UK Flight Delay Compensation:
Your Complete UK261 Rights Guide

If your UK flight was delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation under the UK261 regulations — the UK's post-Brexit continuation of EU261. This guide explains everything: how much you're owed, how to claim from Ryanair, easyJet, and BA, and how to escalate through the CAA.

What is UK261?

UK261 refers to the UK's retained version of EU Regulation 261/2004. After Brexit, the UK kept these protections but adapted them for UK-departing flights. The key rules: UK261 applies to all flights departing from UK airports on any airline, regardless of where that airline is based. It also covers flights arriving in the UK on UK-registered airlines.

This means a Ryanair flight from London to Barcelona, an Emirates flight from Heathrow to Dubai, and a Delta flight from Manchester to New York are all covered. For a broader view of European rules, see our Europe air travel rights guide.

How UK261 Differs From EU261

• Geographic scope: EU261 covers EU-departing flights on any airline and EU arrivals on EU carriers. UK261 covers UK departures on any airline and UK arrivals on UK carriers only.
• Regulatory body: EU261 complaints go to national enforcement bodies in EU countries. UK261 complaints go to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
• Currency: EU261 pays in Euros (€250/€400/€600). UK261 pays in Pounds (£220/£350/£520).
• Legal framework: UK261 is now governed by UK law, though protections remain substantially similar.

For the full EU261 breakdown, see our EU261 compensation guide.

UK261 Compensation Amounts

The Three-Hour Delay Rule

You qualify for compensation if you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late. The clock starts from your scheduled arrival time to when the aircraft doors open at the gate. Airlines cannot dodge this by citing minor delays or "catch-up" flight times.

Airlines can avoid paying only if the delay was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" — genuinely unforeseeable events like severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. However, mechanical issues, crew scheduling failures, and IT outages are NOT extraordinary circumstances. Most delays are compensable.

How Major UK Airlines Handle Claims

Ryanair

Ryanair is notorious for contesting claims aggressively. The airline frequently denies responsibility citing "extraordinary circumstances" even when the delay was clearly mechanical. Persistence is key — Ryanair's initial rejection is not the final word. If denied, escalate immediately to the CAA. Many passengers report success after CAA intervention.

easyJet

easyJet is more cooperative than Ryanair but still scrutinizes claims. Their online portal is functional and responses typically come within 6-8 weeks. easyJet is more likely to pay valid claims without requiring CAA intervention.

British Airways

BA has a formal claims process and generally acknowledges UK261 rights more readily than budget carriers. Their dedicated compensation section provides clear guidance on required documentation. BA claims tend to resolve faster.

Step-by-Step Claim Process

1. Gather evidence: Booking confirmation, boarding pass, any airline communications about the delay, and proof of actual arrival time (photos of arrival boards, timestamps).
2. Calculate your flight distance using a flight distance calculator to determine your compensation tier.
3. Submit directly to the airline. Most UK carriers have online EU261/UK261 claim forms. Include your booking reference, flight details, delay duration, and bank details.
4. Wait 6-8 weeks. If rejected or ignored, proceed to Step 5.
5. File a CAA complaint. Visit the CAA passenger rights portal and submit your case with all documentation.

The CAA Complaints Process

The Civil Aviation Authority is the UK's aviation regulator. CAA decisions are binding on airlines. The process:

1. Visit the CAA passenger rights portal
2. Provide your flight details, booking information, and evidence
3. Explain why the airline's response was unjust
4. Upload supporting documents
5. The CAA reviews and issues a binding judgment (typically 8-12 weeks)

Claim Services vs. Direct Claims

Direct claims are free but require your time and persistence. Claim services (AirHelp, Flightright, SkyRefund) take 25-35% commission but handle everything including legal action. For straightforward cases with clear evidence, claim directly. For disputed cases or airlines like Ryanair, a claim service may be worth the commission.

Common Airline Excuses (And Why They're Wrong)

• "Weather caused the delay" — Only valid in severe cases. Normal rain, wind, or fog doesn't qualify as extraordinary.
• "Technical defect found during maintenance" — Mechanical issues are the airline's responsibility. Not extraordinary.
• "Crew unavailability" — Scheduling crew is the airline's job. Not extraordinary.
• "You didn't have a boarding pass" — Insist on other evidence: booking confirmation, check-in records, credit card statements.

Don't accept the first rejection. Most airline denials are improper and can be overturned through the CAA. For more on fighting airline denials, see our guide on what to do when airlines deny refunds. Your credit card may also provide backup coverage.