Passengers waiting in an airport departure lounge with an aircraft outside the window

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Delayed · cancelled · bumped

Flight delayed or cancelled? Check what you’re owed

EU, UK and Canadian law sets fixed cash amounts when an airline delays or cancels your flight. Check yours in a minute, then claim free or with a no-win, no-fee service.

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You could be owed

€600

per passenger, set by law

Flight delay compensation calculator

Last checked against Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EUR-Lex), UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 7 (legislation.gov.uk), Air Passenger Protection Regulations, section 19, 14 CFR Part 260: refunds (eCFR) and ICAO: 2024 revised limits of liability under the Montreal Convention.

Three steps

How claiming works

  1. 1Check your flightUse the calculator: route, how late you arrived and how many of you travelled.
  2. 2Claim from the airlineFree with the airline’s own form, or hand it to a no-win, no-fee service.
  3. 3Get paidA fixed amount per passenger, set by law and not linked to your ticket price.
  • Amounts set by law
  • Free to claim yourself
  • No win, no fee option

Check your flight with AirHelp

Enter your flight to start a free eligibility check (no win, no fee).

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Or check with Compensair

A second opinion from another claims service.

Set by law

How much you can claim

Arrived 3+ hours late? The longer the flight, the more you get

  • Under 1,500 kme.g. Glasgow to Amsterdam
    €250 / £220
  • 1,500–3,500 kme.g. East Midlands to Marrakesh
    €400 / £350
  • Over 3,500 kme.g. London to New York
    €600 / £520

Per passenger. Over 3,500 km, arriving 3–4 hours late pays half (€300 / £260); EU flights over 1,500 km within the EU pay €400.

EU261: compensation per passenger
Flight distanceArrival delayAmount
1,500 km or less3 hours or more€250
Within the EU, over 1,500 km3 hours or more€400
Other flights, 1,500–3,500 km3 hours or more€400
Over 3,500 km, between the EU and a non-EU country3 to 4 hours€300
Over 3,500 km, between the EU and a non-EU country4 hours or more€600

Source: Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EUR-Lex); Your Europe (European Union): air passenger rights

UK261: compensation per passenger
Flight distanceArrival delayAmount
Under 1,500 km3 hours or more£220
1,500–3,500 km3 hours or more£350
Over 3,500 km3 to 4 hours£260
Over 3,500 km4 hours or more£520

Source: UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 7 (legislation.gov.uk); UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays

Canada APPR: compensation per passenger (Canadian dollars)
Arrival delayLarge airlineSmall airline
3 to under 6 hoursC$400C$125
6 to under 9 hoursC$700C$250
9 hours or moreC$1,000C$500

Paid when the disruption was within the airline’s control and not needed for safety, you were told 14 days or less before departure, and you claim in writing within 1 year. Large airlines are Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge), WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat, Porter and Flair; every other Canadian airline counts as small.

Source: Air Passenger Protection Regulations, section 19; Canadian Transportation Agency: delays and cancellations

EU261 is being updated. The European Parliament approved the final text of a regulation amending EU261 on 7 July 2026. The changes apply only once the new regulation is published and its start date arrives; until then, the amounts on this page are the ones that apply.

Source: European Parliament: resolution of 7 July 2026 on the joint text

Hour by hour

What you’re owed, and when

  1. 2 h late

    Care starts

    Food and drink and two phone calls or emails, from 2 hours on flights under 1,500 km (3 hours up to 3,500 km, 4 hours beyond).

  2. 3 h late

    Cash compensation

    Arrive 3 hours or more late for a reason within the airline’s control and you can claim a fixed amount per passenger.

  3. 5 h late

    Refund option

    Delayed 5 hours or more and no longer want to travel? You can ask for a refund and, if needed, a flight back to where you started.

  4. Overnight

    Hotel and transfers

    Delayed overnight? The airline owes you a hotel and transport between the airport and the hotel, whatever caused the delay.

While you wait

Food, calls and a hotel: your right to care

Flight distanceCare starts after a delay of
Under 1,500 kme.g. Glasgow to Amsterdam2 hours
1,500–3,500 kme.g. East Midlands to Marrakesh3 hours
Over 3,500 kme.g. London to New York4 hours

Delay measured against the scheduled departure time. Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays.

