Flight delay compensation: how much you can claim (2026)

When your flight gets cancelled or seriously delayed, you've got way more rights than most airlines will ever admit. Under UK and EU law, you could be looking at up to £520 per person in compensation, plus a full refund or rebooking.

How much compensation for a delayed flight?

If your flight arrived 3 or more hours late, you can claim a fixed amount based on the flight distance, no matter what you paid for the ticket:

• Short-haul, under 1,500km: £220
• Medium-haul, 1,500-3,500km: £350
• Long-haul, over 3,500km: £520

That is compensation for the disruption itself, and it is separate from any refund, so you can be owed both. The figure does not change with your ticket price or whether it was a bargain fare. Cancellations less than 14 days before departure, and being bumped off an oversold flight, are covered on the same scale. Work out your exact amount with the free flight compensation calculator.

Your Rights Under UK261/EU261

The UK261 and EU261 regulations are seriously powerful bits of consumer protection law. They cover:

• All flights departing from the UK or EU
• Flights arriving in the UK/EU on a UK/EU-based carrier

Compensation Amounts

How much you can claim depends on how far you were flying:

• Short-haul flights (under 1,500km): £220
• Medium-haul flights (1,500-3,500km): £350
• Long-haul flights (over 3,500km): £520

When You Can Claim

You can claim compensation when:

1. Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure
2. Your flight was delayed by 3+ hours at arrival
3. You were denied boarding because they oversold seats

Step-by-Step Claim Guide

Here's exactly how to get your compensation:

Step 1: Document Everything

Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline. Take screenshots of departure boards showing delays.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Use our Flight Compensation Calculator to confirm you're eligible and work out your exact compensation amount.

Step 3: Contact the Airline

Submit your claim directly to the airline. Include your flight details, booking reference, and the compensation amount you're claiming.

Step 4: Set a Deadline

Give the airline 14 days to respond. If they don't, you can escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Step 5: Escalate if Needed

If the airline rejects your claim unfairly, you can take them to small claims court for claims up to £10,000.

Common Airline Excuses (And How to Counter Them)

Airlines love trying to avoid paying by claiming "extraordinary circumstances." Here's what actually counts and what doesn't:

Valid Extraordinary Circumstances:

• Extreme weather (not just a bit of rain)
• Political instability
• Security threats
• Air traffic control strikes

NOT Valid Excuses:

• Technical problems (these are within the airline's control)
• Crew shortages
• Commercial decisions
• "Operational" reasons

Your Refund Rights

On top of compensation, you're always entitled to a full refund if your flight is cancelled and you choose not to travel. The airline has to refund you within 7 days. And it has to be real money to your original payment method, not vouchers.

What to Do Next

Don't let the airline get away with it. Use our tools to:

1. Calculate your exact compensation amount
2. Generate a professional claim letter
3. Track your case until resolution

Remember: You have up to 6 years to make a claim in the UK, so even if your flight was delayed ages ago, you might still be able to claim.