entire journey.
It’s important to note that the above applies if the connecting flights were part of a single booking. If, however, the different legs were purchased separately (different tickets/bookings), then each leg is treated as a separate flight. You’re entitled to compensation for the leg (or legs) that accumulated a delay of at least three hours.
Want to check if you’re entitled to compensation for a delayed connecting flight? The easiest way to find out is by using our eligibility checker.
How to claim compensation for a delayed flight?
Step-by-step guide to claim flight delay compensation
You can claim compensation by contacting the airline, consulting a lawyer, or relying on the specialists at AirHelp. Whatever your choice, here's how to proceed with your claim:
Flight delay: checklist for making a claim
Hold onto your boarding pass and all other travel documents.
Gather proof of the delay (for example photos of the departure board or communications from the airline confirming the disruption.)
Check if you’re entitled to compensation: you can use our free eligibility checker.
File your claim through AirHelp. Alternatively, you can contact the airline directly, but you’ll need to handle all the paperwork yourself.
Await a response. The entire process could take weeks; by relying on AirHelp, we’ll manage every aspect of the case for you.
How to claim flight delay compensation with AirHelp
We understand that many air passengers do not have the time, experience or inclination to fight with airlines in order to make a delayed flight claim for the compensation they’re owed.
AirHelp is able to submit claims on passengers’ behalf:
We'll tell you quickly if we think you're eligible for compensation.
We'll handle all communication with the airline.
There's no risk, we only charge a fee when we're successful in getting your compensation.
step 1
Submit your claim
We make it quick, secure and easy.
step 2
We handle everything
We build a strong case and negotiate with the airline.
step 3
You win £££
You get compensation. No win? No fee.
Tools to help you claim compensation for delayed flights
Navigating the process of claiming compensation for delayed flights can be complex. Fortunately, several tools and resources are available to help you streamline your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
How can AirHelp help with compensation for a delayed flight?
AirHelp can enforce your rights
If you’re going to file a compensation claim, you can expect some pushback from the airline. Just because the law is on your side doesn’t mean they are going to be enthusiastic – or swift – about paying you.
That’s where AirHelp can come in. We can handle all the negotiations with the airline on your behalf.
AirHelp is the leading flight compensation company in the world, helping passengers understand their rights and get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, and in instances of denied boarding.
We’ve already helped more than 2.7 million passengers get their compensation
AirHelp is rated “Excellent” with 167,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Save yourself the time and stress of navigating the complex compensation systems.
Airlines may deny your initial claim or ignore your claim request entirely, our team tackle bureaucratic hurdles to get you the money you deserve.
Are there any fees?
At AirHelp, we believe in being upfront about our fees. We offer two simple options: No Win, No Fee and AirHelp+. Here’s how they work:
1. No Win, No Fee
You only pay if we win your claim - it's that simple.
You receive up to 65% of the compensation obtained.
Our fee is 35% of the amount (VAT included).
Fee is deducted from your compensation payment after we win.
2. AirHelp+ (annual subscription)
You receive 100% of the compensation obtained.
No fees deducted from your winnings.
Make unlimited claims during the subscription period.
From £34.99 per year (subscription must be activated before airline disruption occurs).
Imagine AirHelp wins you £520 compensation:
No Win, No Fee
Standard
you_receive
£338
our_fee
£182
AirHelp+
In all cases
you_receive
£520
our_fee
£0
AirHelp’s impact on airline delay compensation claims
In 2012, a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice, which still pertains to UK law, declared that passengers were entitled to compensation for long delays, as long as certain conditions were met.
That ruling opened the floodgates for flight delay compensation claims to be made by disgruntled passengers.
AirHelp’s team strives to ensure that passengers are relieved from the stress of making a claim.
We take on the responsibility of enforcing your right to compensation from the airline.
To date, we have helped over 2.7 million passengers get their rightful compensation.
Did you know?
You can claim compensation even if your flight was part of a package holiday!
If your employer paid for your ticket, you still receive the compensation, not them.
Even if your airline goes bankrupt, you may still be able to claim.