FlightCompensations
Flight delay compensation

Delayed flight? You may be owed up to €600.

Under EU261 and UK261, a long delay at your final destination can entitle you to fixed compensation — separate from any refund. Check your flight and we'll assess it.

Checked by the FlightCompensations editorial team

Last updated 1 July 2026 · Editorial & corrections policy

Direct answer

If your flight was covered by EU261 or UK261 and you arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late for a reason within the airline's control, you may be entitled to €250–€600 per passenger. The amount depends on the flight distance, not your ticket price. Compensation is not automatic and depends on the cause, the notice given, and your complete itinerary.

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Key takeaways

  • The 3-hour rule is measured by arrival at your final destination, not departure delay.
  • Amounts are €250, €400 or €600 based on flight distance.
  • 'Extraordinary circumstances' (e.g. severe weather, ATC restrictions) can remove the right to compensation — but the airline must prove them.
  • You keep any refund rights separately from compensation.
  • You can usually claim for several years back, depending on the country.

What qualifies — and what usually doesn't

May qualify for compensation

  • The flight departed the EU/EEA or UK, or arrived there on an EU/UK airline.
  • You had a confirmed booking and checked in on time.
  • You arrived at your final destination 3+ hours later than scheduled.
  • The cause was within the airline's control (e.g. technical faults, crew, operational issues).

Usually excluded

  • Delays caused by genuinely extraordinary circumstances the airline could not avoid.
  • Arrival less than 3 hours late at the final destination.
  • Flights with no EU/EEA/UK connection under these regulations.
  • Situations where the airline gave sufficient advance notice of a schedule change (treated differently from delay).

Rights by jurisdiction

Not sure which rules apply to your flight? We work it out for you.Check my flight

EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to flights departing any EU/EEA airport (any airline) and flights arriving in the EU/EEA on an EU/EEA carrier.

Compensation of €250–€600 applies for arrival delays of 3+ hours where the cause was within the airline's control, following the Sturgeon ruling (C-402/07).

Compensation amounts

EU261 / UK261 compensation by flight distance

FlightAmount
Up to 1,500 km€250
1,500–3,500 km (and all intra-EU over 1,500 km)€400
Over 3,500 km€600

Long-haul delays of 3–4 hours may be reduced by 50% under Article 7(2). Amounts are per passenger and illustrative until eligibility is verified.

What to do

  1. 1Note your original scheduled and actual arrival times at the final destination.
  2. 2Ask the airline, in writing, for the reason for the delay.
  3. 3Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.
  4. 4Keep receipts for meals, refreshments and accommodation.
  5. 5Check your eligibility and start a claim.

Documents to keep

Boarding pass or check-in confirmation
Booking confirmation / e-ticket
Any delay or cancellation notice from the airline
Receipts for care expenses (meals, hotel, transport)
Compensation and a refund are different things. Compensation is a fixed payment for the disruption itself; a refund returns your ticket cost when you don't travel. For a long delay you generally keep your compensation rights while also being entitled to care (meals, and accommodation where needed).

How to claim

  1. 1Enter your flight number and date to get a preliminary assessment.
  2. 2Add the journey details and any documents you have.
  3. 3We prepare and submit the claim to the airline and follow up.
  4. 4If compensation is recovered, you receive the airline's award and pay our fixed €39 fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 3-hour rule about departure or arrival?

Arrival at your final destination. A late departure that still arrives under 3 hours late generally doesn't qualify for compensation.

Does bad weather count?

Severe weather can be an extraordinary circumstance that removes compensation — but the airline must prove the specific weather made the delay unavoidable. Care rights can still apply.

How far back can I claim?

It depends on the country's limitation period — often two to six years. Check sooner rather than later.

What if I was delayed on a connection?

If it was one booking and the delay caused you to reach your final destination 3+ hours late, the whole journey may qualify.

Check if your flight qualifies

Free in about 15 seconds. You receive the airline's compensation and pay only our fixed €39 fee after success.

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Related

CancellationMissed connectionEU261UK261Refunds