Flight delayed: when you are owed compensation and how much

Passengers' rights for delayed and cancelled flights in the UK are set out in rules explained by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). They apply to flights from a UK airport and to flights by UK and European airlines arriving in the UK.

When is compensation due?

Cash compensation is possible if you reach your destination more than three hours late and the delay was the airline's fault. If the cause is extraordinary circumstances — such as severe weather or a third‑party strike — the airline does not have to pay.

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How much is paid?

The amount depends on distance: £220 for flights up to 1,500 km; £350 for flights of 1,500 to 3,500 km; and for flights over 3,500 km, £260 for a delay of 3 to 4 hours and £520 for more than 4 hours. This is separate from any refund for the ticket.

What must the airline provide at the airport?

Whatever the compensation, a long wait triggers the right to care. Food and drink must be provided after 2 hours (flights up to 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500–3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km). You are also due two phone calls or emails, and if you are delayed overnight, a hotel and transport to it.

Can you get a refund?

If the flight is delayed by at least five hours, you can choose not to travel and get a refund for unused flights.

How and when to claim

Compensation is not paid automatically — claim from the airline first. If it refuses or stays silent for more than eight weeks, take the complaint to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body or to PACT, the CAA's advice service. You have six years to claim in England and Wales, five in Scotland.

How does a delay differ from a cancellation?

For a cancellation the rules are similar, but with twists: you must be offered a choice between a refund and re‑routing to your destination, and compensation also depends on how much notice you were given and how far your arrival time moved. For denied boarding — being bumped because of overbooking, through no fault of yours — compensation is also due.

Keep everything: boarding passes, airline notices, receipts for food and hotels. You can use the right to care at the airport whether or not cash compensation is ultimately owed. If the airline refuses on grounds of extraordinary circumstances, ask for its reasons in writing — that is what the dispute body will assess. Current rules and calculators are on the CAA website.