EU261 and UK261 regulations entitle passengers to compensation for delays of 3+ hours, cancellations, and denied boarding — if the cause was within the airline's control. Most eligible passengers never claim. Takes 2 minutes to check.
Check My FlightAnswer six quick questions and we'll tell you whether you're likely entitled to compensation under EU261 or UK261 law.
Both laws are nearly identical — UK261 was created post-Brexit and mirrors EU261 for UK-departing flights.
If your flight arrived at the final destination 3 or more hours late, you are entitled to financial compensation — provided the cause was within the airline's control. The delay is measured on arrival, not departure.
If your flight was cancelled, you are entitled to compensation unless the airline notified you more than 14 days in advance, or offered a reroute arriving within 2 hours of the original schedule.
If you were bumped from a flight you had a confirmed reservation and checked in on time, you are entitled to compensation plus re-routing or a full refund. Airlines must first ask for volunteers before bumping involuntary passengers.
Airlines can avoid paying if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control — genuine severe weather, ATC restrictions, security threats, or political instability. However, routine technical faults and airline strikes do NOT qualify. Courts consistently narrow this exemption.
Regardless of compensation eligibility, EU261/UK261 requires airlines to provide meals and refreshments, communication facilities, and hotel accommodation (with transport) if an overnight stay is required. Keep your receipts — you can claim these costs back.
In the UK: 6 years from the flight date. In the EU: varies by country — France 5 years, Germany 3 years, Spain 1 year, Italy 2 years. For flights involving multiple jurisdictions, the longer limit may apply.
Fixed compensation rates set by law — airlines cannot pay less. These amounts apply to delays of 3+ hours, cancellations and denied boarding.
| Flight Distance | Type | 3+ Hour Delay | Cancellation | Denied Boarding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km e.g. London–Paris |
Short haul | £/€250 | £/€250 | £/€250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km e.g. London–Cairo |
Medium haul | £/€400 | £/€400 | £/€400 |
| Over 3,500 km e.g. London–New York |
Long haul (EU/UK ↔ non-EU) | £520 / €600 | £520 / €600 | £520 / €600 |
| Over 3,500 km within EU e.g. to French overseas territories |
Long haul (intra-EU) | £/€400 | £/€400 | £/€400 |
| Delay under 3 hours | Not eligible for compensation | N/A | N/A | |
| Delay 5+ hours (you chose not to fly) | Full refund of ticket price + return flight if you did not travel | |||
* Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline reroutes you and you arrive within specific time windows of your original arrival. See EU261 Article 7(2) for exact thresholds.
EU261 rules explained in full, plus airline-specific guides to filing with BA and Ryanair.