Flight Delay Compensation Calculator UK
Calculate Your Flight Compensation
Check if you’re entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Simply enter your flight details below.
EU261 Compensation Rates
The compensation amounts are standardised across the EU under Regulation 261/2004:
| Flight Distance | Compensation Amount | Delay Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haul (up to 1,500km) | £220 | 3+ hours |
| Medium-haul (1,500km – 3,500km) | £350 | 3+ hours |
| Long-haul (over 3,500km) | £520 | 4+ hours (within EU) / 3+ hours (outside EU) |
Eligibility Criteria
You may be entitled to compensation if:
Your flight was delayed by 3+ hours at final destination
Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure
You were denied boarding due to overbooking
The flight departed from an EU/UK airport, or arrived at an EU/UK airport on an EU airline
The disruption was not due to extraordinary circumstances
You checked in on time and had a valid ticket
Important: You typically have up to 6 years to claim compensation for flight disruptions. Keep all your travel documents and receipts as evidence.
What Counts as Extraordinary Circumstances?
Airlines are not required to pay compensation if the flight disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control:
Extraordinary Circumstances (No Compensation)
- Severe weather conditions (storms, heavy snow, fog)
- Air traffic control strikes
- Political instability or security threats
- Medical emergencies requiring flight diversion
- Bird strikes or other wildlife incidents
Airline Responsibility (Compensation Due)
- Technical problems with the aircraft
- Crew scheduling issues or sickness
- Airline operational decisions
- Baggage loading delays
- Fuel shortages due to poor planning
How to Claim Your Compensation
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- Boarding passes and tickets
- Flight confirmation emails
- Photos of departure boards showing delays
- Receipts for meals, accommodation, or transport
- Written explanation from airline (if provided)
Step 2: Contact the Airline
Submit your claim directly to the airline first. Most airlines have online claim forms on their websites. Include all relevant documentation and clearly state the compensation amount you’re claiming.
Step 3: Follow Up
Airlines have different response times, but EU law requires them to respond within a reasonable timeframe. Keep records of all correspondence.
Step 4: Alternative Dispute Resolution
If the airline rejects your claim or doesn’t respond, you can:
- Use free ADR schemes like CEDR or Aviation ADR
- Contact the Civil Aviation Authority
- Consider small claims court for amounts under £10,000
- Use a professional claims company (they typically take 25-50% commission)
Additional Rights and Entitlements
Right to Care
Beyond compensation, passengers have immediate rights to care during flight disruptions:
For delays of 2+ hours (short-haul) or 3+ hours (long-haul):
- Free meals and refreshments appropriate to waiting time
- Free telephone calls, emails, or faxes
- Free hotel accommodation if overnight stay required
- Free transport between airport and accommodation
Right to Reimbursement or Re-routing
For cancelled flights or long delays, you can choose between:
- Full refund of ticket price within 7 days
- Re-routing to final destination at earliest opportunity
- Re-routing at later date at your convenience (subject to availability)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to claim compensation?
In the UK, you typically have up to 6 years to claim flight compensation. However, it’s best to claim as soon as possible while evidence is fresh.
Can I claim for connecting flights?
Yes, if your connecting flight causes you to arrive 3+ hours late at your final destination, you may be entitled to compensation based on the total journey distance.
What if I booked through a third party?
You should still claim directly from the operating airline, not the booking agent. The airline is responsible for compensation under EU261.
Do I need travel insurance to claim?
No, EU261 compensation is automatic and doesn’t depend on travel insurance. However, insurance may cover additional expenses not covered by EU261.
Can I claim if I received a flight voucher?
Accepting a voucher doesn’t prevent you from claiming EU261 compensation. These are separate entitlements.
What if the airline says it was due to weather?
Airlines sometimes incorrectly blame weather for delays caused by their own operational issues. Weather must be genuinely extraordinary and unavoidable to qualify as exceptional circumstances.
References
European Parliament and Council. (2004). Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights. Official Journal of the European Union.
Civil Aviation Authority. (2023). Passenger Rights and Complaints. CAA Consumer and Markets Group, London.
Court of Justice of the European Union. (2009). Case C-402/07 Sturgeon v Condor Flugdienst GmbH. European Court Reports.
UK Government. (2020). The Air Passenger Rights and Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The National Archives, London.
Citizens Advice. (2023). Flight delays and cancellations: Your rights and how to complain. Citizens Advice Bureau, London.