Claiming Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
How to claim compensation from an airline for a delayed or cancelled flight under retained EU Regulation 261/2004.
Prezentare generală
If your flight from a UK airport (or to a UK airport on a UK/EU carrier) is cancelled or arrives more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to compensation of £220–£520 (€250–€600) under retained EU Regulation 261/2004. The airline must also provide care (meals, refreshments, accommodation) during long delays. Airlines can avoid paying compensation only if the disruption was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' beyond their control — but technical faults generally do not qualify.
Cine poate folosi acest proces
- Your flight departed from a UK airport, OR arrived at a UK airport on a UK/EU carrier
- Your flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, OR arrived 3+ hours late
- The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather, security risks)
- You have a confirmed booking and checked in on time
Proces pas cu pas
Gather your evidence
Collect your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any communications from the airline about the delay or cancellation. Note the actual arrival time (when the aircraft doors opened at the gate).
- Take screenshots of the flight status showing the delay
- Keep receipts for any expenses (meals, transport, accommodation)
Claim directly from the airline
Submit a compensation claim through the airline's website or in writing. Cite retained EU Regulation 261/2004. State the flight details, the delay/cancellation, and the compensation amount you are claiming.
- Many airlines have online complaint forms specifically for Regulation 261/2004 claims
- The airline has 8 weeks to respond
Escalate if rejected
If the airline rejects your claim or fails to respond within 8 weeks, you can refer the dispute to the airline's approved ADR scheme (if it has one) or to the CAA Passenger Advice and Complaints Team. You can also bring a claim in the County Court (small claims track).
- Check which ADR scheme the airline is a member of
- The CAA can investigate but cannot order compensation
Court claim if necessary
If ADR is unsuccessful or unavailable, issue a County Court claim (Money Claims Online). The claim is for a fixed sum — courts regularly award compensation under the Regulation.
- Court fee is £35–£115 depending on the amount claimed
- Most cases settle before trial
Costuri
Avertismente importante
Airlines frequently claim 'extraordinary circumstances' — do not accept this without checking. Technical faults are generally NOT extraordinary circumstances (Huzar v Jet2 [2014]).
Claims can be brought up to 6 years after the flight (Limitation Act 1980).
No-win-no-fee claims companies typically take 25-35% commission — consider claiming yourself.