What the airline must give you

Whatever caused the delay.

  • Food and drink in line with the wait
  • Two phone calls or emails
  • A hotel and transfers if you are delayed overnight

Who pays

When the airline has to pay, and when it doesn’t

Airlines usually have to pay for

  • ✓Ordinary technical faults, such as a failed component or wear and tear
  • ✓Strikes by the airline’s own staff
  • ✓Overbooking (denied boarding)

Extraordinary circumstances (no cash)

  • Bad weather that makes flying unsafe
  • Air traffic control restrictions and decisions
  • Security risks and political instability
  • Strikes by staff outside the airline (for example, air traffic controllers)

Even then, the airline still owes you care (food, drinks, a hotel if needed) and a refund or rerouting for cancellations.

Know the small print

Situations that change what you’re owed

It’s the arrival time that counts

Compensation depends on how late you reach your final destination, not how late you took off. Time made up in the air can take you under 3 hours.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays

Rerouted? The amount can be halved

If the airline reroutes you and you arrive within 2 hours (under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500–3,500 km) or 4 hours (longer flights) of your original arrival time, it may cut the compensation by 50%.

Source: UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 7 (legislation.gov.uk)

Connecting flights on one booking

Distance is measured from your first airport to your last, and only your arrival at the final destination counts. Miss a connection because the first flight was late and the airline still owes you care, including a hotel if you wait overnight.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays

Separate bookings (self-transfer)

If you booked the flights separately, there is no legal right to care, compensation or onward travel when a late flight makes you miss the next one. Each flight still carries its own rights.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays

Cancellations: how much notice you got

14 days’ notice or more: no compensation. 7 to 14 days, or under 7 days: you may be owed compensation, depending on how close the replacement flight’s times are to your original ones. You can always choose a refund or a new flight instead.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: cancellations

Paying your own way

If the airline doesn’t arrange care, you can buy reasonable food, drink and a hotel yourself and claim it back. Keep itemised receipts. Alcohol, luxury meals and luxury hotels are unlikely to be refunded.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays

Already compensated elsewhere?

EU rules don’t apply on top of compensation, rerouting or care you already received for the same journey under a non-EU country’s law.

Source: Your Europe (European Union): air passenger rights

Booked a package holiday?

Your flight rights still apply. Complaints about the holiday company go to the company first, then through its trade association (such as ABTA) or, for ATOL-protected trips, the CAA’s ATOL scheme.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority: how the CAA can help

Bumped, downgraded, codeshare

Denied boarding, downgrades and codeshares

Codeshare flights

Under EU261 the airline that actually operates the flight is the one that owes you, even if you booked it under another airline’s flight number. That also decides cover on the way in: a flight into the EU from outside is covered only if the operating airline is an EU airline, and a flight into the UK only if it is a UK or EU airline.

Source: Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted (legislation.gov.uk); UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 3 (legislation.gov.uk)

Denied boarding (bumped)

Under EU261 the airline must first ask for volunteers. If you are bumped against your will, it must pay you straight away (€250, €400 or €600 by distance), give you a refund or a new flight, and look after you while you wait. In Canada, being bumped for a reason within the airline’s control pays C$900 (arriving under 6 hours late), C$1,800 (6 to 9 hours) or C$2,400 (9 hours or more), within 48 hours.

Source: Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted (legislation.gov.uk); Air Passenger Protection Regulations, section 20

Downgraded to a lower class

The airline must refund part of the ticket price within 7 days:

  • 30% on flights of 1,500 km or less
  • 50% on flights within the EU over 1,500 km, and other flights of 1,500–3,500 km
  • 75% on longer flights

UK261 uses the same percentages by distance.

Source: Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted (legislation.gov.uk); UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 10 (legislation.gov.uk)

US flights

Flying from the US: refunds, not fixed compensation

No fixed cash compensation for delays

US federal rules do not set cash amounts for a delayed or cancelled flight the way EU261, UK261 and APPR do. Meals, hotels and other help depend on the airline’s own policy. If your flight leaves an EU or UK airport, EU261 or UK261 can still apply, even on a US airline.

