1
What happened to your flight?
Delayed Cancelled Denied boarding
2
How far was the flight?
Under 1,500 kme.g. London–Edinburgh, London–Paris, London–Dublin 1,500 – 3,500 kme.g. London–Athens, London–Marrakesh, London–Moscow Over 3,500 kme.g. London–New York, London–Dubai, London–Cape Town
3
A few more details
How late did you reach your final destination?
2 – 3 hours 3 – 4 hours 4 hours or more
How much notice did the airline give you?
14 days or more 7 – 14 days Under 7 days
How late did the replacement flight get you there?
Less than 2 hours late 2 – 3 hours late 3 – 4 hours late 4+ hours late No alternative offered
Involuntary denied boarding (overbooking, not volunteering) is covered — read your verdict below.
Your verdict will appear here once you've answered the questions above.
You're always owed care — even in "extraordinary circumstances"
Food and drink appropriate to the wait (usually vouchers) once you pass the delay threshold for your flight distance Two free phone calls or emails Hotel accommodation if you are delayed overnight, plus transport between the airport and hotel A full refund instead of travelling if the delay runs to 5 hours or more
When cash compensation does — and doesn't — apply
No compensation (extraordinary)
Bad weather that makes flying unsafe Air traffic control (ATC) restrictions or strikes Strikes by airport staff, ground handlers or security Security risks, terrorism or political instability Hidden manufacturing defects flagged by the manufacturer
Compensation still owed
Technical or mechanical faults with the aircraft Strikes by the airline’s own staff (pilots, cabin crew) Crew or staffing shortages A knock-on delay from a late-arriving earlier aircraft
How to claim what you're owed
Claim directly with the airline first — it is free, and you never need a claims firm that takes a cut If they refuse or go quiet, escalate to their ADR scheme: CEDR or AviationADR (free to you) Or use Money Claim Online (the small-claims court) for disputed claims You have 6 years to bring a claim in England & Wales (5 years in Scotland)
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General guidance on UK261 (retained Regulation 261/2004), not legal advice. Rules and amounts verified against UK CAA guidance. Always confirm your specific claim with the airline or the CAA.