Flight delay compensation
If you have travelled abroad recently, and your flight was delayed you could be eligible to claim compensation.
The half-term saw lots of people flock to the airports for much-needed holidays, for many this will have been the first chance to get on holiday since the pandemic first started. However, airlines have struggled to deliver on-time flights and it’s clear the airline industry was ill-prepared for a return to business as usual and is still feeling the effects of the pandemic. EasyJet, British Airways and Wizz Air all had to cancel numerous departing flights across various UK airports.
With flights getting cancelled with very little notice – some whilst holiday goers were waiting to check-in – there was a lot of disruption in airports. Those who were able to get on their flights may have faced long delays amid all the chaos at the airport.
If this was the case for you then it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for compensation as there’s a chance you may be able to claim back the cost of your flights and maybe even more, depending on how long you were delayed and how much notice you were given.
If you do plan on going on holiday during busy times, make sure you are prepared to expect potential delays or cancellations and disruptions to your holiday plans, and if you do face any delays, make sure to check your compensation eligibility, or see if you are due a refund.
Also, make sure you have travel insurance, you can check the best deals right here.
How much compensation am I entitled to?
If your flight was Delayed or Cancelled 7-14 days before departure:
| Flight length | Time of alternative flight vs original light | Compensation amount |
| 0 – 1,500km, for example, London to Paris | Leaves 2hrs+ before, Lands up to 2hrs after Lands 4hrs late. Or leaves 2hrs+ before, lands 2hrs+ after | £105 £210 |
| 1,500 – 3,500km, for example, London to Istanbul | Leaves 2hrs+ before, lands late -up to 3 hours after Lands 4hrs+ late. Or leaves 2hrs+ before, lands 3-4hrs after | £168 £337 |
| 3,500km+, for example, London to New York | Leaves 2hrs+ before, lands late – up to 4hrs after Lands 4hrs+ late | £253 £505 |
If your flight was Delayed or Cancelled less than 7 days before departure:
| Flight Length | Time of alternative flight vs original flight | Compensation amount |
| 0 – 1,500km, for example, London to Paris | Leaves 1hr+ before, lands up to 2hrs after Lands 2hrs+ late | £105 £210 |
| 1,500 – 3,500km, for example, London to Istanbul | Leaves 1hr+ before, lands late (up to 3hrs after) Lands 3hrs+ late | £168 £337 |
| 3,500km+, for example, London to New York | Leaves 1hr+ before, lands late (up to 4hrs after) Lands 4hrs+ late | £253 £505 |
