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Short answer. If your flight left the EU or the UK, or you flew an EU or UK airline into them, and you arrived three or more hours late, you may be owed cash compensation. For EU flights that is €250 to €600; for UK flights £220 to £520. Flights that stay inside the US work differently: there is no cash compensation for delays, but you can get a refund if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight.
Step 1. Which rules apply to your flight?
- EU rules (EU261): flights leaving an EU airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline.
- UK rules (UK261): flights leaving a UK airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK airline.
- US flights: US rules do not set cash compensation for delays. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, you are entitled to a refund to your original payment method. The US Department of Transportation counts a “significant change” as a departure or arrival 3 or more hours off schedule on domestic flights, or 6 or more hours on international flights, plus changes such as a different airport or more connections. See the Department of Transportation’s refund page for the current wording and time limits.
- Elsewhere: Canada, Brazil, Turkey and others have their own rules. Check the regulator for your country.
Step 2. Do you qualify (EU and UK)?
Generally yes if all are true:
- You arrived at your final destination three hours or more late (arrival time counts).
- The cause was within the airline’s control (for example crew scheduling or a routine technical fault).
- You had a confirmed booking and checked in on time.
- No “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather, air-traffic-control strikes, security threats or airport closures.
Amounts
| Flight distance | EU261 | UK261 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | €250 | £220 |
| 1,500-3,500 km (and flights within the EU over 1,500 km) | €400 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 if 4+ hours late; €300 if 3-4 hours late | £260 if 3-4 hours late; £520 if 4+ hours late |
On flights over 3,500 km between the EU and a non-EU country, the amount is halved (to €300) if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late. Cancellations and denied boarding use the same distance bands. EU rules are under review, so amounts may change; the current rules still apply today.
Step 3. Keep evidence
Booking confirmation, boarding pass, screenshots of the departure board and airline messages, actual arrival time, and receipts for meals, hotel or transport you paid for while waiting. EU and UK airlines must provide meals and refreshments during long delays, and a hotel and transfer if you are stranded overnight.
Step 4. Claim yourself, or use a claims service
Claim directly costs nothing. Use the airline’s compensation form, quote the regulation, attach your evidence, and insist on cash if offered a voucher. It can take weeks and the first answer may be no.
A claims service such as Compensair checks eligibility, handles the paperwork and takes a percentage of the compensation if the claim succeeds. Check their current fee and terms before you sign.
How long do I have? The deadline depends on which country’s law applies, from about one to six years. Don’t wait; records are easier to find when they’re fresh.
Common questions
- What if the airline offers a voucher? You can usually ask for cash. Read the offer before accepting.
- Do connections count? Yes, on a single booking the delay is measured at your final destination.
- Separate tickets? Usually not covered. Book connections on one ticket when you can.
Avoid getting stuck
Leave two to three hours between international connections, keep the airline’s app installed for alerts, and save copies of your documents.
Planning a trip? Compare fares on our Flights page.
General information, not legal advice. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the airline or regulator. Last checked: October 8, 2026.