If you’ve travelled even a little, chances are you’ve experienced a flight delay. I’ve had my fair share: stuck in departure lounges watching the minutes tick by, refreshing flight boards (and wondering whether I’ll make my connection or lose a day of my trip). What I didn’t always realise is that some of those delays could actually have entitled me to compensation!
If you’ve ever wondered whether a delayed flight might mean more than just a lukewarm apology from the airline, this guide is for you. Let’s break down how flight delay compensation works, who can claim, and how tools like a flight delay compensation calculator can make life much easier.
Flight delay compensation is money you may be legally entitled to when your flight arrives significantly late and the airline is at fault. In the UK (and previously the EU), passenger rights are protected by UK261, which sets out clear rules on when airlines must compensate travellers.
The surprising part? Many people qualify for compensation without ever knowing it (I certainly did on a few trips before I learned the rules).
In simple terms, you may be eligible if:
UK261 usually applies if:
You can even claim for flights that happened years ago - up to six years in England and Wales! That means an old holiday delay you’ve forgotten about could still be worth checking.
Not every delay leads to a payout. Airlines don’t have to pay compensation if the delay was caused by what’s known as extraordinary circumstances, such as:
That said, even when compensation isn’t due, airlines should still look after you with food, drinks and accommodation for long delays! (If you’ve ever slept in an airport without help, you’ll know this doesn’t always happen as smoothly as it should.)
One of the most common questions I get is whether compensation depends on ticket price. The answer is no - it’s actually based on flight distance! Under UK261, you could receive:
And yes, that’s per person! Meaning: if you’re travelling as a couple or family, the amount can add up quickly.
Shorter delays usually don’t qualify for compensation, but airlines still have a duty of care. Depending on how long you’re delayed, this can include:
What Is Flight Delay Compensation?
Flight delay compensation is money you may be legally entitled to when your flight arrives significantly late and the airline is at fault. In the UK (and previously the EU), passenger rights are protected by UK261, which sets out clear rules on when airlines must compensate travellers.
The surprising part? Many people qualify for compensation without ever knowing it (I certainly did on a few trips before I learned the rules).
When Can You Claim Compensation for a Delayed Flight?
In simple terms, you may be eligible if:
- your flight arrived at its final destination three hours or more late;
- the delay was within the airline’s control;
- your flight falls under UK261 regulations.
Which Flights Are Covered by UK261?
UK261 usually applies if:
- your flight departed from the UK (regardless of the airline), or
- your flight arrived in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
You can even claim for flights that happened years ago - up to six years in England and Wales! That means an old holiday delay you’ve forgotten about could still be worth checking.
When Does Flight Delay Compensation Not Apply?
Not every delay leads to a payout. Airlines don’t have to pay compensation if the delay was caused by what’s known as extraordinary circumstances, such as:
- severe weather;
- air traffic control restrictions;
- security incidents;
- airport closures or political unrest.
That said, even when compensation isn’t due, airlines should still look after you with food, drinks and accommodation for long delays! (If you’ve ever slept in an airport without help, you’ll know this doesn’t always happen as smoothly as it should.)
How Much Flight Delay Compensation Can You Claim?
One of the most common questions I get is whether compensation depends on ticket price. The answer is no - it’s actually based on flight distance! Under UK261, you could receive:
- £220 (€250) for flights up to 1,500 km;
- £350 (€400) for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km;
- and £520 (€600) for flights over 3,500 km.
And yes, that’s per person! Meaning: if you’re travelling as a couple or family, the amount can add up quickly.
What If Your Flight Delay Is Less Than Three Hours?
Shorter delays usually don’t qualify for compensation, but airlines still have a duty of care. Depending on how long you’re delayed, this can include:
- meals and refreshments;
- access to phone calls or emails;
- hotel accommodation and transport for overnight delays
Always keep receipts if you end up paying out of pocket - they might be useful later!
This is where things often get confusing. Airlines don’t exactly shout about compensation, and trying to work out eligibility on your own can feel like decoding small print at 5am in an airport café (I've been there). That’s why I recommend using AirHelp’s flight delay compensation calculator.
AirHelp’s calculator lets you check your eligibility in minutes: you simply enter your flight number, date and route, and it assesses whether your delay may qualify under UK261.
I love tools like this because they remove the guesswork. Instead of wondering “Do I have a claim?”, you get a clear answer straight away (which makes it much easier to decide whether it’s worth taking things further).
You’ve got two main options:
You can submit a claim yourself through the airline’s website - this can work, but be prepared for slow responses, confusing explanations or initial rejections!
Companies like AirHelp handle the entire process for you, including chasing the airline and taking legal action if needed. Please note that they will charge a fee if the claim succeeds, but for many travellers, the time and stress saved is absolutely worth it.
From my experience (and plenty of reader messages), the most common mistakes include:
Checking eligibility early can save you from missing out entirely.
Flight delays are never fun, but knowing your rights can make a big difference! In some cases, a frustrating wait at the airport could result in hundreds of pounds in compensation (money that might just help fund your next trip).
