Flight Delay Compensation Calculator: What You're Owed Under UK261 & EU261

Delayed flights cost passengers billions in unclaimed compensation every year – not because the rules are complicated, but because airlines count on passengers not knowing their rights. Under UK261 (post-Brexit) and EU261 regulations, you may be entitled to up to £520 per person in compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight.

What Are UK261 and EU261?

UK261 (formally the UK Retained Regulation EC 261/2004) is the post-Brexit version of Europe's passenger rights regulation. EU261 is the original European law. Between them, they cover the vast majority of flights taken by UK travellers.

UK261 Applies When:

• Your flight departs from any UK airport – regardless of which airline operates it
• Your flight arrives at a UK airport and is operated by a UK airline (e.g. British Airways, easyJet)

EU261 Applies When:

• Your flight departs from any EU airport – regardless of airline
• Your flight arrives at an EU airport and is operated by an EU carrier

What Counts as an 'Extraordinary Circumstance'?

Airlines will often try to deny claims by citing 'extraordinary circumstances' – a legal exemption that removes their obligation to pay. However, this exemption is narrower than airlines imply.

Genuine Extraordinary Circumstances (No Compensation Owed)

• Severe weather that makes flying unsafe – not merely inconvenient
• Air traffic control strikes or restrictions outside airline control
• Security threats or airport closures mandated by authorities
• Political instability or civil unrest at the destination

NOT Extraordinary Circumstances (Compensation Still Owed)

• Technical faults with the aircraft – these are the airline's operational responsibility
• Staff shortages or crew unavailability
• Late arrival of a previous aircraft (unless caused by a genuine extraordinary event)
• Commercial decisions such as overbooking or schedule changes
• Bad weather that was foreseeable 24–48 hours in advance

Your Additional Rights During a Delay

Compensation is only part of what you're entitled to. From the moment a significant delay is confirmed, airlines must also provide:

• Meals and refreshments proportionate to the waiting time (from 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium, 4 hours for long-haul)
• Two free telephone calls, emails, or fax transmissions
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, plus transport to and from the hotel
• If you choose not to travel, a full refund of your ticket within 7 days

Keep all receipts for meals and refreshments purchased during a delay – you can claim these costs separately if the airline fails to provide them.

Pro Tips for Successful Claims

• Screenshot your arrival time on the arrivals board at the destination airport – this is your strongest evidence.
• Save all communications from the airline during the disruption – SMS, app notifications, and gate announcements help establish the timeline.
• Never accept a voucher on the spot without checking your cash entitlement first. Vouchers are almost always worth less than your legal compensation.
• If claiming for a delayed connection, document the original scheduled arrival and your actual arrival at your final destination, not the intermediate stop.
• You have up to 6 years to claim under UK law. Don't assume it's too late for an older delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to claim flight delay compensation?

Under UK law, you have 6 years from the date of the delayed or cancelled flight to submit a claim. EU member states vary – most allow between 2 and 5 years. Don't assume older delays are out of time without checking the specific rules for your departure country.

Does the compensation apply to cancelled flights too?

Yes. Cancellations are covered under the same regulations as delays. If your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you're entitled to compensation unless an extraordinary circumstance applies. If cancelled more than 14 days in advance, you're entitled to a full refund or rebooking but not the fixed compensation amount.

What if my flight was delayed due to a strike?

It depends who is striking. An airline staff strike (pilots, cabin crew) is NOT an extraordinary circumstance – the airline is responsible for its labour relations. An air traffic control strike or airport worker strike IS typically considered extraordinary.

Can I claim if I used air miles or a free ticket?

Yes. The ticket price is irrelevant – compensation is a fixed amount based on distance, not what you paid. Even passengers who travelled on a completely free ticket are entitled to the full compensation amount.

What if I accepted a voucher from the airline?

If you accepted a voucher as compensation without being clearly informed of your cash entitlement, you may be able to challenge this. Accepting vouchers under pressure or without full information doesn't necessarily waive your right to cash compensation.

Do budget airlines have to pay the same compensation?

Yes. UK261 and EU261 apply equally to all airlines operating eligible routes – Ryanair and easyJet are subject to exactly the same rules as British Airways or Lufthansa. Budget airlines have a reputation for disputing claims, but the legal obligation is identical.

What if there were multiple passengers on my booking?

Each individual passenger on a delayed flight is entitled to their own compensation. A family of four on a qualifying long-haul delay would be entitled to 4 × £520 = £2,080 in total. Submit one claim covering all passengers on the booking.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes. Boarding Time's compensation calculator is completely free. We don't charge a commission or take a percentage of your claim – unlike many third-party claims companies who take 25–35% of your compensation.