Your flight was delayed or cancelled? You have legal rights under EU261/2004. Claim compensation directly from the airline: up to £520 per person. Step-by-step guide.
Quick Answer
If your flight arrived 3+ hours late, you can claim £250-£520 compensation under EU261/2004 (depending on distance). Send a formal letter to the airline citing EU261. If they refuse, escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at www.caa.co.uk. No lawyers needed.
Collect: booking confirmation, boarding pass, flight number, date, destination, actual arrival time, and how many hours late you arrived.
2
Contact Airline
Send a formal letter to the airline citing EU261/2004. Request compensation. Include all flight details and proof of delay. Keep copies.
3
Escalate if Needed
If airline refuses or doesn't respond within 6-8 weeks, escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at www.caa.co.uk. CAA can enforce payment.
Backed by International Flight Law
Flight Compensation
EC Regulation 261/2004
Guarantees compensation (£250-£520) for delayed or cancelled flights. Applies to all flights departing EU airports and EU airline flights arriving in EU.
International Flights
Montreal Convention
For flights outside EU territory, Montreal Convention provides compensation up to specific limits for baggage loss, delays, and injury.
UK Enforcement
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
UK's independent regulator. Handles flight compensation disputes free of charge. Decisions are legally binding on airlines.
Common Flight Compensation Situations
⏰
3+ Hour Delay
You arrived 3 or more hours late. Eligible for £250-£520 compensation under EU261.
❌
Cancelled Flight
Flight cancelled and you weren't rebooked on alternative flight within 3-4 hours. Full refund or compensation applies.
🔄
Missed Connection
Delayed first flight caused you to miss connecting flight. You can claim for final arrival delay if 3+ hours.
🎫
Downgrade or Overbooking
Airline downgraded you to lower class, or overbooked and denied boarding. Compensation applies.
💳
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You paid for meals, hotel, or communication during delay. Airline must reimburse reasonable expenses.
🌍
Non-EU Destination
Flight from UK arriving outside EU. Montreal Convention may apply; different compensation limits apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compensation can I get for a delayed flight?▼
Under EU261/2004, you get: (1) £250 for flights up to 1,500km. (2) £400 for flights 1,500-3,500km. (3) £520 for flights over 3,500km. This applies if you arrive 3 or more hours late. However, airlines can avoid paying if they claim "extraordinary circumstances" (severe weather, air traffic strikes, security threats).
How long does an airline have to respond to my claim?▼
Airlines must respond within 6-8 weeks of receiving your claim. They will either: (1) Pay the compensation. (2) Reject with a reason (often citing "extraordinary circumstances"). (3) Ignore you entirely (which is a breach—escalate to CAA). Don't accept silence.
Can I claim if the airline says it was bad weather?▼
Severe weather is an "extraordinary circumstance" that may exempt airlines from paying. However, airlines must provide evidence (weather reports, aviation authority statements). Many airlines falsely claim weather. Disputes often go to CAA arbitration. Don't accept a refusal without documented evidence from the airline. Push back.
Do I need a lawyer to claim flight compensation?▼
No. You can: (1) Claim directly with the airline by letter (free, DIY). (2) Escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if airline refuses (free, independent). (3) Use a claim agency (they charge 25-40% commission). DIY is faster, cheaper, and maintains full control.
What if my flight was cancelled instead of delayed?▼
Cancelled flights give you the same EU261 rights: (1) Compensation (£250-£520 if not rebooked within 3-4 hours). (2) Full refund of ticket price. (3) Rebook on alternative flight (same or next day). (4) Care and assistance (meals, hotel, communication). You're entitled to all of the above if the airline cancels.
How far back can I claim for flight delays?▼
Under UK law, you typically have 6 years to claim for flight delays. However, the flight must have been regulated by EU261 (departed from EU airport, or arrived in EU on an EU-registered airline). Flights before 2004 or purely non-EU flights may have different rules. Check your flight date and route.
Ready to Claim Your Flight Compensation?
Fightingback's flights tool guides you through building your claim and sending a formal letter to the airline. Free to use, no signup required.