Flight Delay Compensation Calculator (UK261)
This flight delay compensation calculator applies the UK261 rules: if you reach your destination more than three hours late, you can claim £220, £350 or £520 per passenger depending on the flight distance. For example, a family of four delayed four hours on a 2,000 km flight to Spain is owed £1,400.
- Under 1,500 km£220
- 1,500 – 3,500 km£350
- Over 3,500 km, 4 h+ late£520
Updated November 2026 · Uses UK261 compensation amounts
Check your compensation
Your result
Fill in the details, then press Calculate to see your result with the working shown.
You changed your details. Press Calculate to update the result.
UK261 compensation amounts
| Flight distance | Example route | Compensation (arriving 3 h+ late) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | Glasgow – Amsterdam | £220 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | East Midlands – Marrakesh | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km, 3 – 4 hours late | London – New York | £260 |
| Over 3,500 km, more than 4 hours late | London – New York | £520 |
Amounts are per passenger, including children with their own seat. Distance is measured by the great circle route. On a connecting booking, it is measured from the first to the last airport, and only the delay at your final destination counts.
Which flights are covered by UK261?
- Any flight departing from a UK airport, whatever the airline.
- Flights arriving in the UK from abroad, if the airline is a UK or EU carrier.
- Not covered: flights into the UK on airlines from outside the UK and EU, and self-transfer journeys booked separately (each flight is treated on its own).
Extraordinary circumstances
Airlines do not have to pay compensation if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even with all reasonable measures. Examples include severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, security risks, political unrest and bird strikes. Routine technical problems, crew shortages and the airline’s own staff strikes are not usually extraordinary. Your right to care still applies whatever the cause.
Your right to care and refunds
| Distance | Care (food, drink, calls) after |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 2 hours |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | 3 hours |
| Over 3,500 km | 4 hours |
If the delay runs overnight, the airline must provide a hotel and transport to it. If the delay is 5 hours or more, you can choose not to fly and get a refund for unused flights.
How to claim flight delay compensation
Claim directly from the airline that operated the flight, using its online form. Give your booking reference, flight number, date and the arrival delay. You do not need a claims company. If the airline refuses or does not reply within eight weeks, escalate to the alternative dispute resolution scheme the airline belongs to, or to the CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team if it is not a member.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation do I get for a 3 hour flight delay?
You must arrive more than 3 hours late. Then you get £220 for flights up to 1,500 km, £350 for 1,500 – 3,500 km, and £260 for longer flights arriving 3 – 4 hours late.
How much is UK261 compensation for a 4 hour delay?
For flights over 3,500 km arriving more than 4 hours late it is £520 per passenger. Shorter flights get £220 or £350 for any arrival delay over 3 hours.
Do I get compensation if the delay was caused by weather?
Usually not. Severe weather is normally an extraordinary circumstance, so the airline does not have to pay compensation, but it must still give you food, drink and accommodation if needed.
Is UK261 compensation per person?
Yes. Each passenger on the booking can claim, so a family of four delayed over 3 hours on a 2,000 km flight could claim £1,400.
How far back can I claim flight delay compensation?
You can claim through the courts for up to 6 years after the flight in England and Wales, or 5 years in Scotland.
Sources and method
We use official UK guidance and recognised formulas, and test each calculator against worked examples. Results are estimates to help you plan, not professional advice. See how we work.