Flight Delay Compensation

    Under EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK Regulation 261, air passengers are entitled to €250-€600 (£220-£520) compensation for flights delayed 3+ hours, cancelled with less than 14 days notice, or denied boarding. This comprehensive guide explains eligibility criteria, compensation amounts by distance, the claims process, and exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.

    EU261 & UK261 Flight Compensation Guide (2026)

    Last updated:

    What is EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK261?

    EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly referred to as EU261) is a European Union regulation that establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of:

    • Flight delays of 3 hours or more on arrival
    • Flight cancellations with less than 14 days notice
    • Denied boarding due to overbooking

    Following Brexit, the UK implemented UK Regulation 261 (UK261), which mirrors EU261 for flights departing UK airports (any airline) and flights arriving in the UK from outside the UK and EU on UK-registered carriers.

    This regulation applies to all airlines operating within the EU/UK, including British Airways,Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Ryanair,easyJet, and all other carriers.

    Am I Eligible for Flight Compensation?

    You may be eligible for compensation if:

    EU261 applies when:

    • Your flight departed from any EU airport (any airline)
    • Your flight arrived at an EU airport from outside the EU on an EU-registered carrier

    UK261 applies when:

    • Your flight departed from any UK airport (any airline)
    • Your flight arrived at a UK airport from outside the UK and EU on a UK-registered carrier

    How Much Compensation Can I Claim?

    Compensation amounts are fixed based on the distance of your flight:

    DistanceEU AmountUK AmountExample Routes
    Up to 1,500km€250£220London-Paris, Manchester-Dublin
    1,500-3,500km€400£350London-Athens, Edinburgh-Tenerife
    Over 3,500km€600£520London-New York, Manchester-Dubai

    Two refinements apply: flights within the EU of more than 1,500 km pay €400 (not €250), and if you reach your final destination less than 4 hours late on a flight over 3,500 km, the airline may reduce the payment by 50% (€300 / £260).

    How to Claim Flight Compensation

    1. Check your eligibility - Use our free eligibility checker to verify your flight qualifies under EU261 or UK261.
    2. Gather your documents - You'll need your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any communication from the airline.
    3. Submit your claim - Provide your flight details and sign our Letter of Authority.
    4. We handle the rest - Our legal team contacts the airline and negotiates on your behalf.
    5. Receive your payout - Once the airline pays, we transfer your compensation minus our 25% success fee.

    What Are Extraordinary Circumstances?

    Airlines may refuse compensation if the disruption was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" beyond their control. However, many claims they reject on this basis are actually valid.

    NOT Extraordinary (You CAN Claim)

    • ✓ Technical faults with the aircraft
    • ✓ Crew shortages / illness
    • ✓ Airline IT system failures
    • ✓ Strikes by the airline's own staff (generally)
    • ✓ Operational issues

    Extraordinary (May Block Claim)

    • ✗ Severe weather (not just rain)
    • ✗ Air traffic control strikes
    • ✗ Political instability / war
    • ✗ Security threats
    • ✗ Airport closures
    • ✗ Bird strikes and other wildlife collisions
    • ✗ Medical emergencies on board

    How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

    Time limits are set by national law and vary by country (6 years in England and Wales, 5 in Scotland). Other countries differ, so check the rules for the country whose courts would hear your claim. Key limitation periods:

    CountryTime Limit
    United Kingdom6 years
    Ireland6 years
    France, Spain5 years
    Germany3 years
    Italy2 years
    Belgium1 year

    Airline-Specific Compensation Guides

    Each airline has different processes and response times. Explore our detailed guides:

    Ryanair

    Delay, cancellation and denied-boarding claims

    easyJet

    Delay, cancellation and denied-boarding claims

    British Airways

    Delay, cancellation and denied-boarding claims

    Wizz Air

    Delay, cancellation and denied-boarding claims

    Vueling

    Delay, cancellation and denied-boarding claims

    Lufthansa

    Delay, cancellation and denied-boarding claims

    Ready to Claim Your Compensation?

    Check your eligibility in 2 minutes. No win, no fee.