Flight delay compensation: what you're owed

How much

If you arrive more than three hours late, the compensation per passenger under UK rules (UK261) depends on the distance:

• Under 1,500 km: £220.
• 1,500 to 3,500 km: £350.
• Over 3,500 km: £260 if you arrive three to four hours late, or £520 if you arrive more than four hours late.

Which flights are covered

UK261 covers flights departing from a UK airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline. Airlines also have to look after you during long delays, for example with food and drink.

When the airline doesn't have to pay

Airlines don't have to pay compensation if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. The Court of Appeal decided in Huzar v Jet2.com (2014) that a technical fault arising from the normal running of the aircraft usually isn't extraordinary.

How to claim

• Compensation isn't paid automatically. Claim directly from the airline first: it's free.
• If you're not happy with the airline's final answer, or it hasn't replied after eight weeks, take it to the airline's dispute resolution (ADR) scheme, or to the CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team if the airline doesn't belong to one.
• Claims companies take a share of what you get. You don't need one to claim.