Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
How It Works
Under UK261 and EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. The amount depends on the flight distance and delay duration at your final destination.
- Delays must be at least 3 hours for short and medium flights
- Long-haul flights require 4+ hours delay for maximum compensation
- Compensation is per passenger, including children and infants with seats
- You have up to 6 years to claim from the flight date
- Extraordinary circumstances may exempt the airline from payment
Compensation Amounts
| Flight Distance | Delay Duration | Compensation | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 3+ hours | £220 | London-Edinburgh, Manchester-Paris |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | 3+ hours | £350 | London-Athens, Bristol-Canary Islands |
| Over 3,500 km | 3-4 hours | £260 | London-New York, Manchester-Dubai |
| Over 3,500 km | 4+ hours | £520 | London-Singapore, Edinburgh-Los Angeles |
Eligibility Requirements
- Flight departed from UK or EU airport (any airline)
- Flight arrived in UK or EU on UK/EU airline from anywhere
- Delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances
- You checked in on time with valid booking confirmation
- Airline did not offer adequate alternative transport
The regulation applies whether you booked directly with the airline, through a travel agent, or as part of a package holiday.
Extraordinary Circumstances Explained
Airlines are not required to pay compensation when delays result from events beyond their control. These include:
- Severe weather conditions (heavy fog, snow, storms)
- Political instability or security risks
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Airport staff strikes (not airline staff)
- Medical emergencies requiring unscheduled landing
However, technical faults, crew scheduling problems, and most operational issues remain the airline’s responsibility, making you eligible for compensation.
Additional Passenger Rights
| Delay Duration | Flight Distance | Your Rights |
|---|---|---|
| 2+ hours | Up to 1,500 km | Meals, refreshments, communication access |
| 3+ hours | 1,500 – 3,500 km | Meals, refreshments, communication access |
| 4+ hours | Over 3,500 km | Meals, refreshments, communication access |
| 5+ hours | All distances | Full refund and return flight to departure point |
| Overnight delay | All distances | Hotel accommodation and transport |
The Claims Process
When your flight is delayed, take these steps to protect your claim:
- Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation
- Request written confirmation of the delay and reason from airline staff
- Take photos of departure boards showing the delay
- Save all receipts for expenses incurred during the delay
- Note the actual departure and arrival times
- Contact the airline within a reasonable timeframe to lodge your claim
Most airlines have dedicated compensation claim forms on their websites. If rejected, you can escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme or consider legal action.
Common Scenarios
Compensation is calculated based on your total delay at the final destination, not individual flight segments. If you miss a connection due to the first flight’s delay, the entire journey counts as one booking.
Cancellations are treated similarly to delays. You receive the same compensation amounts unless the airline offered adequate alternative transport arriving within specific timeframes of your original schedule.
If you are denied boarding against your will, you are entitled to compensation immediately, plus the choice between a full refund or alternative transport to your final destination.
Your rights apply regardless of how you booked. Package holiday customers can claim directly from the airline, and the tour operator cannot prevent this.
Each passenger is entitled to individual compensation. A family of four on a qualifying delayed flight would receive four times the standard amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the UK, you have 6 years from the flight date to submit a compensation claim. However, it is advisable to claim as soon as possible while records are readily available.
Yes, as long as it falls within the 6-year limitation period. Airlines must keep flight records and honour valid claims regardless of when they are submitted.
First, ensure you have provided all required documentation. If the airline still refuses, contact the CAA or use their Alternative Dispute Resolution service. Legal action through small claims court is also an option.
Travel insurance typically covers expenses and inconvenience but not the statutory compensation owed by airlines under UK261/EU261. You can claim both independently.
No. All airlines operating flights covered by UK261/EU261 must comply, regardless of whether they are budget or full-service carriers.
If an airline ceases operations, you may be able to claim through the ATOL scheme (for package holidays) or your payment card provider under Section 75 or chargeback rules.
Upgrades do not affect your compensation rights. If downgraded, you are entitled to a refund of 30-75% of your ticket price depending on the flight distance, in addition to any delay compensation.
Yes. Any passenger with a confirmed seat booking, including children and infants occupying a seat, is entitled to individual compensation. Lap-held infants without their own seat may not qualify.
Compensation vs. Refund
It is important to distinguish between compensation and refunds, as they serve different purposes:
| Aspect | Compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Payment for inconvenience and time lost | Return of ticket cost for services not provided |
| When Available | Delay 3+ hours, cancellation, denied boarding | Cancellation or 5+ hour delay when you choose not to travel |
| Amount | Fixed by regulation (£220-£520) | Full ticket price paid |
| Can Claim Both | Yes, in cancellation scenarios | Yes, in cancellation scenarios |
If your flight is cancelled and you choose not to take alternative transport, you can claim both a full refund of your ticket and compensation for the cancellation.
Airline Response Timelines
When you submit a compensation claim, airlines have specific timeframes within which they should respond:
- Initial acknowledgement: typically within 7-14 days
- Full response with decision: usually within 28 days
- Payment processing: 7-14 days after approval
- Total process: can range from 4 weeks to several months
If the airline does not respond within reasonable timeframes or rejects your claim without proper justification, you can escalate to alternative dispute resolution or legal proceedings.
References
Official Journal of the European Union, 2004. Establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights.
Available at: EUR-Lex Official Publications
Passenger rights and compensation guidance. Civil Aviation Authority, London.
Available at: www.caa.co.uk
UK Statutory Instruments 2019 No. 492. Establishing UK261 following EU exit.
Available at: legislation.gov.uk
Flight delays and cancellations: Your rights to compensation. Consumer rights guidance.
Available at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Air passenger rights in the European Union. European Commission Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport.
Available at: europa.eu/youreurope