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How to claim flight delay compensation (UK261)

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In short. Check whether your flight qualifies under UK261 (arrival delay of three hours or more, or cancellation), gather booking and delay evidence, complain to the airline with the regulation cited, and escalate to ADR or the CAA if they refuse.

UK261 (the retained EU261 rules) gives passengers fixed compensation for long delays, cancellations, and denied boarding on most flights departing the UK or operated by UK/EU carriers. Compensation is separate from your right to care — meals, refreshments, and accommodation during long delays. Amounts range from £220 to £520 depending on distance.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 56 days

The steps

  1. 01

    Confirm UK261 applies to your flight

    The rules cover flights departing the UK on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK on UK or EU carriers. They apply to most commercial passengers but not to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control strikes. Note your scheduled and actual arrival time at the final destination — not the departure airport.

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  2. 02

    Calculate the delay at arrival

    Compensation for delays is based on how late you arrived at your final destination. A delay of three hours or more on arrival typically triggers compensation. For cancellations, different rules apply depending on notice given and re-routing offered.

  3. 03

    Work out the compensation amount

    Short-haul flights up to 1,500 km qualify for £220. Medium-haul (1,500 to 3,500 km) and longer flights within the EU qualify for £350. Long-haul over 3,500 km qualifies for £520, or £260 if you arrive three to four hours late. All figures are per passenger.

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  4. 04

    Gather your evidence

    Collect your booking confirmation, boarding passes, emails about the delay, screenshots of flight tracking data, and receipts for expenses if claiming reimbursement. Write down the scheduled and actual arrival times and any announcements made at the gate.

  5. 05

    Submit a complaint to the airline

    Use the airline's online claims form or write to its customer relations department. Cite UK261 (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as retained in UK law). State the flight number, date, delay duration, and compensation amount claimed. Keep copies of everything.

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  6. 06

    Allow the airline time to respond

    Airlines typically have 28 days to respond. They may offer compensation, reject the claim citing extraordinary circumstances, or offer vouchers instead of cash — you are entitled to cash and do not have to accept vouchers.

  7. 07

    Escalate if the airline refuses or ignores you

    If the airline is a member of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme, escalate your complaint there for free. If not, or if ADR fails, contact the Civil Aviation Authority's passenger advice service. For court claims under £10,000, use the Money Claims service in England and Wales.

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Common pitfalls

  • Claiming based on departure delay rather than arrival delay — UK261 compensation hinges on when you reached your final destination
  • Accepting airline vouchers when you are entitled to cash compensation — vouchers may expire or restrict your choice of flights
  • Missing the limitation period — court claims must usually be brought within six years in England and Wales; act promptly even if the airline delays responding

FAQ

Does UK261 cover flights on non-UK airlines?
Yes, for flights departing the UK regardless of airline nationality. For flights arriving in the UK, the operating carrier must be UK or EU based.
Can the airline refuse by citing technical faults?
Technical problems are generally not extraordinary circumstances unless they stem from events beyond the airline's control. The CAA guidance states routine maintenance issues do not exempt airlines from paying.
What care am I entitled to during a long delay?
Regardless of compensation, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, communication, and hotel accommodation for overnight delays, plus transport to the hotel. This applies after two hours for short flights and longer thresholds for medium and long haul.
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