Flight Delay Compensation: How to Claim What You’re Owed in the UK

Flight delays are more than just inconvenient—they can throw your plans into chaos. But if your flight is delayed for a significant amount of time, you might be entitled to compensation. Understanding your rights as a UK traveller can make all the difference when dealing with airlines. This guide breaks down the rules, what you can claim, and how to go about it.

What Are Your Rights if Your Flight is Delayed?

Under UK law (formerly EU Regulation 261/2004), passengers are entitled to certain protections when a flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. Following Brexit, these rules were retained under UK legislation and still apply to all UK flights.

If your flight is departing from a UK airport, or arriving into the UK with a UK or EU airline, you’re covered.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

You may be eligible for compensation if:

• Your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours

• The delay is within the airline’s control

• The flight departs from a UK or EU airport, or arrives in the UK on a UK/EU airline

You won’t qualify if the delay was due to “extraordinary circumstances” such as:

• Severe weather

• Air traffic control strikes

• Political unrest

• Security risks

However, technical issues or staffing problems do not count as extraordinary—meaning compensation is still possible.

How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Delay?

The compensation is fixed, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay. Here’s a breakdown:

Note: These values are subject to currency fluctuations but are broadly consistent with current UK legislation.

What If You Miss a Connection Because of the Delay?

If you’re travelling on a single booking and miss a connecting flight due to a delay, you may be entitled to the same compensation, even if the second leg is with a partner airline. This is especially relevant with UK-based airlines like British Airways or easyJet, which often offer multi-leg bookings.

What Support Are You Entitled to During the Delay?

If you’re delayed by more than 2 hours, the airline must offer you:

• Free food and drink vouchers

• Two phone calls, emails, or faxes

• Hotel accommodation if overnight stay is required

• Transport to and from the hotel

This support is separate from the financial compensation and should be offered automatically. If the airline fails to provide this, you should keep all receipts and claim reimbursement later.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation in the UK

Here’s a simple 3-step guide:

1. Contact the Airline Directly

Go to the airline’s official website and find the flight delay compensation section. Most major airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and Jet2 have online forms.

2. Submit All Required Info

You’ll usually need to provide:

• Your booking reference

• Flight number

• Date of travel

• Reason for the delay (if known)

• Receipts for expenses (if applicable)

3. Escalate if Necessary

If the airline refuses your claim without valid reason, escalate the issue to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme if the airline is a member.

👉 You can also use services like Resolver, which offer free assistance in lodging claims.

Example: British Airways Delay Compensation in Action

Imagine you’re flying from London Heathrow to New York with British Airways. Your flight is delayed by 4.5 hours due to a technical issue with the aircraft.

• Distance: 3,500km+

• Delay: Over 4 hours

• Cause: Technical issue (not extraordinary)

✅ You’re likely entitled to £520 compensation, plus support at the airport like meals and hotel if needed.

What If the Airline Rejects Your Claim?

If your claim is denied and you believe it’s unfair:

• Request a written explanation.

• Keep all evidence of delay (emails, screenshots, photos).

• Raise the issue with the CAA or ADR.

You can also lodge a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service if you paid with a UK credit card and the service was not delivered as promised.

Can You Get Help from Your Bank or Travel Insurance?

Yes. If you booked your flight using a UK credit card, you may be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. For example:

• Barclays or NatWest credit card users can raise a Section 75 claim if the airline refuses rightful compensation.

In addition, some travel insurance policies (e.g., from HSBC, Lloyds Bank, or Santander) cover delays, offering:

• Lump-sum payments after 3–12 hours of delay

• Hotel and meal reimbursement

• Extended travel cover

Always check the policy wording carefully, and submit claims promptly.

How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?

Under UK law, you typically have up to 6 years to file a claim for compensation. However, it’s best to act quickly—airlines may become less cooperative as time passes.

Tips to Maximise Your Chance of Success

• Act fast – the sooner you claim, the better.

• Keep all evidence – boarding passes, receipts, screenshots of delay notifications.

• Be polite but firm – airlines are more likely to respond to well-documented claims.

• Know your rights – quoting UK Regulation 261 can help support your case.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Claiming

Avoid these common pitfalls:

❌ Submitting without documentation
❌ Accepting vouchers instead of cash (unless you truly prefer them)
❌ Claiming for delays under 3 hours
❌ Assuming low-cost airlines are exempt—they’re not

Is It Worth Using a Claims Company?

Claims management companies will often offer to do the work for you—for a hefty fee of up to 30% of your compensation. But in most cases, the process is simple enough to do yourself.

If you feel unsure, try a free service like Resolver first, before handing over a large cut of your compensation.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Airlines Delay Your Right to Compensation

Flight delays can be frustrating, but under UK law, you’re more protected than you might think. Knowing your rights, acting quickly, and providing thorough documentation can help you recover what you’re owed—whether it’s £220 or £520.

From support during your delay to full financial compensation, don’t let the airlines off the hook. Even if they hope you’ll give up, you now know better.

Further Reading

• UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) passenger rights 

• Resolver – free flight delay complaint tool