Claims & Compensation2 min check

Flight Delay Compensation Checker

Indicative check using UK261 / EC261 rules. Covers flights departing the UK/EU, and flights into the UK/EU on UK/EU airlines.

Short answer

UK261 / EU261 compensation applies for delays of 3+ hours arriving on a UK or EU airline (or any flight from a UK/EU airport): £220 short-haul (under 1,500km), £350 medium-haul, £520 long-haul. 'Extraordinary circumstances' (severe weather, ATC strikes) exempt the airline.

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Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Route, Flight distance, Delay on arrival at destination, Reason given.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Claims & Compensation. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

We check 4 things: 3+ hour arrival delay, eligible flight (departing UK/EU or arriving on UK/EU airline), within 6 years (UK) / 1–6 years (EU country), and not extraordinary circumstances. If yes, the fixed compensation amount applies regardless of ticket price.

Worked example

BA London→New York delayed 5 hours due to crew shortage → 7,000km long-haul → £520 per passenger (4 passengers = £2,080).

Who should use this

•Anyone delayed 3+ hours in last 6 years
•Cancelled flights with under 14 days' notice
•Denied boarding due to overbooking

Common mistakes

×Accepting vouchers instead of cash compensation
×Believing the airline's 'extraordinary circumstances' claim without questioning (technical faults are usually not extraordinary)
×Missing the 6-year limit (UK)
×Using an expensive claims firm — most airlines pay direct claims with one email

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a claims firm?▾

No. Email the airline directly first using free templates from CAA or MSE — most pay within 4–8 weeks.

How far back can I claim?▾

6 years in England/Wales, 5 in Scotland, varies in EU countries (1–10 years).

Strike disruption?▾

Airline staff strikes = compensation due. ATC or airport staff strikes = extraordinary, no compensation.

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