TL;DR
Delayed Flight Use Our Free Online Tool to Instantly Check Your Rights and What You Could Be Owed Under UK Law Nothing sours the start of a holiday or a trip back home quite like a lengthy flight delay. Sat in the departure lounge, watching the clock tick by, can be incredibly frustrating. But did you know that under UK law, you might be entitled to significant financial compensation?
Key takeaways
- Departing from a UK airport (on any airline).
- Arriving at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline.
- Arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline.
- Total Compensation (illustrative): 4 people x £520 = £2,080
- Go to the Calculator: Open the Flight Delay Compensation Checker.
Delayed Flight Use Our Free Online Tool to Instantly Check Your Rights and What You Could Be Owed Under UK Law
Nothing sours the start of a holiday or a trip back home quite like a lengthy flight delay. Sat in the departure lounge, watching the clock tick by, can be incredibly frustrating. But did you know that under UK law, you might be entitled to significant financial compensation?
The rules can seem complicated, but we've made it simple. Our free Flight Delay Compensation Checker gives you an instant answer. In under 30 seconds, you can find out if you're eligible for a payout and how much you could be owed.
What is UK Flight Delay Compensation?
Following Brexit, the UK government enshrined passenger rights into UK law. This is often referred to as 'UK 261', which mirrors the old EU regulation. This law protects passengers against long delays, cancellations, and being denied boarding against their will.
The key point is that if you arrive at your final destination three or more hours late, and the delay was the airline's fault, you are likely entitled to fixed compensation.
You are generally covered if your flight was:
- Departing from a UK airport (on any airline).
- Arriving at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline.
- Arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount of compensation you can claim is fixed and depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay. It has nothing to do with the price you paid for your ticket. This means even if you snagged a £20 bargain flight, you could still be owed up to £520! (illustrative estimate)
Here’s a simple breakdown of the compensation amounts:
| Flight Distance | Length of Delay at Arrival | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km (e.g., London to Paris) | 3+ hours | £220 per person |
| 1,500 km to 3,500 km (e.g., London to Turkey) | 3+ hours | £350 per person |
| Over 3,500 km (e.g., London to New York) | 3-4 hours | £260 per person |
| Over 3,500 km (e.g., London to New York) | 4+ hours | £520 per person |
Worked Example: Sarah and her family of four were flying from Manchester to Orlando, Florida (a distance of over 3,500 km). Their flight was delayed due to a technical issue with the aeroplane and they arrived at their hotel 5 hours later than planned.
Using the table, they are each entitled to £520. (illustrative estimate)
- Total Compensation (illustrative): 4 people x £520 = £2,080
How to Use Our Flight Delay Compensation Checker
Our free online tool is designed to be quick and straightforward. It asks a few simple questions to determine your eligibility based on the UK 261 rules.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Go to the Calculator: Open the Flight Delay Compensation Checker.
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Answer the Questions: You'll be asked for the following details:
- Departure Airport: Was your flight from a UK airport?
- Airline: If not, was the airline based in the UK or EU?
- Flight Distance: Choose the option that best describes your journey (e.g., Under 1,500 km).
- Delay Length: How late did you arrive at your destination? Select the correct time bracket.
- Reason for Delay: Was it due to 'extraordinary circumstances'? (If you're unsure, select 'Unsure').
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Get Your Instant Result: The calculator will immediately tell you:
- Your Eligibility: A clear "Likely Eligible" or "Likely Not Eligible" status.
- Potential Compensation: The exact amount you could be owed per passenger (£220, £350, or £520).
- Next Steps: Guidance on what to do with your result.
It’s that easy. No personal data, no sign-up forms – just a quick check to see where you stand.
What Counts as "Extraordinary Circumstances"?
This is the most common reason airlines use to reject a compensation claim. "Extraordinary circumstances" are situations that are not the airline's fault and couldn't have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Examples of Extraordinary Circumstances:
- Extreme and unforeseen weather conditions (e.g., volcanic ash cloud, major storm).
- Strikes by third parties, like air traffic controllers or airport staff.
- Political instability or acts of terrorism.
- A medical emergency on board.
