Flight delay & cancellation compensation checker
EU261 compensation at a glance
| Flight distance | EU261 | UK261 | Arrival delay needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | £220 | 3+ hours |
| 1,500–3,500 km, or intra-EU over 1,500 km | €400 | £350 | 3+ hours |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 (may be halved to €300 for 3–4 h) | £520 (may be halved for 3–4 h) | 3+ hours |
Based on Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 Articles 5–7 and the CJEU's Sturgeon ruling (C-402/07), which extended compensation to arrival delays of 3+ hours. Distance uses the great-circle method, as the regulation requires.
EU261 reform: what changes on 23 October 2027
Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 amends EU261. It entered into force on 22 October 2026 but only applies from 23 October 2027, so claims made before then are decided under the 2004 rules this checker uses. From 23 October 2027 the amounts stay at €250/€400/€600, but compensation needs an arrival delay exceeding 3 hours (measured at on-block time), the 7–13-day cancellation tier is removed (under 14 days' notice the rerouting must leave no more than 1 hour early and arrive under 2 hours late), airlines must pay by bank transfer unless you agree otherwise, and you'll have 9 months to claim. UK261 is unchanged. We'll update the checker when the new rules apply.
Your right to care, even without compensation
When your flight is delayed 2+ hours (up to 1,500 km), 3+ hours (1,500–3,500 km) or 4+ hours (longer), the airline must offer meals and refreshments and a way to communicate; if the delay runs overnight, a hotel and transport to it. If the delay reaches 5 hours you can cancel and get a refund. Keep receipts for reasonable expenses.
FAQ
How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight in Europe?
Under EU Regulation 261/2004: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500–3,500 km (and all intra-EU flights over 1,500 km), and €600 for longer flights, if you arrive 3+ hours late and the cause wasn't an extraordinary circumstance. UK261 pays £220, £350 or £520.
Which flights are covered by EU261?
Any flight departing an EU/EEA airport or Switzerland, on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU from outside on an EU/EEA/Swiss-licensed airline. UK261 covers flights departing the UK, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
Does a 2-hour delay count?
Not for cash compensation; that needs 3+ hours' delay at arrival. But after 2+ hours (short flights), 3+ hours (medium) or 4+ hours (long) at departure, the airline must provide meals and refreshments, and after 5 hours you can ask for a refund.
What are extraordinary circumstances?
Events outside the airline's control, such as severe weather, air-traffic-control restrictions, security threats, political unrest or strikes by airport or ATC staff. Most technical faults and strikes by the airline's own staff are not extraordinary.
Is EU261 changing?
Yes, but not yet. Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 was published on 2 October 2026 and applies from 23 October 2027. Until then the 2004 rules decide every claim. From 23 October 2027 the delay must exceed 3 hours at on-block time, the 7–13-day cancellation tier disappears, and claims must be made within 9 months. The €250/€400/€600 amounts stay the same. UK261 is not affected.
Do I need a claims company?
No. You can claim directly from the airline for free. Claims companies such as AirHelp and Compensair handle the paperwork and escalation for a share of the payout, which some people prefer when the airline refuses.
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