Source: US Department of Transportation: Fly Rights; Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted (legislation.gov.uk); UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 3 (legislation.gov.uk)

An automatic refund if you don’t travel

On a flight to, from or within the US, if the airline cancels or significantly changes it and you turn down the new flight and any voucher, you are owed a full refund of the fare, taxes and extra fees you paid. It is due within 7 business days on a credit card, or 20 calendar days for other payment types.

A significant change includes:

  • Departing 3 hours or more early, or arriving 3 hours or more late (6 hours on international trips)
  • A different departure or arrival airport
  • More connections than you booked
  • A lower class of service
  • For travellers with a disability: different connecting airports, or an aircraft missing an accessibility feature they need

Source: 14 CFR Part 260: refunds (eCFR); US Department of Transportation: refunds

International trips

Montreal Convention: delay costs and baggage

Delay: your proven costs, up to a limit

On international journeys covered by the Montreal Convention, the airline is liable for damage caused by delay (Article 19), unless it proves it took all reasonable measures to avoid it, or could not. It is not a fixed payment: you claim what the delay cost you, with receipts. The limit is 6,303 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger, in force since 28 December 2024 (Article 22).

Source: Montreal Convention 1999 text (legislation.gov.uk); ICAO: 2024 revised limits of liability under the Montreal Convention

Lost, damaged or delayed bags

The limit is 1,519 SDR per passenger for checked baggage, unless you declared a higher value when checking in. Complain in writing: within 7 days of getting a damaged bag back, and within 21 days of getting a delayed bag back. A court claim must be brought within 2 years (Article 35).

Source: Montreal Convention 1999 text (legislation.gov.uk); ICAO: 2024 revised limits of liability under the Montreal Convention

Two ways

How to claim

Free, do it yourself

Claim directly with the airline

  1. 1. Keep your boarding pass, booking reference and any receipts.
  2. 2. Ask staff in writing what caused the delay or cancellation.
  3. 3. Use its complaint or claim form on its website.
  4. 4. No answer in 2 months, or a refusal you disagree with? Complain to the national enforcement body, or use dispute resolution or small claims.

No win, no fee

Let a claims company handle it

  • They check eligibility for free and chase the airline for you, including in court.
  • They keep a share of the payout only if they win: check their fee before you start.
Check my claim with AirHelp or compare with Compensair

Copy and send

Flight compensation claim letter template

Fill in the [brackets], delete what doesn’t apply, then send it with the airline’s claim form or by email.

Subject: Compensation claim – flight [FLIGHT NUMBER] on [DATE]

Dear [AIRLINE NAME] customer relations,

I was booked on flight [FLIGHT NUMBER] from [DEPARTURE AIRPORT] to [ARRIVAL AIRPORT] on [DATE], booking reference [BOOKING REFERENCE].

The flight was [delayed / cancelled]. I reached my final destination, [FINAL DESTINATION], at [ACTUAL ARRIVAL TIME], [NUMBER] hours after the scheduled arrival time of [SCHEDULED ARRIVAL TIME].

I am claiming compensation of [AMOUNT] per passenger for [NUMBER OF PASSENGERS] passenger(s) under [EU Regulation 261/2004 / UK Regulation 261/2004 / Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations], and reimbursement of the receipted expenses attached, totalling [EXPENSES TOTAL].

Passenger names: [NAMES]

Please pay to: [BANK DETAILS OR PAYMENT METHOD]

If you believe extraordinary circumstances or a reason outside your control applies, please tell me what caused the disruption and send the evidence.

I look forward to your reply.

[YOUR NAME]
[EMAIL] · [PHONE]
[ADDRESS]

Attached: boarding pass(es), booking confirmation, receipts

If the airline says no

What to do if your claim is refused

  1. Step 1

    Claim from the airline

    Compensation isn’t paid automatically. Use the airline’s claim form; expenses may need a separate claim.

  2. Step 2

    Wait up to 8 weeks

    No answer within 8 weeks, or a final answer you disagree with? You can take it further.

  3. Step 3

    Go to ADR or the regulator

    In the UK: the airline’s Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme if it has one, otherwise the CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team. In the EU: the national enforcement body.

  4. Step 4

    Court, within the time limit

    In the UK you can take a claim to court within 6 years in England and Wales, or 5 years in Scotland.

