Flight Delay Compensation Calculator UK 2026/27 (UK261 / EU261)

If your flight departing from a UK airport (or arriving in the UK on a UK/EU airline) is delayed by 3 hours or more upon arrival at your final destination, you are legally entitled to fixed statutory cash compensation under UK261 Regulations (the retained UK version of EU Regulation 261/2004).

Depending on the flight distance, statutory cash payouts range from £220 to £520 (€250 to €600) per passenger—regardless of the original ticket price!

⚙️ Statutory UK261 / EU261 Compensation Rates for 2026/27

1. Fixed Statutory Compensation Tiers per Passenger

Compensation is fixed based on flight distance and final arrival delay duration:

• Short-Haul Flights (Under 1,500 km):
  • Delay 3+ hours: £220.00 (€250) per passenger.
  • Example: London to Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, or Edinburgh.
• Medium-Haul Flights (1,500 km to 3,500 km):
  • Delay 3+ hours: £350.00 (€400) per passenger.
  • Example: London to Athens, Rome, Madrid, or Canary Islands.
• Long-Haul Flights (Over 3,500 km):
  • Delay between 3 and 4 hours: £260.00 (€300) per passenger (50% reduced rate).
  • Delay 4+ hours: £520.00 (€600) per passenger.
  • Example: London to New York, Dubai, Singapore, or Los Angeles.

2. Airline Operational Faults vs Extraordinary Circumstances

To legally qualify for cash compensation, the delay MUST be within the airline’s control:

• Claimable Airline Faults: Technical aircraft mechanical defects, routine maintenance delays, airline crew shortages, or cabin staff sickness.
• Exempt Extraordinary Circumstances (No Cash Claim): Severe bad weather (heavy fog, snowstorms, volcanic ash), Air Traffic Control (ATC) slot restrictions, industrial action by airport security/ATC staff, or political instability.

3. Statutory ‘Right to Care’ (Food, Drink & Hotel Accommodation)

Regardless of the cause of the delay (even during extraordinary weather):

• If delayed 2+ hours (short-haul) or 3+ hours (medium/long-haul), the airline MUST provide free food and drink vouchers and two free phone calls/emails.
• If delayed overnight, the airline MUST provide free hotel accommodation and free taxi transport between the airport and hotel.

📊 Practical Flight Compensation Worked Examples

Below are two worked calculation examples illustrating flight delay claims:

📑 Common Pitfalls & Flight Claim Warnings

1. Accepting Airline Travel Vouchers Instead of Cash: Airlines often email delayed passengers offering £100 airline travel vouchers. You have a legal right to demand statutory CASH paid directly to your bank account (£220, £350, or £520). NEVER accept travel vouchers unless they exceed the statutory cash value.
2. Using Claims Management Companies (30% Fee Deductions): Flight claim companies take 30% to 40% of your payout in commission fees. You can claim 100% of your compensation for FREE by submitting a claim form directly on the airline’s official website or escalating to AviationADR / CEDR.
3. Measuring Delay at Takeoff Instead of Arrival: UK261 compensation is measured by the delay upon arrival at the destination gate when the aircraft doors open, NOT when the plane takes off from the departure runway.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)