Can I claim compensation for flight delays and cancellations

Find out how to get compensated for a flight delay after Brexit on January 31

Can I claim compensation for flight delays or cancellations due to Covid-19?

You are not able to claim compensation, but If your flight has been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket or an alternative flight once these become available. You should not be forced to receive one or the other. 

How do I claim flight delay compensation since Brexit?

The EU currently sets out rules as to how and when air passengers flying from the UK or using EU airlines can claim compensation. Leaving the EU could see this change and new rules being put into place. However, during the 11-month Brexit transition period from January 31 to December 31, the current rules will remain in place. The following guide explains how to make a claim. 
 

How do I claim compensation for delayed or cancelled flights after Brexit on 31 January 2020?

Having a flight delayed or cancelled could mean you are entitled to hundreds of euros in compensation. Here is the information you need on how to claim compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. 

When can I claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight after Brexit on January 31 2020?

If travelling from the EU you can claim compensation for delays of more than three hours or cancelled flights. This is also the case if you depart from a non-EU country with a European airline flying to a country in the EU.

This is currently true under EU law (EU Regulation 261/2004), but could change when Brexit is complete on December 31, 2020.

Delays or cancelled flights to or from destinations outside the EU, or coming back to the UK with non-EU airlines, will see claims for compensation subject to the airline’s T&Cs - so speak directly to the carrier concerned. 

How much money can I claim for a delayed or cancelled flight?

If a flight is delayed for more than two hours, the airline must provide free food and drink, the cost of phone calls/emails and overnight accommodation if needed.

Only 'reasonable' expenses will be covered, so a hefty drinks bill at the hotel bar will not be paid by the airline.

Compensation payments for delays

Flight distance	How late arriving	Entitlement
Up to 1,500km (932 miles)	More than 3 hours	€250
Any flight within the EU over 1,500km (932 miles) or any other flight between 1,500km-3,500 km (2,175 miles)	More than 3 hours	€400
More than 3,500km (2,175 miles)	Between 3-4 hours	€300
More than 3,500km (2,175 miles)	More than 4 hours	€600

Exceptions for flight delay compensation claims

If a flight delay is the airline’s fault, you should be able to claim compensation, but if the flight delay is caused by a storm or lightning strike, you won’t be able to claim for flight delay compensation – even if the flight is delayed by more than five hours. 

However, you are not forced to agree to a flight that has had a delay of more than five hours and you’ll still be entitled to a full refund, food and drink etc.

Check your travel insurance if your flight is delayed as you may be able to claim compensation through that if delays and cancellations are covered.

How long do I have to claim flight delays compensation?

The time allowed to claim compensation by the stature of limitations if the claim goes to court is no more than six years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (five years in Scotland). Any longer than six years and your claim may be refused, so claim for your flight delay as soon as possible.

How do I claim compensation for a delayed flight after Brexit on January 31?

If you need to claim flight delay compensation, the best way to do so is straight away at the airport, especially if you need a replacement flight or are delayed overnight. If the airline won’t pay for this there and then, make sure you keep hold of all your receipts so that you can make a claim on return.

For a formal claim, contact the airline’s customer services by email or phone, including all the relevant information such as flight details etc.

The Civil Aviation Authority can help you if you didn’t receive compensation that you feel you are entitled to, or if you feel the airline is being unhelpful.

There are also firms that will help to claim compensation for you while taking a small percentage of the payout.

If you book a seat through one airline and fly with another (codeshare flight) – can you still claim for flight delays and cancellations?
If you booked with one airline but fly with another – known as codeshare, which is an agreement between two airlines – then you're still entitled to compensation for delayed flights if you’re departing from an EU airport or the operated flight is an EU carrier.
 

How much compensation can I claim if my flight is cancelled?

You’re entitled to claim a full refund or a replacement flight so you can reach your destination if your flight is cancelled.

Depending on whether you’re delayed by a replacement flight or whether you have onward flights or travels plans which are affected by the delay, you may be able to claim more compensation.
 

If your flight was cancelled less than 7 days before departure
Distance	Departure and arrival times	Comp.
Less than 1,500km	If the new flight takes off more than one hour before your original flight and arrives less than two hours after it	€125
	If the new flight arrives more than two hours after your original flight	€250
1,500km to 3,500km	If the new flight departs more than one hour before your original flight and arrives less than three hours after it	€200
	If the new  flight arrives more than three hours after your original flight	€400
More than 3,500km	If the new  flight departs more than one hour before your original flight and arrives less than four hours after it	€300
	If the new  flight arrives more than four hours after your original flight

If your flight was cancelled between 7 and 14 days before departure
Distance	Departure and arrival times	Comp.
Less than 1,500km	If the new  flight takes off more than two hours before your original flight and arrives less than two hours after it	€125
	If the new  flight takes off more than two hours before your original flight and arrives more than two hours after it	€250
	If the new  flight arrives more than four hours after your original flight	€250
1,500km to 3,500km	If the new  flight takes off more than two hours before your original flight and arrives less than three hours after it	€200
	If the new flight takes off more than two hours before your original flight and arrives three to four hours after it	€400
	If the new  flight arrives more than four hours after your original flight	€400
More than 3,500km	If the new  flight departs more than two hours before your original flight and arrives less than four hours after it	€300
	If the new  flight arrives more than four hours after your original flight	€600

Can I claim flight cancellation compensation because of a coronavirus outbreak?

Get the latest international travel information from the government here. 
 

What about flight delay compensation after January 1 2021?

Until a deal is secured, or a No Deal situation is confirmed, it is not clear how flight delay compensation claims will work. We will update with further information when available.