- Security risks at the airport or on the flight path.
What is NOT an Extraordinary Circumstance: Airlines are responsible for the day-to-day running of their services. The following are generally considered the airline's responsibility:
- Technical problems with the aircraft found during routine maintenance.
- Crew sickness or staff being unavailable.
- The late arrival of a previous flight causing your flight to be delayed (a "knock-on" effect).
- Under-booking or other economic reasons.
If an airline tells you the delay was due to a technical fault, you should still pursue your claim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming
- Throwing Away Your Documents: Always keep your booking confirmation emails, boarding passes (digital or paper), and any receipts for expenses you incurred due to the delay.
- Accepting Vouchers Automatically: Airlines might offer you food or travel vouchers. While this is helpful, be careful about accepting vouchers in place of cash compensation. They are often worth less, and you are entitled to a cash payment.
- Giving Up Too Easily: Don't be put off if the airline rejects your claim at the first attempt. If you believe you have a valid case, you can escalate it.
- Not Knowing Your Rights: The biggest mistake is not knowing you are owed compensation in the first place. Use our Flight Delay Compensation Checker to arm yourself with knowledge.
What to Do After You Get Your Result
If the calculator shows you are LIKELY ELIGIBLE:
- Gather Your Evidence: Collect all your flight documents, including booking references and flight numbers. Note down the planned and actual arrival times.
- Contact the Airline: Write to the airline's customer service department. Clearly state that you are claiming compensation under UK 261 regulation. Include all the key details of your flight and the passengers in your party. Most airlines have a specific form or email address for this.
- Escalate if Needed: If the airline rejects your claim or doesn't reply within 8 weeks, you can escalate your case for free to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website has a list of these.
If the calculator shows you are LIKELY NOT ELIGIBLE:
This is usually because the delay was under 3 hours, or the circumstances were genuinely extraordinary. The calculator result will explain the likely reason. While you may not be due compensation, the airline still has a 'duty of care' during the delay, which can include providing food, drink, and accommodation if necessary.
Related Protection: Thinking Beyond a Single Trip
A flight delay is an unexpected disruption, which often makes us think about how we protect ourselves against other surprises life can throw our way. While our checker helps with travel issues, it's wise to consider your broader financial security.
At WeCovr, we're expert brokers who help UK customers compare cover for life's bigger challenges. Two key areas to consider are:
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI): This type of insurance helps you bypass long NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment. It's designed to cover acute conditions (illnesses that are curable) that arise after your policy begins. It's important to know that UK PMI policies typically do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. You can learn more about how Private Health Insurance can give you and your family peace of mind.
- Life Insurance: This provides a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones if you were to pass away. It acts as a vital financial safety net, helping to cover a mortgage, pay for living costs, or secure your children's future. Find out more about your Life Insurance options.
As a WeCovr customer, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, customers who take out a PMI or life insurance policy with us can often benefit from discounts on other types of cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far back can I claim for a flight delay?
In England and Wales, you can claim for flights that took place up to six years ago. In Scotland, the time limit is five years. As long as you have the basic flight details, you can still make a claim.
Does it matter how much I paid for my flight ticket?
No, it doesn't matter at all. The compensation amounts are fixed by law and are based on the flight distance and the length of the delay. A passenger who paid £50 for a ticket is entitled to the same compensation as someone who paid £500 on the same flight.
What about cancelled flights? Am I still covered?
Yes, similar rules apply for cancelled flights. If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or a replacement flight. If the cancellation was announced less than 14 days before departure and it was the airline's fault, you may also be entitled to compensation, just like with a delay.
The airline has offered me vouchers. Should I accept them?
You are not obliged to accept vouchers. Under UK 261, you are entitled to compensation in cash (or bank transfer, cheque). Vouchers may seem convenient, but they often come with expiry dates and restrictions, and may be worth less than the cash amount you are legally owed. It's usually better to insist on the cash compensation.
Ready to find out what you're owed? Don't leave money on the table.
Use our free Flight Delay Compensation Checker now to see if you have a claim in seconds. And for help protecting your family and your health, get in touch with WeCovr today for a no-obligation quote.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
