It’s not rare, especially if you often travel by airplane, for your flight to be delayed or even canceled.
It’s not even that big of a problem if your future plans don’t depend exactly on your time of arrival.
Flights can be delayed for various reasons, from weather to mistakes made by the airline. Whatever the reason is, you’re the one who needs to sit and find something to do at the airport while you wait for your flight.
Of course, if it’s an hour or two difference, it’s not a big deal. However, a flight is sometimes delayed for more than 5 hours, which can be very stressful.
If you want to know if you have the right to file a claim and in which case, we’ve listed everything you need to know when your flight’s been delayed.
Waiting for a delayed flight
If you’re stuck at the airport because your flight was delayed for long enough, your airline is obligated to give you: access to your emails and phone calls, food and drink, accommodation (if, of course, you’re delayed overnight).
Now, let’s see how long the delay has to be in order to have the right to these things listed above.
If your flight distance is less than 1,500 km, the flight needs to be at least 2 hours delayed.
For flight distances between 1,500 and 3,500 km, the delay has to be at least 3 hours long.
Finally, for any distance bigger than 3,500 km, your flight should be delayed at least for 4 hours.
If someone from the airline doesn’t offer to help you or refuses to pay for those things, keep the receipts and file a claim later.
However, keep in mind that only if your flight was delayed for 3 hours or more, and it was strictly the airline’s fault, only then do you have the right to get compensation.
Getting a compensation
If your flight was leaving from the UK or arriving in the UK or EU, you might be able to get compensation.
To be more specific, if you’re arriving in the UK, to get the compensation you need to be flying with a UK or EU airline.
On the other hand, if you’re arriving in the EU, your airline should be from the UK.
If none of these cases is yours, contact the airline to find out what you are entitled to. It also depends on the country you’re flying from and to.
The amount of compensation
Depending on your flight’s distance and the length of the delay, you have the right to a set amount of compensation.
For example, when your arrival was delayed for 3 hours or more, you’re entitled to a set amount of £220 of compensation if your flight’s distance was less than 1,500 km, and £350 if your flight’s distance was between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
On the other hand, when your arrival was delayed for 4 or more hours, your compensation amount should be £520 for distances longer than 3,500 km. Read more about myenvoyair.
Filing a claim
To get compensation, you have to claim from the airline. Go to your airline’s website or contact their customer services department by phone or email.
For any past delays stretching back as far as February 2005, in theory, you can apply for compensation.
However, in practice, your chances to go back further than 2015 are not very high.
Some even believe your claim will probably be refused if the delay happened more than six years ago.
Considering everything, make sure you meet the criteria for seeking compensation – the distance and the hours of delay.
To increase your chances, contact your solicitor to get as much as you can out of your claim.
UK261 vs EU261: Which Rule Covers Your Flight?
After Brexit, the UK kept its own version of the EU flight rule. It is called UK261. It covers the same ground as EU Regulation 261/2004. The rule that applies depends on where your flight started and ended.
| Your Flight | Rule That Applies |
|---|---|
| Leaving from the UK | UK261, for any airline |
| Arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline | UK261 |
| Leaving from the EU | EU261, for any airline |
| Arriving in the EU on an EU airline | EU261 |
How Much Compensation Can You Get?
| Flight Distance | UK261 Amount | EU261 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 220 pounds | 250 euros |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km | 350 pounds | 400 euros |
| Over 3,500 km | 520 pounds | 600 euros |
You get compensation if you arrive 3 hours or more late and the delay was the airline’s fault. If the airline offered you a new flight and you arrived less than 3 hours late, the amount may be cut in half.
When You Do Not Get Compensation
You do not get compensation for an extraordinary event that the airline could not control. Examples are bad weather, a security risk, a strike by airport staff or air traffic control, and a bird strike. The airline must prove that the event was truly out of its control. A strike by the airline’s own staff is usually not an excuse. A tired crew or a broken plane is also not an excuse. These are part of running an airline.
How to File a Claim Step by Step
- Collect your proof: your booking, your boarding pass, and your flight details. Note the time you arrived.
- Claim from the airline. Use the claim form on the airline’s website. Keep copies of every message.
- Wait for the airline’s answer. In the UK, airlines should reply in about 8 weeks. If they refuse or do not reply, ask again in writing.
- Escalate the claim. In the UK, you can take your claim to an ADR scheme or to the Civil Aviation Authority. You can also take the airline to small claims court.
How Long Do You Have to Claim?
In England and Wales, you have six years from the flight to claim. In Scotland, the limit is five years. In the EU, the time limit depends on the country. It is often two or three years. Do not wait. Claim as soon as you can. Old claims are hard to prove, because airlines delete records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a delayed flight can I claim?
In England and Wales, you have six years from the flight. In Scotland, the limit is five years. In the EU, the limit depends on the country. Claim as soon as you can.
How late must a flight be for compensation?
Your arrival must be 3 hours or more late. The delay must be the airline’s fault. Bad weather or a security risk does not count.
How much can I claim for a delayed flight?
Under UK261, the amount is 220 pounds for short flights, 350 pounds for medium flights, and 520 pounds for long flights. Under EU261, the amounts are 250, 400, and 600 euros.
What if the airline refuses my claim?
Ask the airline to explain in writing. Then escalate your claim to an ADR scheme or to the Civil Aviation Authority. You can also take the airline to small claims court.
Disclaimer: This guide shares general information about flight delay claims under UK261 and EU261. Rules, amounts, and time limits can change. Check the Civil Aviation Authority or the airline’s website for the latest details.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026