211 airlines

Compensation by airline

Good to know

Flight compensation: questions

How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight?+

Under EU261: €250, €400 or €600 per passenger depending on distance, if you arrive 3 hours or more late for a reason within the airline’s control. Under UK261: £220, £350 or £520. Under Canada’s APPR, large airlines pay C$400, C$700 or C$1,000 depending on how late you arrive.

Which flights are covered?+

EU261 covers flights departing the EU (any airline), and flights into the EU on an EU airline. UK261 covers flights departing the UK (any airline), and flights into the UK on a UK or EU airline. Canada’s APPR covers flights to, from and within Canada, on any airline.

Do I get compensation for a cancelled flight?+

Usually yes, if you were told less than 14 days before departure and the cause was within the airline’s control, unless the airline rerouted you close to your original times. You also choose between a refund and rerouting.

What counts as extraordinary circumstances?+

Things the airline could not have avoided with all reasonable measures, such as bad weather, air traffic control decisions, security risks and political instability. Most technical problems and strikes by the airline’s own staff do not count.

How long does a flight have to be delayed for compensation?+

Under EU261 and UK261 you must reach your final destination 3 hours or more late, for a reason within the airline’s control. It is the arrival time that counts, not the take-off time. Canada’s APPR also starts at 3 hours late.

Can I get compensation for a 2-hour delay?+

Not cash compensation: that starts at 3 hours late on arrival. But on flights under 1,500 km the airline must give you care (food and drink, two calls or emails) once you are delayed 2 hours past the scheduled departure.

What is the 2-hour rule for flights?+

It is the right to care on short flights. If a flight under 1,500 km is delayed 2 hours or more past its scheduled departure, the airline must give you food and drink, two phone calls or emails, and a hotel with transfers if you are delayed overnight. Longer flights trigger care at 3 hours (1,500–3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km).

Does a delayed connecting flight count?+

If all your flights are on one booking, yes: the distance is measured from your first airport to your last, and what counts is how late you reach your final destination. If you booked the flights separately (self-transfer), there is no right to compensation for a missed connection.

How long do I have to claim?+

In the UK you can take a claim to court within 6 years of the flight in England and Wales, or 5 years in Scotland, though it is best to claim from the airline straight away. In EU countries the limit is set by national law and differs from country to country. Under Canada’s APPR you must claim in writing to the airline within 1 year.

What if the airline rejects my claim or doesn’t reply?+

In the UK, if the airline says no or hasn’t answered within 8 weeks, take it to the airline’s Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme or, if it isn’t a member of one, to the CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team. In the EU, complain to the national enforcement body.

Do US airlines have to pay compensation for delays?+

US federal rules set no fixed cash amount for a delayed or cancelled flight. What they do give you is a full refund if the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight to, from or within the US and you choose not to travel. If your flight leaves the EU or UK, EU261 or UK261 can apply even on a US airline.

Is it free to claim?+

Yes, claiming directly with the airline is free. Claims companies such as AirHelp work on a no-win, no-fee basis and keep a share of the payout if they win.

Rules and amounts from the official sources: Your Europe (European Union): air passenger rights; UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 7 (legislation.gov.uk); Canadian Transportation Agency: Air Passenger Protection Regulations; UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays; UK Civil Aviation Authority: cancellations; UK Civil Aviation Authority: how the CAA can help; Citizens Advice: if your flight’s delayed or cancelled; Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EUR-Lex); Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted (legislation.gov.uk); UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 3 (legislation.gov.uk); UK Regulation 261/2004, Article 10 (legislation.gov.uk); Canadian Transportation Agency: delays and cancellations; Air Passenger Protection Regulations, section 19; Air Passenger Protection Regulations, section 20; 14 CFR Part 260: refunds (eCFR); US Department of Transportation: refunds; US Department of Transportation: Fly Rights; Montreal Convention 1999 text (legislation.gov.uk); ICAO: 2024 revised limits of liability under the Montreal Convention; European Parliament: resolution of 7 July 2026 on the joint text. Distances are straight-line between airports. This is general information, not legal advice. AirConnect may earn a commission if you claim through our links, at no extra cost to you.