How Much Is Flight Delay Compensation? EC261 & UK261 Amounts Explained

The fixed compensation amounts under EC261/2004 and UK261 are set by law and apply per passenger: • Short-haul flights under 1,500km: €250 / £220 • Medium-haul flights 1,500–3,500km: €400 / £350 • Long-haul flights over 3,500km: €600 / £520 These amounts are the same whether your flight was 3 hours late or 10 hours late. The law does not scale compensation with the length of the delay beyond the 3-hour threshold.

There are two situations where the amounts above can be reduced: 1. The airline re-routed you and you arrived within specific time windows — less than 2 hours late for short-haul, less than 3 hours late for medium-haul, or less than 4 hours late for long-haul. In that case the airline can apply a 50% reduction. 2. The delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances genuinely outside the airline’s control, in which case no compensation is owed at all. In all other cases, the full amount applies.

On top of the fixed compensation, you may also be entitled to: • Duty of care: meals and refreshments during long waits, two free phone calls or emails, hotel accommodation if you are delayed overnight, transport to and from the hotel • Refund or rerouting: if your flight is cancelled, the choice between a full refund or alternative transport to your destination • Baggage compensation: under the Montreal Convention, up to approximately €1,600 for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage (separate from EC261 compensation)

Example 1: Family of 4 on a London to New York flight (over 3,500km) delayed 5 hours. Each passenger is owed £520 (UK261). Total: £2,080. Example 2: Couple on a Manchester to Barcelona flight (under 1,500km) cancelled with 3 days notice. Each passenger is owed £220 (UK261). Total: £440. Example 3: Solo traveller on Amsterdam to JFK (over 3,500km) delayed 4 hours. Owed €600 (EC261). Total: €600.