From how many hours of delay am I entitled to compensation?

Under UK Regulation 261 (UK261), you may be entitled to compensation if you reach your destination more than 3 hours late, provided no extraordinary circumstances apply.

How much compensation is payable for flight disruption?

The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance: £220 for short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km), £350 for medium-haul flights (up to 3,500 km) and £520 for long-haul flights (over 3,500 km).

What are extraordinary circumstances?

These are events outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes or political unrest. Technical faults or airline staffing shortages generally do NOT count.

Am I entitled to food and refreshments at the airport?

Yes, after a waiting time of 2 hours (for short-haul flights), the airline must provide care and assistance. This includes meals, refreshments and, if necessary, hotel accommodation including transfers.

Flight delay & cancellation: how to claim up to £520 compensation

A delayed or cancelled flight can ruin your entire travel plan. However, as a passenger you are comprehensively protected by UK Regulation 261 (UK261). Many travellers do not realise that if they arrive at their destination more than three hours late, they may be entitled to fixed compensation of between £220 and £520 – regardless of the ticket price.

Airlines often try to reject claims by referring to "extraordinary circumstances" such as bad weather or technical faults. In practice, however, technical problems are very often the airline’s responsibility. Our portal helps you enforce your rights without cost risk.

Important notice on use
This tool is an automated template letter generator (self-help support). It merely inserts your details into standard legal templates. There is no individual assessment of your case. This free service does not replace legal advice from a solicitor. Use is at your own responsibility, and no guarantee of success is given.

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Checklist: immediate help for flight disruption

If you are currently stuck at the airport, follow these steps to protect your later compensation claim:

Checklist

Get the reason confirmed: Ask staff for the written reason for the delay.
Collect evidence: Keep boarding passes, booking confirmations and receipts for food and refreshments.
Take photos: Document the departure board showing the delay.
Request care and assistance: After 2 hours of waiting, ask for vouchers for food and drink.
Do not sign vouchers blindly: Do not sign anything that could involve waiving your passenger rights.

Case examples: when the airline must pay

Example 1: Technical fault on a short-haul flight

A flight from Berlin to Paris (approx. 900 km) is delayed by 4 hours because of a faulty hydraulic system. The airline claims this was unforeseeable.
Outcome: This does NOT count as an extraordinary circumstance. The passenger is entitled to £220.

Example 2: Missed connecting flight in the USA

A traveller flies from Frankfurt via London to New York. The first flight is 40 minutes late, causing the connection in London to be missed. Arrival in NYC: 6 hours later.
Outcome: As the journey departed from Europe, the regulation may apply to the entire itinerary depending on the operating carrier and routing. Potential entitlement: £520.

FAQ: your rights in detail

When are circumstances truly "extraordinary"?

Only where events arise externally and are not part of normal operations. Examples include natural disasters, airspace closures or medical emergencies on board. A strike by the airline’s own staff will often no longer qualify as an extraordinary circumstance under case law.

How far back can I claim compensation?

In England and Wales, court claims are generally subject to a limitation period of up to 6 years. In Scotland, the time limit is generally 5 years. The exact period can depend on the circumstances of the claim.

What if I am offered an alternative flight?

If the airline offers alternative transport, the compensation may be reduced by 50% if your arrival time at the destination differs only slightly from the original schedule. However, the duty of care (food, refreshments and communication) still applies.

Expertise in travel law & passenger rights

Our guides and generators are based on a strict review of current passenger-rights rules (such as UK Regulation 261), relevant court decisions and UK consumer travel law. They are developed by Marc (Project Lead) & team to help travellers pursue their rights against airlines and travel organisers with confidence.

Important notice: Our tools provide self-help support for flight delays, hotel issues or train disruption. They do not replace individual legal advice from a solicitor.

Learn more about our legal methodology & editorial process →

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