Flight Claim UK

Under EU regulation 261/2004, UK air passengers enjoy a wide variety of rights which could allow them to claim money back following flight delays. The regulation provides cash compensation and applies to all flights from the UK to EU destinations, so it's something all travellers should be aware of.

Here are some key points for flight claims:

  • EU airline benefits: Travel worry-free on EU airlines, protected by EC 261 legislation for disruptions like cancellations, delays, or downgrades.

  • AirHelp assistance: AirHelp guides you in determining the validity of your claims and ensures successful compensation for flight disruptions.

  • Rights under EC 261: In case of delays or cancellations, you're entitled to alternative transportation, passenger care, and compensation based on the distance traveled.

  • Exceptions for compensation: No compensation for disruptions due to "extraordinary circumstances," communicated cancellations 7-14 days before departure, or alternative flights offered departing up to 2 hours earlier than the initial time.

  • Clear compensation table: EC 261 provides clear compensation values based on flight distance, applicable to flights departing from an EU airport or landing in the EU with a European airline.

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Understanding Flight Claims for UK Passengers

Regulation 261/2004 is the key document which sets out almost any flight claim UK passengers can make. It's important to note that travellers aren't generally liable for issues like delays or being denied boarding. Thanks to EU legislation, that burden falls on airlines. Travellers can claim if they are denied boarding on any flight into the EU due to overbooking - a common practice that airlines use to ensure that every flight is fully booked. Flight cancellations are included if the cancellation is within the airline's control. And delays are also covered, providing flights leave more than 3 hours late.

UK customers can obtain significant amounts of compensation if they file a claim. For instance, delays of just 3 hours can result in payments of £520. The amount paid will depend on factors like how far the flight has travelled. Before making a claim, be aware that delays due to weather, protests, or strike action are often not covered. But even then airlines could be penalised if they have not tried their hardest to avoid delays. So it's usually worth claiming, and success rates for passengers are high.

AirHelp is here to help you get compensation for flight delays and cancellations. Find out what you could be entitled to.

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About AirHelp

AirHelp is the world's largest air passenger rights organisation, here to help air travellers secure compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights .

We make claiming compensation easy and stress-free. Whether you are unsure of your rights, lack the time, or simply want an expert to handle your entire claim for you, AirHelp can help you get what you are rightfully owed.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can check your compensation risk-free.


Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

How do you know when you should claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight? Though the law can be complicated, we're here to break it down for you:

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late.
Cancelled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.
Overbookings: you are owed compensation any time you are denied boarding through no fault of your own — so long as you didn't voluntarily give up your seat.

We should note that if extraordinary circumstances were involved, airlines are under no obligation to pay compensation. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include bad weather, travel restrictions, and air traffic control strikes. Though these situations cause delays and cancellations, the airline isn't at fault, so can't be expected to offer compensation.

Remember these are European flight regulations and so only apply to flights departing from an EU airport, or flights landing in the EU with a European airline. The table below makes it clear which flights are covered:

Claim up to £520 in compensation if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or overbooked within the last 3 years.

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How Much Flight Compensation?

DistanceCompensation
All flights under 1,500 kmUp to £;220 per person
Internal EU flights over 1,500 kmUp to £;350 per person
Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 - 3,500 kmUp to £;350 per person
Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 kmUp to £;520 per person

Table shows values in € as specified in EC 261

In some circumstances the compensation amount may differ from the standard amounts shown above. The easiest way to find out what you’re owed is to use our Compensation Check.


What to Do if Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled

If you experience a flight delay or cancellation, here's what you should do:

  • Hold onto your boarding pass and other travel documents.

  • Ask why the flight was delayed or cancelled.

  • Request food, drinks, and if necessary, free transport and hotel accommodation.

  • If you had a cancelled flight, ask for an alternative flight or a refund.

  • Keep all receipts of any extra expenses you may have had, including necessary food, clothing, etc.

  • Be careful not to sign any waivers or accept vouchers that will require you to waive your right to compensation.

Have AirHelp claim your compensation

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Recent delays and cancellations

Airline (e.g. Lufthansa)

Departure airport (e.g. Frankfurt or FRA)

Date

Flight number

Airline

Route

Status

03/02/2025

00:30

7H502

New Pacific Airlines

Anchorage (ANC)

Homer (HOM)

CancelledCheck Compensation

03/02/2025

00:20

UP206

Bahamasair

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Nassau (NAS)

CancelledCheck Compensation

03/02/2025

00:19

AV9332

Avianca

Bogota (BOG)

Medellin (MDE)

CancelledCheck Compensation

03/02/2025

00:15

3H823

Air Inuit

Kangiqsualujjuaq (XGR)

Kuujjuaq (YVP)

CancelledCheck Compensation

03/02/2025

00:00

H25616

Sky Airline

Lima (LIM)

Pucallpa (PCL)

CancelledCheck Compensation

03/02/2025

00:00

H25426

Sky Airline

Lima (LIM)

Pucallpa (PCL)

CancelledCheck Compensation

02/02/2025

23:50

AD4832

Azul Airlines

São Paulo (GRU)

Curitiba (CWB)

CancelledCheck Compensation

02/02/2025

23:50

AD4832

Azul Airlines

São Paulo (GRU)

Curitiba (CWB)

CancelledCheck Compensation

02/02/2025

23:50

AD4832

Azul Airlines

São Paulo (GRU)

Curitiba (CWB)

CancelledCheck Compensation

02/02/2025

23:50

AD4832

Azul Airlines

São Paulo (GRU)

Curitiba (CWB)

CancelledCheck Compensation
Your flight isn't here? Use our full compensation check and we'll look into it. Check your flight
  • 7H502

    New Pacific Airlines

    Cancelled

    Anchorage

    Homer

    ANC

    HOM

    03/02/2025

    00:30

    Check Compensation
  • UP206

    Bahamasair

    Cancelled

    Fort Lauderdale

    Nassau

    FLL

    NAS

    03/02/2025

    00:20

    Check Compensation
  • AV9332

    Avianca

    Cancelled

    Bogota

    Medellin

    BOG

    MDE

    03/02/2025

    00:19

    Check Compensation
  • 3H823

    Air Inuit

    Cancelled

    Kangiqsualujjuaq

    Kuujjuaq

    XGR

    YVP

    03/02/2025

    00:15

    Check Compensation
  • H25616

    Sky Airline

    Cancelled

    Lima

    Pucallpa

    LIM

    PCL

    03/02/2025

    00:00

    Check Compensation
  • H25426

    Sky Airline

    Cancelled

    Lima

    Pucallpa

    LIM

    PCL

    03/02/2025

    00:00

    Check Compensation
  • AD4832

    Azul Airlines

    Cancelled

    São Paulo

    Curitiba

    GRU

    CWB

    02/02/2025

    23:50

    Check Compensation
  • AD4832

    Azul Airlines

    Cancelled

    São Paulo

    Curitiba

    GRU

    CWB

    02/02/2025

    23:50

    Check Compensation
  • AD4832

    Azul Airlines

    Cancelled

    São Paulo

    Curitiba

    GRU

    CWB

    02/02/2025

    23:50

    Check Compensation
  • AD4832

    Azul Airlines

    Cancelled

    São Paulo

    Curitiba

    GRU

    CWB

    02/02/2025

    23:50

    Check Compensation
Your flight isn't here? Use our full compensation check and we'll look into it. Check your flight

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AirHelp is a part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) whose mission is to promote and protect passengers’ rights.

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