Flight delayed or cancelled? How UK and EU compensation works

What counts as a delay or cancellation?

A delay usually means the flight arrives at its destination later than scheduled. Under UK and EU rules, compensation may be due when the arrival is three hours or more late. The key time is the actual arrival at the destination, not the departure time.

A cancellation is when the flight does not operate at all. In that case, the airline should offer you a choice between a refund and an alternative flight. You may also be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances.

Airlines sometimes rebook you on a different flight that arrives at a similar time. If the new arrival time is not three hours later than the original, compensation may not apply. Always check the actual arrival time of the flight you eventually take.

How much compensation could you receive?

The amount depends on the distance of the flight. Under EU rules, the amounts are €250 for short flights, €400 for medium flights, and €600 for long flights. Under UK rules, the amounts are £220, £350 and £520 respectively.

The distance is calculated from the departure airport to the final destination. If you have a connecting flight, the total distance of the whole journey is used. The airline should tell you which category your flight falls into.

These amounts are per passenger, including children and infants if a seat was booked. The compensation is separate from any refund or rebooking. You do not need to accept vouchers instead of cash unless you choose to.

• Short flights: €250 or £220
• Medium flights: €400 or £350
• Long flights: €600 or £520

When is compensation not owed?

Compensation is not owed when the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances. These are events outside the airline's control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security risks. The airline must show that the event was extraordinary and that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the delay.

Some common examples include a bird strike, a hidden manufacturing defect, or a medical emergency on board. Technical problems that arise during routine maintenance are usually not considered extraordinary. If the airline can prove the cause, no compensation is payable.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, check with the airline or an official source. The rules can be complex, and each case depends on its own facts. Do not assume you have no claim without checking.

Which flights are covered by the rules?

The rules apply to flights departing from an airport in the UK or the EU, regardless of the airline. They also apply to flights arriving in the UK or EU on an airline based in the UK or EU. This means a flight from London to New York on a UK airline is covered, but the same flight on a non-UK airline may not be.

For flights departing from outside the UK or EU, coverage depends on the airline's country of registration. If you fly from New York to London on a UK or EU airline, the rules apply. If you fly on an airline from another country, they may not.

The rules cover all passengers, including those on package holidays. If you booked a package, you can claim from the airline or ask your tour operator for help. Check the airline's terms or official guidance if you are unsure.

What should you do at the airport?

Keep your booking confirmation and boarding pass. These documents prove you were on the flight and show the scheduled times. If the flight is delayed or cancelled, note the actual arrival time when you land.

Ask the airline for written confirmation of the delay or cancellation and the reason given. This can be useful if you need to claim later. If the airline offers meals or accommodation, keep receipts for any expenses you pay yourself.

For long delays and cancellations, airlines must also look after passengers. This can include meals and refreshments, and sometimes accommodation. The airline should tell you what is available, but you can also ask.

How do you claim compensation?

You can claim directly from the airline. Most airlines have an online form or a customer service address for compensation claims. You will need your booking reference, flight details, and a short explanation of what happened.

You can also use a claims service, which will handle the claim for you. These services usually keep a share of any payout. They can be useful if you do not want to deal with the airline yourself.

Before you book a flight, it is worth a quick compare of airlines and routes. FindMyFlight lists results by price, low to high, so you can look before you book. But remember that compensation rules apply after travel, not at booking.

What else should you know?

Airlines sometimes offer vouchers or other benefits instead of cash compensation. You do not have to accept these. If you prefer cash, you can ask for a bank transfer or cheque.

There are time limits for making a claim, which vary by country. Check the rules for the country where the flight was due to land. In some places, the limit may be shorter than in others.

If the airline rejects your claim, you can escalate to a national enforcement body or alternative dispute resolution. Each country has its own body, so check official guidance for your situation.

Questions and answers

How late does a flight have to be for compensation?

Under UK and EU rules, the flight must arrive three hours or more late at the final destination. The arrival time is when the aircraft reaches the gate. If the delay is shorter, compensation is not usually owed.

Can I get compensation for a cancelled flight?

Yes, if the cancellation was within the airline's control and you were not given enough notice. The airline should offer a refund or alternative flight. Compensation may be due on top of that, depending on the circumstances.

What is considered an extraordinary circumstance?

Events outside the airline's control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security risks. Technical problems that arise during routine maintenance are usually not extraordinary. The airline must prove the cause.

Do the rules apply to flights from outside the UK or EU?

Yes, if the flight arrives in the UK or EU on an airline based in the UK or EU. For example, a flight from New York to London on a UK airline is covered. Check with the airline if you are unsure.

How long do I have to claim compensation?

Time limits vary by country. Check the rules for the country where the flight was due to land. In some places, the limit may be shorter than in others.