Article: published on 24 August 2026
Consumer journalist Rebecca Wilcox
Flight delays: How to claim compensation
- Published
Flight delays can leave passengers out of pocket, especially if they miss connections, lose hotel bookings or have to spend extra money at the airport.
Consumer journalist Rebecca Wilcox joined BBC Morning Live to explain when passengers could be owed compensation, what evidence to keep, and how to challenge an airline if a claim is not resolved.
When can you claim compensation for a delayed flight?
Under UK law, passengers may be entitled to compensation if a flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late and the airline is responsible for the delay.
The arrival time matters, not the departure time. If a flight leaves more than three hours late but arrives two hours and 45 minutes late, it will not meet the three-hour threshold.
The delay also needs to be the airline's fault. Technical faults and airline staff issues may be covered, but passengers are not usually entitled to compensation for disruption outside the airline's control, such as extreme weather or air traffic control restrictions.
The rules apply to flights departing from a UK airport, and to flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
How much could you get?
Compensation depends on the distance of the flight and how late you arrive.
For flights of less than 1,500km, compensation is £220.
For flights between 1,500km and 3,500km, compensation is £350.
For flights over 3,500km, compensation is £520. This can be reduced to £260 if you arrive less than four hours late.
Compensation is intended to make up for the inconvenience. It is not a refund of the whole ticket price.
What support should you get at the airport?
If your flight is delayed for long enough, the airline has a duty of care.
This can include meals, refreshments and a way to communicate, such as phone calls or emails.
If the delay means you have to stay overnight, the airline should arrange accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel.
The point at which this support starts depends on the length and distance of the flight, but passengers can be entitled to care during delays even if they are not entitled to compensation.
Airlines may offer vouchers, but you do not have to accept them instead of cash compensation.
What should you include in a claim?
If you are making a claim, gather as much information as possible before contacting the airline.
You should include your full contact details, booking reference, travel dates, flight number, departure airport and destination airport.
Include details of what happened, how long the delay lasted, and what time the flight arrived.
Photos of departure boards, airline messages, boarding passes and receipts can also help.
If you had to pay for food, drink, transport or accommodation because support was not provided, keep the receipts.
Where do you make a claim?
The Civil Aviation Authority says you should contact the airline directly if you believe you have a right to claim compensation or reimbursement.
Each airline handles claims differently. Some use online forms, while others ask passengers to email.
Be clear about what you are claiming and include the amount you believe you are owed.
If you booked through a travel agent or third party, you may still need to claim compensation from the operating airline, depending on what you are claiming for. Refunds for package holidays or third-party bookings can work differently, so check who your contract is with.
What if the airline doesn't respond?
If you have complained to the airline and it has not resolved the issue, you may be able to take the complaint further.
If the airline is a member of an alternative dispute resolution scheme, you can complain to the relevant ADR provider. This is usually after you have received a final response from the airline or eight weeks have passed since you complained.
If the airline is not part of an ADR scheme, you can complain to the Civil Aviation Authority's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team.
You will need evidence showing you contacted the airline first, so keep copies of emails, complaint forms and responses.
Can airlines offer vouchers instead of cash?
Airlines may offer vouchers, but you do not have to accept them instead of cash compensation.
If you are legally entitled to compensation, you can ask for it to be paid in money.
If you accept vouchers, you may not be able to ask for cash later, so check the terms before agreeing.
How long do you have to claim?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can usually claim for eligible flights dating back up to six years.
In Scotland, you usually have five years from the departure date to start your claim.
