Eich Hawliau fel Teithiwr Awyr
If you are flying from a UK airport (on any airline) or to a UK airport (on a UK/EU airline), you have legal rights under retained EU Regulation 261/2004 (now UK law) when your flight is delayed, cancelled, or you are denied boarding. These rights include compensation, re-routing, and assistance (meals, accommodation). The Montreal Convention also covers airline liability for baggage loss and personal injury.
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Your Rights
Right to Compensation for Cancellation
If your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you may be entitled to compensation of €250 (short-haul), €400 (medium-haul), or €600 (long-haul), unless the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, security risks, air traffic control strikes).
Right to Compensation for Long Delays
If your flight arrives more than 3 hours late at the final destination, you are entitled to the same compensation as for cancellation (Sturgeon v Condor, confirmed in UK law). Extraordinary circumstances still apply as a defence.
Right to Re-routing or Refund
If your flight is cancelled, you must be offered a choice between: (a) a full refund within 7 days, (b) re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity, or (c) re-routing at a later date of your convenience.
Right to Care (Meals and Accommodation)
If your flight is delayed for 2+ hours (short-haul), 3+ hours (medium-haul), or 4+ hours (long-haul), the airline must provide meals and refreshments, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary.
Right to Compensation for Lost or Damaged Baggage
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage up to approximately £1,000 (1,288 SDRs). You must report damage within 7 days and delay within 21 days.
Right for Disabled Passengers
Airlines and airports must provide assistance to disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, free of charge. You cannot be refused boarding on grounds of disability except for justified safety reasons.
Common Myths
Airlines can blame any delay on 'extraordinary circumstances'
Technical faults and operational issues are generally NOT extraordinary circumstances (Huzar v Jet2.com). Weather, strikes, and security incidents usually are.
You can only claim from EU airlines
The regulation applies to ALL airlines departing from a UK airport, regardless of nationality. For flights TO the UK, it applies to UK and EU carriers.
You can only claim for recent flights
You can claim for flights up to 6 years ago (in England & Wales) under the Limitation Act 1980.
What To Do
Claim Directly from the Airline
Write to the airline's customer service team citing Regulation 261/2004 and requesting the specific compensation amount. Include your booking reference, flight details, and arrival time.
Escalate to the CAA
If the airline refuses or does not respond within 8 weeks, complain to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or the airline's approved ADR scheme.
Take Legal Action
If all else fails, you can bring a claim in the small claims court (Money Claims Online) for the compensation amount plus any additional expenses.
Key Legislation
- Retained EU Regulation 261/2004
- Montreal Convention 1999
- Carriage by Air Act 1961
- Consumer Rights Act 2015