Flight Delay Compensation: What You Are Actually Owed
If your flight landed more than 3 hours late, and the reason was within the airline's control, UK261 entitles you to a fixed cash payment, not a voucher, not an apology, a payment set by law and based only on distance and how late you were. Most people either don't know this exists, or hand a slice of it to a claims firm that takes 20 to 42% for sending the same letter you can send yourself. This guide sets out the actual amounts, when an airline can refuse, and how to claim it directly and keep all of it.
- ✓Delayed 3+ hours, and it was the airline's fault: you are owed £220 (under 1,500km), £350 (1,500 to 3,500km), or £260 to £520 (over 3,500km, depending on exactly how late) per passenger.
- ✓It applies to any flight leaving a UK airport, on any airline, and to flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
- ✓"Extraordinary circumstances", genuinely severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security incidents, let the airline refuse. A technical fault with the plane does not count, the Court of Appeal settled that in Huzar v Jet2.com.
- ✓You have 6 years to claim in England and Wales, confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Dawson v Thomson Airways, so a delay from years ago may still be claimable.
- ✓Claims firms typically take 20 to 42% of the payout for writing a letter you can write yourself for free. On a £520 claim, that is up to £218 gone before you see a penny.
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The exact amounts
| Flight distance | Delay at arrival | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500km (e.g. Glasgow to Amsterdam) | 3 hours or more | £220 |
| 1,500km to 3,500km (e.g. East Midlands to Marrakesh) | 3 hours or more | £350 |
| Over 3,500km (e.g. London to New York) | 3 to 4 hours | £260 |
| Over 3,500km (e.g. London to New York) | More than 4 hours | £520 |
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Which flights this covers
- Yes: Any flight departing from a UK airport, on any airline, regardless of where it is registered
- Yes: A flight arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline
- Yes: It does not depend on your nationality or where you live, only on the flight itself
- Yes: A connecting flight counts from your original departure to your final arrival, not each leg separately, if it was booked as a single reservation
When the airline can lawfully refuse
Airlines do not have to pay where the delay was caused by "extraordinary circumstances", events genuinely outside their control that could not have been avoided even with all reasonable measures.
Do not use a claims firm, here is what it actually costs you
No-win-no-fee flight claims firms send the airline essentially the letter set out in this guide. Their commission comes straight off your compensation:
| On a £520 claim | Typical commission | You would keep |
|---|---|---|
| Claiming it yourself | £0 | £520 |
| A firm charging ~35% | £182 | £338 |
| A firm charging a flat 42% fee | £218 | £302 |
If the airline refuses or ignores you
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Frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?
£220 for a flight under 1,500km, £350 for 1,500 to 3,500km, and for flights over 3,500km, £260 if you arrived 3 to 4 hours late or £520 if you arrived more than 4 hours late. This is per passenger and does not depend on the ticket price.
Does a technical fault count as an extraordinary circumstance?
No, not usually. The Court of Appeal ruled in Huzar v Jet2.com that a technical problem with the aircraft is part of the airline's ordinary operating risk, not an extraordinary circumstance, because resolving mechanical issues is inherent in running an airline. Genuine exceptions are things like a hidden manufacturing defect or sabotage.
How long do I have to claim flight delay compensation?
In England and Wales, 6 years from the date of the flight, confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Dawson v Thomson Airways. So a delay from several years ago may still be claimable if it has not already been settled or refused with no further action taken.
Should I use a flight delay claims company?
You do not need to. These firms typically take 20 to 42% of your compensation for sending a letter that states your flight details, the delay, and the amount you are owed under UK261, which you can write yourself for free and send directly to the airline.
What if the airline refuses to pay?
Escalate to whichever CAA-approved alternative dispute resolution scheme the airline belongs to, AviationADR or CEDR. This is free and the airline must comply with the outcome. If the airline is not a member of either scheme, you can bring a small claim in the County Court instead.
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