How to Check If Your Flight Is Eligible for Compensation
This is where things often get confusing. Airlines don’t exactly shout about compensation, and trying to work out eligibility on your own can feel like decoding small print at 5am in an airport café (I've been there). That’s why I recommend using AirHelp’s flight delay compensation calculator.
Why Use AirHelp’s Flight Delay Compensation Calculator?
AirHelp’s calculator lets you check your eligibility in minutes: you simply enter your flight number, date and route, and it assesses whether your delay may qualify under UK261.
I love tools like this because they remove the guesswork. Instead of wondering “Do I have a claim?”, you get a clear answer straight away (which makes it much easier to decide whether it’s worth taking things further).
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
You’ve got two main options:
Claim Directly from the Airline
You can submit a claim yourself through the airline’s website - this can work, but be prepared for slow responses, confusing explanations or initial rejections!
Use a Flight Compensation Specialist
Companies like AirHelp handle the entire process for you, including chasing the airline and taking legal action if needed. Please note that they will charge a fee if the claim succeeds, but for many travellers, the time and stress saved is absolutely worth it.
Common Mistakes Travellers Make When Claiming Compensation
From my experience (and plenty of reader messages), the most common mistakes include:
- assuming the airline’s first “no” is final;
- missing claim deadlines;
- not keeping booking confirmations or boarding passes;
- not realising old flights can still be claimed.
Checking eligibility early can save you from missing out entirely.
Final Thoughts on Flight Delay Compensation
Flight delays are never fun, but knowing your rights can make a big difference! In some cases, a frustrating wait at the airport could result in hundreds of pounds in compensation (money that might just help fund your next trip).
If you’ve had a delayed flight and aren’t sure where you stand, AirHelp’s flight delay compensation calculator is a quick, easy way to check. A few minutes could turn an old travel headache into a pleasant surprise. After all, if delays are part of travel, you might as well make sure you’re not leaving money on the table!
In most cases, your flight must arrive at its final destination at least three hours later than scheduled to qualify for flight delay compensation under UK261. Delays under three hours usually do not qualify for compensation (although airlines must still provide care such as food or accommodation).
Yes. In England and Wales, you can usually claim flight delay compensation for flights that took place up to six years ago. This means even older delays may still be worth checking, as many passengers are unaware they can claim retrospectively.
No. Flight delay compensation is based on the distance of the flight, not how much you paid for your ticket. Whether you flew economy or business class, the compensation amount is the same for all passengers on the same flight.
Yes, in some cases. Airlines may initially reject claims, even when compensation is due. This is why it’s important to understand your rights or use tools like AirHelp’s flight delay compensation calculator to independently check whether your flight may qualify.
Your flight is usually covered by UK261 if it departed from the UK, regardless of the airline, or if it arrived in the UK on a UK or EU airline (coverage depends on the route and airline, not your nationality).
You can claim directly from the airline, but this often involves long response times and possible rejections. For this reason, many travellers choose to use a flight compensation service, such as AirHelp, which manages the claim process on their behalf and only charges a fee if the claim is successful.
Claim times vary: some claims are resolved in a few weeks, while others can take several months, especially if legal action is required. Using a compensation specialist can help speed up the process and reduce the effort involved.
Flight Delay Compensation FAQs
How long does a flight need to be delayed to get compensation?
In most cases, your flight must arrive at its final destination at least three hours later than scheduled to qualify for flight delay compensation under UK261. Delays under three hours usually do not qualify for compensation (although airlines must still provide care such as food or accommodation).
Can I claim flight delay compensation for flights from years ago?
Yes. In England and Wales, you can usually claim flight delay compensation for flights that took place up to six years ago. This means even older delays may still be worth checking, as many passengers are unaware they can claim retrospectively.
Does flight delay compensation depend on ticket price?
No. Flight delay compensation is based on the distance of the flight, not how much you paid for your ticket. Whether you flew economy or business class, the compensation amount is the same for all passengers on the same flight.
Can I claim compensation if the airline says the delay was not their fault?
Yes, in some cases. Airlines may initially reject claims, even when compensation is due. This is why it’s important to understand your rights or use tools like AirHelp’s flight delay compensation calculator to independently check whether your flight may qualify.
How do I know if my flight is covered by UK261?
Your flight is usually covered by UK261 if it departed from the UK, regardless of the airline, or if it arrived in the UK on a UK or EU airline (coverage depends on the route and airline, not your nationality).
Is it easier to claim compensation myself or use a service?
You can claim directly from the airline, but this often involves long response times and possible rejections. For this reason, many travellers choose to use a flight compensation service, such as AirHelp, which manages the claim process on their behalf and only charges a fee if the claim is successful.
How long does it take to receive flight delay compensation?
Claim times vary: some claims are resolved in a few weeks, while others can take several months, especially if legal action is required. Using a compensation specialist can help speed up the process and reduce the effort involved.
