TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
The Rule: If your flight arrives more than 3 hours late, you are entitled to cash compensation (not just vouchers).
The Law: This applies to all UK/EU airlines (BA, EasyJet, Ryanair) or any flight leaving a UK/EU airport.
The Payout: You can claim between £220 and £520 per passenger, depending on the flight distance.
The “Get Out” Clause: Airlines don’t have to pay if the delay was caused by “Extraordinary Circumstances” (e.g., terrible weather or Air Traffic Control strikes). Technical faults do not count as extraordinary—they must pay.
You are stuck in the departure lounge. The board says “DELAYED.” After 4 hours of waiting, the airline staff hand you a £5 voucher for a sandwich and an apology. You eat the sandwich and go home. You just threw away £520.
Under UK law (formerly EU261), passengers have incredibly strong rights. The airline owes you more than just a snack—they owe you serious money.
Am I Eligible? (The Checklist)
To get the cash, your flight must meet these three rules:
It was a “Regulated” Flight:
Leaving a UK/EU airport (Any airline).
OR arriving in the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline (e.g., British Airways flying from New York to London).
The Delay was 3+ Hours:
It counts from the moment the plane doors open at the destination (not when it takes off).
It was the Airline’s Fault:
Crew sickness? Yes.
Technical fault? Yes.
Bad weather? No.
How Much Can I Claim?
The compensation is fixed by law. It has nothing to do with how much your ticket cost. (Yes, you can get £220 compensation on a £20 Ryanair ticket).
| Flight Distance | Delay Time | Compensation |
| Short Haul (Under 1,500km) | 3+ Hours | £220 |
| Medium Haul (1,500km – 3,500km) | 3+ Hours | £350 |
| Long Haul (Over 3,500km) | 3 – 4 Hours | £260 |
| Long Haul (Over 3,500km) | 4+ Hours | £520 |
(Note: “Short Haul” is roughly UK to France/Spain. “Long Haul” is UK to USA/Asia).
The “Extraordinary Circumstances” Excuse
Airlines hate paying this. They will almost always reject your first claim by saying:
“The delay was due to operational circumstances outside our control.”
Do not accept this.
What IS Extraordinary: Storms, Lightning strikes, Air Traffic Control strikes, Political instability, Bird strikes.
What IS NOT Extraordinary: “Technical difficulties,” Staff sickness, “Turnaround delays,” Late incoming aircraft. If they say “Technical Fault,” they must pay. Period.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
At the airport:
Ask the staff why the flight is late. Write it down.
Keep your boarding pass.
Log your arrival time. (Check your watch when the doors open).
Step 2: How to Claim (For Free)
Do not use a “No Win No Fee” agency found on Google. They will take 30% of your money. You can do it yourself in 5 minutes:
Go to the airline’s website and search “Compensation Form” (usually hidden in the footer).
Fill in your flight number and passenger details.
Cite “Regulation UK261.”
Wait. (They have up to 8 weeks to reply).
What about Food and Hotels?
Regardless of the reason for the delay (even weather), if you are waiting:
2+ Hours: They must give you free food/drink (or vouchers).
Overnight: They must provide a free hotel and transport to/from it. If they don’t, book your own (keep it reasonable) and claim the receipts back later.
A Quick Story: Meet Emma
The Flight: Emma flew from London to Rome (Short Haul) for a weekend break. The flight was delayed by 3 hours and 15 minutes due to a “hydraulic issue.”
The Offer: EasyJet gave her a £4 coffee voucher.
The Claim: Emma filled in the online form when she got home.
The Win: 4 weeks later, she received £220 in her bank account. The flight only cost her £80. She made a £140 profit.
Summary: Know Your Rights
A delay isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a transaction.
3 Hours Late? You are in the money.
Technical Fault? They pay.
Claim Yourself. Don’t pay an agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for strikes?
It depends who is striking.
Airline Staff (Pilots/Cabin Crew): YES. This is within the airline’s control. You can claim compensation.
Air Traffic Control / Airport Staff: NO. This is “Extraordinary” and out of the airline’s control.
How far back can I claim?
In England and Wales, the statute of limitations is 6 years. If you had a delayed flight in 2021, you can still claim today. (In Scotland, it is 5 years).
What if I missed my connecting flight?
If you booked a single through-ticket (e.g., London to New York via Dublin) and the first flight was delayed, causing you to miss the second: You claim based on the delay at your final destination. If you arrive in New York 4 hours late, you get the full £520, even if the first delay was small.
Does my child get compensation? Yes.
If you paid for their ticket (or even just an infant administration fee), they are entitled to the full compensation amount. A family of four delayed on a long-haul flight could claim £2,080.
(Sources: Civil Aviation Authority – Delays, Citizens Advice – Flight Rights)
This guide applies to UK and EU regulated flights. Flights on non-UK/EU airlines leaving from outside Europe (e.g., American Airlines from NY to London) are not covered.