Flight delay/cancellation ✈️

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What is flight delay compensation?

Under UK and EU passenger rights (often referred to as UK261 / EU261), airlines must compensate passengers when flights are significantly delayed or cancelled, as long as the airline is at fault.

This applies to:

• UK airlines flying anywhere

• EU airlines flying anywhere

• any airline flying from the UK or EU

Compensation is cash, not vouchers (unless you choose otherwise).

When are you entitled to compensation?

You may be entitled to compensation if:

• your flight arrived 3+ hours late

• your flight was cancelled with short notice

• you were denied boarding due to overbooking

• the disruption was within the airline’s control

You’re usually not entitled if the delay was caused by:

• extreme weather

• air traffic control restrictions

• security risks

• strikes outside the airline’s control

Each case depends on the exact reason for the delay.

How much compensation can you get?

The amount is based on flight distance, not ticket price.

Typical compensation amounts

• Up to £220 – short-haul flights

• Up to £350 – medium-haul flights

• Up to £520 – long-haul flights

This is per passenger, so families or groups can claim multiples.

What if your flight was cancelled?

If your flight was cancelled, you’re entitled to:

• a full refund, or

• a replacement flight

On top of that, you may also be entitled to compensation if:

• the airline gave less than 14 days’ notice

• the cancellation was within their control

You can usually choose whether to travel or not.

What if you decided not to travel?

If your flight was cancelled or heavily delayed and you chose not to fly, you’re entitled to:

• a full refund for the unused ticket

Compensation may still apply depending on notice and circumstances.

Can you claim for flights in the past?

Yes — and this surprises a lot of people.

In the UK, you can usually claim for flights going back up to 6 years.

So if you:

• had a long delay years ago

• gave up because the airline ignored you

• didn’t know you could claim

…it may still be worth checking.

How to claim yourself (the free route)

You can make a claim directly with the airline, for free.

The usual steps are:

1. Submit a compensation request via the airline’s website

2. Provide flight details and delay length

3. Wait for a response

Pros

• You keep 100% of any compensation

• No fees

• Good if the airline cooperates

Cons

• Slow responses

• Claims often rejected first time

• Airlines may blame “extraordinary circumstances”

• You may need to push or escalate

If the airline pays without a fight, this is the best option financially.

When airlines play hardball

This is where most people give up.

Airlines may:

• delay responses for months

• issue vague rejections

• deny liability incorrectly

You can escalate yourself — but it takes time, confidence, and persistence.

Using a claims service (optional hands-off option)

This is where services like AirHelp come in.

👉 Check if you’re eligible for flight compensation

How AirHelp works

AirHelp:

• checks eligibility for free

• submits the claim for you

• chases the airline

• escalates legally if required

They only get paid if your claim succeeds.

Pros and cons of using AirHelp

Pros

• Very little effort

• Handles legal escalation

• Useful if airlines refuse to pay

• Good for older or complex claims

Cons

• They take a commission from compensation

• You won’t receive the full amount

• Not necessary if the airline pays quickly

Will you get more money using AirHelp?

No.
The compensation amount is fixed by law.

AirHelp doesn’t increase the payout — they increase the chance of success and reduce your effort.

If you successfully claim yourself, you’ll keep more.
If you’d otherwise give up, using a service can still leave you better off than getting nothing.

Which option makes sense?

Claim yourself if:

• the delay is clear-cut

• the airline responds properly

• you’re happy chasing

Use AirHelp if:

• the airline rejects or ignores you

• the claim is old or complex

• you don’t want the hassle

• you’re dealing with multiple passengers

Many people try DIY first, then switch to a service if it goes nowhere.

Final thoughts

Flight delay compensation is one of the most valuable reclaim-money options — but also one of the most frustrating.

You’re entitled to:

• refunds when flights don’t run

• cash compensation when airlines are at fault

Whether you:

• claim yourself

• use a service

• or check old flights you’d forgotten about

…it’s worth knowing what you’re owed.

If you don’t claim, the airline keeps the money.