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.
Overview
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.
Who Can Use This Process
- 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
Step-by-Step Process
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
Costs
Important Warnings
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.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the claiming flight delay or cancellation compensation process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Immediately after the disruption"; "As soon as possible; claim within 6 years"; "After 8 weeks"; "Within 6 years of the flight". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Airline claim — Free; CAA complaint — Free; County Court claim — £35–£115 (recoverable if you win). Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: 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.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: CAA Passenger Rights; Money Claims Online. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.