UK261: air passenger rights in the United Kingdom.
After Brexit, the UK kept EU261 in its own law as UK261. It gives broadly the same protection for delays, cancellations and denied boarding, with amounts set in sterling. Here is how it works.
Checked by the FlightCompensations editorial team
Last updated 1 July 2026 · Editorial & corrections policy
Direct answer
Key takeaways
- UK261 is retained EU law: after Brexit the UK carried EU261 across into domestic law with amounts in sterling.
- It covers departures from the UK on any airline, and arrivals into the UK on a UK or EU/EEA airline.
- Fixed compensation is £220, £350 or £520 depending on flight distance, not ticket price.
- The 3-hour rule for delays is measured by arrival at your final destination, as under EU261.
- Care and assistance (meals and, where needed, accommodation) can apply even when cash compensation does not.
- Time limits are typically 6 years in England and Wales and 5 years in Scotland.
What qualifies — and what usually doesn't
May qualify for compensation
- Your flight departed a UK airport, or arrived in the UK on a UK or EU/EEA carrier.
- You had a confirmed booking and checked in on time (usually where a check-in deadline applies).
- You experienced a qualifying disruption: a delay, cancellation or denied boarding.
- For delay compensation, you reached your final destination 3 or more hours late.
- For cancellation compensation, you were given less than 14 days' notice and were not re-routed within the allowed windows.
- The cause was within the airline's control rather than a genuinely extraordinary circumstance.
Usually excluded
- Disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances the airline could not have avoided (for example severe weather or air traffic control restrictions).
- Delays of under 3 hours at the final destination.
- Flights with no qualifying UK connection under UK261.
- Cancellations notified at least 14 days in advance.
- Cases where you were offered re-routing close to your original times within the regulation's notice windows.
Rights by jurisdiction
UK261 gives a right to care once waiting times pass set thresholds: meals and refreshments, communication, and accommodation plus transport where an overnight stay is needed.
Fixed compensation of £220 to £520 can apply where you arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours late for a reason within the airline's control, mirroring the EU position after Sturgeon.
If a delay reaches 5 hours you can also choose a refund instead of travelling.
Compensation amounts
UK261 compensation by flight distance
| Flight | Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | £520 |
For delays, long-haul flights (over 3,500 km) arriving 3 to 4 hours late may be reduced by 50%. Amounts are per passenger and illustrative until eligibility is verified.
What to do
- 1Note your original scheduled and actual arrival times at the final destination.
- 2Ask the airline, in writing, for the reason for the disruption.
- 3Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.
- 4Keep receipts for meals, refreshments and accommodation.
- 5Check your eligibility and start a claim.
Documents to keep
How to claim
- 1Enter your flight number and date to get a preliminary assessment.
- 2Add the journey details and any documents you have.
- 3We prepare and submit the claim to the airline and follow up.
- 4If compensation is recovered, you receive the airline's award and pay our fixed €39 fee.
Frequently asked questions
What is UK261?
UK261 is the retained EU law version of Regulation 261/2004 that the UK kept after leaving the EU. It provides broadly the same protection as EU261, with compensation amounts set in pounds sterling and enforcement by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Which flights does UK261 cover?
Flights departing a UK airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK operated by a UK or EU/EEA carrier.
How much compensation can I get under UK261?
£220, £350 or £520 per passenger depending on the flight distance. The amount is fixed and does not depend on what you paid for your ticket.
How long do I have to claim under UK261?
Court claims are generally subject to a limitation period of 6 years in England and Wales and 5 years in Scotland. It is best to check well before those deadlines.
Can I claim under both UK261 and EU261?
You claim under whichever regime applies to your flight. A flight can only be covered by one, so the departure and arrival points and the airline's nationality determine which set of rules is used.
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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