UK261 compensation
UK261 provides fixed compensation for delays of 3+ hours, cancellations, and denied boarding on qualifying easyJet flights. Amounts: £220 (short-haul), £350 (medium-haul), £520 (long-haul).
UK261 (retained EU Regulation 261/2004)
easyJet cancelled or delayed your flight?
Check UK261 criteria before accepting vouchers only.
Content is for general information only — confirm deadlines with regulators and ombudsmen.
Your rights
Key protections that often apply in this sector. Always check the latest official guidance.
Care during delays
easyJet must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation during qualifying delays regardless of the cause.
UK261 Article 9
Cash refund rights
For cancellations, you are entitled to a full cash refund. You do not have to accept vouchers.
UK261 Article 8
Consumer Rights Act
The flight is a service under CRA 2015 — easyJet must provide it with reasonable care and skill.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Escalation timeline
Typical stages for UK consumer complaints in this sector.
- 1
Claim through easyJet
Use easyJet's disruption claim form online. Provide booking reference, flight details, and evidence of the delay or cancellation.
UK261 - 2
Challenge refusals in writing
If easyJet cites extraordinary circumstances, ask for specific evidence. Technical faults and crew shortages generally do not qualify based on established case law.
- 3
ADR or pre-action letter
Check if easyJet uses an ADR scheme. If not, send a Letter Before Action giving 14 days to respond.
- 4
Small claims court
Issue proceedings in the county court small claims track if unresolved. Straightforward process for claims up to £10,000.
County Courts Act 1984
Common issues
Cancellations and refund delays
Flights cancelled with short notice, slow cash refund processing, and being directed to vouchers instead of money.
Long delays without care
Hours at the airport without easyJet providing food, drink, or accommodation as required.
Extraordinary circumstances disputes
easyJet citing extraordinary circumstances for delays that appear to be technical or operational rather than genuinely extraordinary.
Baggage problems
Delayed, damaged, or lost bags. Report damage within 7 days and delay within 21 days under the Montreal Convention.
Seat allocation changes
Paid-for seat selections being changed without notice or adequate compensation.
Booking and add-on disputes
Charges for add-ons that were not clearly consented to, difficulty getting refunds for unused extras, and website errors during booking.
Get your easyJet complaint letter in 60 seconds
Citing UK261, Consumer Rights Act 2015 with your specific case details — editable before you send anything.
- Free tier includes your first AI-drafted letter
- No credit card required
Suggestions are for guidance only. Always verify with official sources.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation for a delayed easyJet flight?▼
UK261 sets fixed amounts based on distance: £220 under 1,500km, £350 for 1,500-3,500km, £520 over 3,500km. The delay must be 3+ hours at final destination.
Does extraordinary circumstances apply?▼
easyJet sometimes claims this to avoid paying. Technical faults and crew shortages generally do not qualify. Severe weather and ATC strikes may. Ask easyJet for specific evidence.
Can easyJet force me to take vouchers?▼
No. For cancellations you are entitled to a cash refund. Insist in writing if they push vouchers.
What about flight downgrades?▼
If easyJet moved you to a lower class (e.g. from a seat with extra legroom), you may be entitled to a reimbursement of the price difference.
Time limit for claims?▼
6 years in England/Wales, 5 years in Scotland from the flight date. Claim promptly while evidence is fresh.
Should I use a claims company?▼
You can do this yourself for free. Claims companies take 25-35% of your compensation. TheyPromised can help you draft the letter at a fraction of that.
What about missed connections?▼
If both flights were on the same booking, the delay at final destination determines your claim. Separate bookings must be claimed individually.
What evidence do I need?▼
Boarding passes, booking confirmation, photos of departure boards showing delays, expense receipts, and all correspondence with easyJet.
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