Flight delay compensation in the UK — how much you can claim and how to claim

Your flight was delayed — you could be owed
compensation.


Many people don’t claim — even when they’re eligible.

When you can claim flight delay compensation

You may be entitled to compensation if:
• Your flight arrives 3+ hours late
• The delay was the airline’s fault
• You flew from the UK or with a UK/EU airline
This is based on UK law (UK261), derived from EU Regulation 261.

How much compensation can you get?

Compensation depends on flight distance:
Short flights → up to ~£220
Medium flights → up to ~£350
Long flights can sometimes qualify for higher payouts depending on the route and delay —
which affects how much flight delay compensation you can claim in the UK

 

Even a single delay can be worth hundreds of pounds — sometimes up to £520 per passenger.

When you’re entitled to flight delay compensation in the UK

• Delay of 3+ hours
• Cancellation or long delay
• Airline is responsible (not weather or external disruption.)

When you might not be eligible

You usually won’t get compensation if the delay was caused by:
• Severe weather
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Airport strikes or security issues
These are often treated as flight delay compensation exceptions in
the UK — when airlines don’t have to pay

How to claim flight delay compensation in the UK

• Find your flight details
• Contact the airline directly
• Submit a compensation claim
• Wait for their response
The process can take time — but
payouts can be significant.

How long do claims take?

• Some claims are resolved in a few weeks
• Others can take longer if disputed
• Payment is usually made by bank transfer

Why people don’t claim

• They assume they’re not eligible
• It feels complicated
• They forget
So they miss out on money they’re entitled to.

How much could you be missing?

For long-haul flights, compensation can be £520 per person.
For a family, that can mean £1,000+ from a single delay.

Don’t want to track this yourself?

Most people don’t claim because they don’t
notice delays or forget.
Geoff helps you track your flights and highlights
when you might be eligible to claim.

FAQs

How long do I have to claim flight compensation?

You can usually claim up to 6 years after the flight in the UK.

No — compensation usually applies only if your flight arrives 3+ hours late.

Yes — rules apply if you flew from the UK or with a UK/EU airline.

You can escalate your complaint or use a claims service, but many valid claims are eventually
paid.

Yes — payouts can be significant, especially for long-haul flights.

You can also check if you’re owed train delay compensation in the UK
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