Having a flight delayed or cancelled is inconvenient and can leave you stranded at the airport, but do you know your rights to receiving compensation and how much you could get?
Are you entitled to compensation?
If you’re travelling from the EU then you’re entitled to compensation for delays of more than three hours or cancelled flights. This also applies if you fly from a non-EU country with a European airline to an EU country.
It’s currently under EU law (EU Regulation 261/2004), but it is subject to change after Brexit is complete in 2019.
For any delays or cancellations to or from destinations outside the EU, or returning with non-EU airlines to the UK, any claims for compensation will be subject to the used airline’s T&Cs, so you will have to get in touch will them directly.
If your flight is delayed for more than two hours, the airline has to provide you with free food and drink, the cost of any phone calls/emails and if you’re stranded overnight, accommodation as well.
However, only reasonable expenses will be covered, so you won’t be able to hit the airport bar for a few beers.
Compensation for delays
Flight distance – Up to 1,500km (932 miles)
How late arriving – More than 3 hours
Entitlement – €250
Flight distance – Any flight within the EU over 1,500km (932 miles) or any other flight between 1,500km-3,500 km (2,175 miles)
How late arriving – More than 3 hours
Entitlement – €400
Flight distance – More than 3,500km (2,175 miles)
How late arriving – Between 3-4 hours
Entitlement – €300
Flight distance – More than 3,500km (2,175 miles)
How late arriving – More than 4 hours
Entitlement – €600
If the reason for a flight delay is the airline’s fault, you should get compensation, however if your flight is delayed due to a storm or strike, you won’t be entitled to a flight delay claim – even if the flight is delayed by more than five hours. However, you are not obliged to commit to a flight that has had over a five hour delay and you’ll still be entitled to a full refund, food and drink etc.
You should check with your travel insurance if your flight is delayed as you may be able to claim compensation through them, if delays and cancellations are covered.
The time allowed to claim compensation by the stature of limitations if the claim goes to court is no more than six years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (five years in Scotland). Any longer than six years and your claim may be refused, so it’s best to claim for flight delay compensation as soon as possible.
If you need to claim compensation, the most effective way is to do so straight away at the airport, especially if you need a replacement flight or are delayed overnight. If the airline won’t pay up there and then, make sure you keep hold of all your receipts so that you can make a claim on return.
For a formal claim, contact the airline’s customer services by email or phone, including all the relevant information such as flight details etc.
If you need helping writing a formal claim letter, use this handy tool by Which?
The Civil Aviation Authority can help you if you didn’t receive compensation that you feel you are entitled to, or if you feel the airline is being unhelpful.
If you booked with one airline and actually fly with another – known as codeshare, an agreement between two airlines – then you are still entitled for compensation for delayed flights if you’re departing from an EU airport or the operated flight is an EU carrier.
Most airlines overbook flights by around 5%, which helps them make more money from each service. However, this can lead to be passengers being refused a seat to fly – or being ‘bumped’ as it is known.
What if my flight is cancelled?
Flight cancelled altogether? You’re entitled to claim a full refund or a replacement flight so you can reach you destination.
Depending on whether you’re delayed by a replacement flight or whether you have onward flights or travels plans which are affected by the delay, you may be able to claim further compensation.
If your flight was cancelled less than seven days before departure:
| Flight distance | Departure and arrival times | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1,500km | Departure – at least one hour earlier than booked flightArrival – up to two hours later than booked flight | €125 |
| Arrival – at least two hours later than booked flight | €250 | |
| 1,500km to 3,500km | Departure – at least one hour earlier than booked flightArrival – up to three hours later than booked flight | €200 |
| Arrival – at least three hours later than booked flight | €400 | |
| More than 3,500km | Departure – at least one hour earlier than booked flightArrival – up to four hours later than booked flight | €300 |
| Arrival – at least four hours later than booked flight | €600 |
| If your flight was cancelled between seven and 14 days before departure: | ||
| Flight distance | Departure and arrival times | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1,500km | Departure – from two or more hours earlier than booked flightArrival – up to two hours later than booked flight | €125 |
| Departure – from two or more hours earlier than booked flightArrival – two or more hours later than booked flight | €250 | |
| Arrival – four or more hours later than booked flight | €250 | |
| 1,500km to 3,500km | Departure – from two of more hours earlier than booked flightArrival – up to three hours later than booked flight | €200 |
| Departure – from two or more hours earlier than booked flightArrival – three to four hours later than booked flight | €400 | |
| Arrival – four or more hours later than booked flight | €400 | |
| More than 3,500km | Departure – from two or more hours earlier than booked flightArrival – up to four hours later than booked flight | €300 |
| Arrival – four or more hours later than booked flight | €600 | |