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Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation Calculator (UK)

Calculate how much compensation you are owed for a delayed or cancelled flight under UK law (UK261), based on distance and delay length.

Your details

Select the airport where your flight was scheduled to depart from. If your airport is not listed, choose 'Other' and enter the flight distance manually.

Select your final destination airport. If your airport is not listed, choose 'Other' and enter the flight distance manually.

Required if you selected 'Other' for either airport. Enter the great-circle flight distance in kilometres. You can find this using online distance calculators.

The total delay in hours when you arrived at your final destination. For cancellations, use the delay of the replacement flight offered.

Select the reason if known. 'Extraordinary circumstances' (e.g., severe weather, strikes, security risks) may exempt the airline from paying compensation.

Tick if your original flight was cancelled by the airline.

Only relevant if flight was cancelled. When did the airline inform you?

Result

Compensation You Are Owed £220.00

The final amount of compensation payable under UK261 regulations.

How it is calculated

Flight Distance Great-circle distance between airports in kilometres. If 'Other' is selected, uses the manually entered distance.
358
Base Compensation Amount Compensation based on flight distance under UK261: £220 for ≤1,500km, £350 for 1,500–3,500km, £520 for >3,500km.
£220.00
Delay Meets Compensation Threshold Compensation is only due if the delay at arrival is 3 hours or more.
Yes
Cancellation Compensation Reduction Factor For cancellations, compensation may be reduced to 50% or 0% depending on advance notice.
1
Airline Exempt Due to Circumstances If the delay/cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, no compensation is payable.
No
Keep in mind
  • This calculator provides an estimate based on UK261. The final compensation decision rests with the airline and may depend on specific evidence.
  • Airlines are not obliged to pay compensation if the delay/cancellation was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' (e.g., severe weather, political instability, security risks).
  • For cancelled flights, the compensation amount depends on when you were notified and what alternative travel was offered.
  • You must make your claim directly to the airline. They have a legal obligation to respond within a reasonable time.
  • The distance is looked up from a pre-computed table for common routes. For other routes, you must provide the distance manually.

Indicative result, calculated from the details and the rules listed below. It does not replace an official calculation or advice from a professional.

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Letter to Claim Compensation for a Delayed or Cancelled Flight

Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation in the UK

If your flight departing from or arriving in the UK is significantly delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to financial compensation under UK law. The rules, known as UK261, set out fixed amounts airlines must pay passengers, unless the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside the airline's control.

How is Compensation Calculated?

Your compensation depends on two main factors: the distance of your flight and the length of the delay at your final destination.

  • Flight Distance: This determines the compensation band.
    • Flights of 1,500 km or less: £220.
    • Flights within the EU over 1,500 km, and all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: £350.
    • Flights over 3,500 km: £520.
  • Delay Length: Compensation is only payable if you arrive at your final destination 3 hours or more late. The delay is measured from the scheduled arrival time.

For cancelled flights, the same distance bands apply, but the amount may be reduced if the airline informed you well in advance and offered a suitable alternative flight.

  • Informed more than 14 days before departure: No compensation.
  • Informed between 7 and 14 days before departure: 50% of the full amount.
  • Informed less than 7 days before departure, or if the alternative flight arrives significantly late: Full compensation.

Example Calculation

Imagine your flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK) was cancelled. The airline informed you just 2 days before departure and rebooked you on a flight that arrived 6 hours late.

  1. The distance is approximately 5,500 km, placing it in the highest band: £520.
  2. As you were informed less than 7 days before departure, the full amount applies.
  3. The delay of the replacement flight (6 hours) exceeds the 3-hour threshold.
  4. Assuming no extraordinary circumstances, your compensation is £520.

What Are Extraordinary Circumstances?

Airlines do not have to pay compensation if the delay or cancellation was caused by events they could not have avoided, even if all reasonable measures were taken. These include:

  • Severe weather (e.g., snowstorms, hurricanes).
  • Air traffic control strikes or restrictions.
  • Political instability or security risks.
  • Hidden manufacturing defects in the aircraft (in some cases).

Common issues like routine technical problems, crew shortages, or overbooking are typically considered the airline's responsibility and do not exempt them from paying.

How to Claim Your Compensation

You should first contact the airline directly, providing details of your flight and the disruption. Keep all your travel documents (boarding passes, booking confirmations) as evidence. If the airline refuses your claim without a valid reason, you can escalate your complaint to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or consider taking legal action.

Using a formal claim letter can strengthen your case. It ensures you provide all necessary information and clearly reference your legal rights under UK261.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a flight have to be delayed for compensation?

You are eligible for compensation if you arrive at your final destination 3 hours or more after the scheduled arrival time.

Do I get compensation if my flight is cancelled?

Yes, usually. However, the amount may be reduced or zero if the airline informed you more than 14 days in advance and offered a suitable alternative flight.

What if the delay was due to bad weather?

If the delay or cancellation was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' like severe weather, the airline is not obliged to pay financial compensation. They must still provide care (meals, refreshments, accommodation if necessary).

How long do I have to make a claim?

Under UK law, you generally have up to 6 years to make a claim in England and Wales, and 5 years in Scotland. However, it's best to claim as soon as possible.

Does compensation depend on the ticket price?

No. The compensation amounts under UK261 are fixed by law based on flight distance, not the price you paid for your ticket.

What should I do if the airline rejects my claim?

If you believe the rejection is unfair, you can refer your case to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body approved for aviation. As a last resort, you can take the airline to court.

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