Flight Delay Compensation UK: What You Are Owed Under UK261
Flight delay compensation in the UK is governed by UK261, a fixed statutory right that pays out automatically when a qualifying flight is delayed or cancelled, regardless of what you paid for your ticket. Despite this, most eligible passengers never claim, often because they assume a delay was simply bad luck rather than something the airline owes them for. This guide explains exactly when you qualify, how much you can claim, and how to actually get paid.
UK261 Compensation Amounts at a Glance
| Flight distance | Delay required | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500km | 2+ hours | £220 per passenger |
| 1,500km to 3,500km | 3+ hours | £350 per passenger |
| Over 3,500km, delay under 4 hours | 3+ hours | £260 per passenger |
| Over 3,500km, delay 4+ hours | 4+ hours | £520 per passenger |
These amounts are fixed in sterling and have not changed since they were set on 31 December 2020, so exchange rate movements have no effect on what a claim is worth. Compensation is paid per passenger, so a family of four delayed five hours on a long-haul flight could be owed up to £2,080 between them.
When UK261 Applies
UK261 covers any flight departing a UK airport, regardless of which airline operates it, and any flight arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline. If your journey involves a connection, for example an EU departure landing in the UK, you may be covered under either UK261 or EU261, though you should only pursue a claim under one, not both, for the same disruption.
What Counts as an Airline’s Fault
Compensation is only payable when the disruption was within the airline’s control. Technical faults, crew shortages and operational scheduling problems generally count as the airline’s responsibility, following a 2008 European court ruling that found maintenance-related technical defects do not exempt an airline from paying out. Severe weather, air traffic control strikes, airport closures and security threats, however, are classed as extraordinary circumstances, which remove the airline’s obligation to pay cash compensation, though your right to meals, accommodation and rerouting still applies regardless of the cause.
Your Right to Care During a Delay
Separately from compensation, airlines must look after you during any significant delay, whatever caused it. This includes food and drink appropriate to the wait, a way to communicate, and accommodation with transport to and from it if you are delayed overnight. If the airline fails to provide this and you pay for a meal or a hotel yourself, keep every receipt, since these costs can usually be claimed back afterward even when cash compensation itself does not apply.
How to Claim UK261 Compensation
- Note the exact delay at your final destination, not just at departure, since compensation is calculated on arrival time
- Keep your boarding pass, booking reference and any written confirmation of the delay from the airline
- Submit a written claim directly to the airline, citing UK261 by name and stating your flight number, date and exact delay time
- If the airline refuses or does not respond within a reasonable period, escalate to an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme or the Civil Aviation Authority
Being specific in your claim genuinely speeds things up. Stating a precise figure, such as £350 under UK261 for a flight delayed 3 hours 40 minutes, tends to get a faster response than a general complaint about being delayed.
Should You Use a Claims Company?
Claims companies handle the paperwork and negotiation on your behalf, typically charging a fee of 25 to 50 percent of any compensation secured if the claim succeeds, and nothing if it fails. Claiming directly with the airline yourself costs nothing and keeps the full amount, so it is generally worth trying this route first, particularly since the process itself is straightforward once you have the right flight details and delay time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to claim flight delay compensation in the UK?
You generally have up to six years to submit a claim under UK261, so even an older eligible delay may still be within the window, though claiming as soon as possible makes gathering evidence considerably easier.
Does bad weather always rule out compensation?
Bad weather removes the airline’s obligation to pay cash compensation, but not its duty to provide meals, accommodation and rerouting, so you are still entitled to care even when a weather-related delay itself is not compensated.
Am I covered if I am not a UK citizen?
Yes, UK261 applies based on your route and the airline operating the flight, not your nationality, so any passenger on a qualifying flight is covered regardless of where they are from.
Can I claim if my flight was cancelled rather than delayed?
Yes, cancellations qualify for the same compensation amounts as delays if you were notified less than 14 days before departure and the cancellation was within the airline’s control.
Related Reading
About the author: The Stony Port editorial team researches airline policy and passenger rights to help UK travellers plan with confidence. This article is general information, not legal advice; always check current CAA guidance for your specific situation.
