Understanding Your Rights in 2026
Whether you are flying from Heathrow, Gatwick, or across Europe, your rights are protected by two primary sets of laws: UK261 (for UK-based flights) and EC 261/2004 (for EU-based flights).
Even post-Brexit, the protections remain nearly identical. If your flight is delayed, the airline owes you more than just an apology; they owe you duty of care and, in many cases,financial compensation.
How Much Can You Claim?
The amount you receive is not based on the price of your ticket, but on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay at your final destination.
| Delay Length | Flight Distance | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3+ Hours | Short Haul (under 1,500km) | £220 / €250 |
| 3+ Hours | Medium Haul (1,500km - 3,500km) | £350 / €400 |
| 3-4 Hours | Long Haul (over 3,500km) | £260 / €300 |
| 4+ Hours | Long Haul (over 3,500km) | £520 / €600 |
"Extraordinary Circumstances": The Airline's Favorite Excuse
Airlines often try to avoid payouts by citing "extraordinary circumstances." Courts read the exemption narrowly, so many rejected claims are still valid.
What IS NOT an excuse (You CAN claim)
Technical Faults
Most mechanical issues are considered "inherent" to the operation of an airline.
Crew Shortages
If the pilot is sick or the crew has exceeded their hours, that is the airline's operational responsibility.
Overbooking
If the airline oversold the flight and you were bumped, that is not an extraordinary circumstance.
What IS an excuse (You CANNOT claim)
Extreme Weather
Think volcanic ash or hurricanes, not just "heavy rain." Bird strikes and other wildlife collisions are also treated as extraordinary.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Strikes
Since the airline doesn't control ATC.
Security Risks
Terror threats or airport-wide shutdowns.
5 Steps to Take at the Airport
If you are standing in the terminal right now, do these five things to guarantee your payout later:
Ask for the Reason
Get it in writing or record a video of the staff explaining the delay.
Keep Your Boarding Pass
Digital or paper, do not delete it!
Collect Receipts
If you buy food, water, or a hotel because of the delay, the airline must reimburse you. Keep every receipt.
Don't Accept Vouchers
If you sign a waiver for a £10 voucher, you might accidentally waive your right to the £520 cash compensation.
Note the Arrival Time
The "arrival time" is when the plane doors open at the gate, not when the wheels touch the tarmac.
Why Use a Professional Claim Company?
You can write to the airline yourself at no cost. A claims company can take over the correspondence, rejections and any escalation to a regulator or court, in return for a fee on success.
Our Advantage:
Legal Muscle
We check your flight's schedule, actual times and the airline's stated reason against the regulation and case law.
No Win, No Fee
If we don't get you paid, you owe us nothing.
Speed
We handle the airline correspondence and chase it for you.
Questions People Also Ask
Natural language questions about flight delay compensation in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last updated: January 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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