rights · Travel
Compensation depends on distance, delay length, and whether the flight falls under UK261.
If your flight was delayed, cancelled, or you were denied boarding, UK law may entitle you to fixed compensation of up to £520 per person plus expenses. UK261 (the retained version of EU Regulation 261/2004) sets out specific rules about when compensation is owed and how much. This guide explains the rules, common airline defences, and how to claim — without handing a percentage to a claims company.
UK261 applies to all flights departing from a UK airport (any airline) and flights arriving at a UK airport on a UK or EU carrier. For flights departing EU airports on EU carriers, the original EU261 may apply. Check which regulation covers your specific route before claiming.
UK261 (retained EU Regulation 261/2004)
Compensation is fixed by route distance: £220 for flights under 1,500km, £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km, and £520 for flights over 3,500km. These amounts are per person, including children with their own seat. They are separate from any refund or expense reimbursement.
UK261
Airlines can avoid paying compensation if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even with all reasonable measures. Severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security threats, and political instability typically qualify. Technical faults and crew shortages generally do NOT qualify, following the Huzar v Jet2.com decision and subsequent case law.
UK261; Huzar v Jet2.com [2014]
Regardless of the cause, airlines must provide meals and refreshments during qualifying delays, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is needed, and transport between airport and hotel. If the airline fails to provide care, keep receipts for reasonable expenses and claim them back separately.
UK261 Article 9
For cancelled flights, you have a choice between a full cash refund (within 7 days) or re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity. Airlines cannot force you to accept vouchers or future travel credit instead of cash.
UK261 Article 8
Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, evidence of delay duration (photos of departure boards, airline notifications), and receipts for any expenses during the delay.
Tip: Take photos of airport information screens showing the delay.
Check the distance of your route and the length of delay at your final destination. Use an online distance calculator for the great circle distance between airports.
Tip: The distance is measured as the great circle distance, not the actual flight path.
Use the airline's EU261/UK261 claim form. Provide booking reference, flight details, delay duration, and the compensation amount you are claiming.
Tip: Keep the claim factual and reference UK261 specifically.
If the airline refuses citing extraordinary circumstances, ask for specific evidence. If they claim a technical fault, note that this generally does not qualify. Respond in writing challenging their defence.
Tip: Reference Huzar v Jet2 if the airline cites a technical fault as extraordinary.
If the airline still refuses, send a formal Letter Before Action giving 14 days to settle. This is a required step before court proceedings.
Tip: The letter should state the amount claimed, the legal basis, and the deadline.
File online at moneyclaims.service.gov.uk for claims up to £10,000. Court fees are modest and recoverable if you win. Many airlines settle once proceedings are issued.
Tip: Airlines often make settlement offers after receiving the claim form — consider them carefully.
Qualifying flight
The flight must depart from the UK (any airline) or arrive in the UK (UK/EU carrier). Check which regulation applies to your specific route.
Delay of 3+ hours at final destination
Compensation for delay requires arriving at least 3 hours late at your final destination, not just departing late.
Not caused by extraordinary circumstances
The airline must prove the disruption was extraordinary and that all reasonable measures were taken.
Within limitation period
Court claims must be brought within 6 years in England/Wales (Dawson v Thomson Airways) or 5 years in Scotland.
Limitation period for court claims (England/Wales)
2190 days · from Flight date
Limitation period (Scotland)
1825 days · from Flight date
Airline refund deadline for cancellations
7 days · from Date of cancellation
Citing UK261 (retained EU Regulation 261/2004) with your specific case details — editable before you send anything.
Suggestions are for guidance only. Always verify with official sources.
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