You are entitled to compensation for UK flights under Regulation UK 261, which covers flights to and from the UK. This regulation safeguards air passengers’ rights, allowing them to seek compensation for flight disruptions like delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. It was introduced post-Brexit and mirrors the European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
You can claim compensation for flight disruptions under this new regulation.
Check flight compensation online.
1. Know Your Rights: Regulation UK 261 Explained
Post-Brexit, the UK has introduced its own regulation known as “The Air Passengers’ Rights (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.” This regulation largely mirrors the EU Regulation 261/2004 and provides the same protections and entitlements for passengers on disrupted UK flights.
For simplicity, let’s call the new law “Regulation UK261”.
The main difference compared to the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004 is that compensation for UK flights is provided in Pounds Sterling, rather than Euros.
Yes, you are entitled to compensation for UK flights under Regulation UK 261, which covers flights to and from the UK.
When seeking compensation for a disrupted flight on your own, it’s essential to determine if it was a flight operated by a UK airline. EU 261 and UK 261 Regulations may both offer protection in some cases, but only one may apply in others. This distinction is crucial when self-filing a claim. However, differentiating between the two Regulations isn’t necessary when using a flight compensation company, as they handle this on your behalf.
When EU 261 and UK 261 Regulations apply (no change after Brexit):
- Flight delays of 3+ hours
- Flight cancellations 0-14 days before departure (last-minute flight cancellations)
- Boarding denials due to overbooking (must be involuntary)
Conditions (no change after Brexit): it must be the airline’s fault.
1.1 How Much Is the UK Flight Compensation?
As previously mentioned, UK flight compensation is paid in Pounds Sterling, rather than Euros.
The amount of flight compensation in the UK varies based on the length of the flight.
- £220 (€250) – if the distance of your flight is up to 1,500 kilometres.
- £350 (€400) – distance is between 1,500 – 3,500 kilometres.
- £520 (€600) – distance is more than 3,500 kilometres.
Check flight compensation online.
1.2 How to Claim Compensation for UK Flights?
There are two ways to claim compensation from the airline: filing a complaint with the airline on your own or seeking help from a flight compensation company.
If you are claiming compensation on your own, start by gathering all necessary information and documents related to your flight and issue, such as flight details, boarding passes, and any other evidence. Then, file a complaint online through the airline’s website or contact their customer service via phone or email. If you are not satisfied with their response or they deny your compensation claim, escalate the issue to a national enforcement body.
When seeking compensation for a disrupted flight on your own, it’s essential to determine if it was a flight operated by a UK airline. Further details are provided above.
If you can’t resolve your claim with the airline, consider seeking help from a third-party organisation, like a flight compensation company. You can also choose this option from the start.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
1.3 Right to Care and Assistance (on EU un UK Flights)
Passengers flying with a UK or EU airline are entitled to care on any flight, regardless of its departure or arrival location.
If you are flying with a non-European airline (Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, etc.), you have a right to care when departing from a European airport.
- If you have to wait 3 or more hours (due to flight delay, cancellation, overbooking), you have the right to care from the airline. This is regulated both by the EU and the UK air passenger rights regulations. In this case, the airline has to offer free food and two free phone calls or emails. Mostly it’s provided in the form of coupons, that you can exchange at the airport cafes, shops or restaurants.
- If you have to wait the night, you have the right also to a free hotel stay and free airport transfer. The airline has to take care of you.
Learn more:
2. Compensation for UK Flights: Which Regulation Should You Refer To – EU 261 or UK 261?
When claiming compensation for UK flights independently, it’s crucial to establish whether it was operated by a UK airline. While EU 261 and UK 261 Regulations can provide protection in certain scenarios, the applicability may vary. This distinction is vital during self-claim submissions.
On the other hand, discerning between the two Regulations becomes unnecessary when engaging a flight compensation firm, as they manage this aspect for you.
2.1 You’re Flying With a UK Airline (British Airways, easyJet, Loganair, Jet2.com, Virgin Atlantic, etc.)
Below are various scenarios to consider when making a compensation claim against a UK airline. While some cases may involve both laws, others pertain to just one. For connecting flights, consider your final destination (endpoint) as your actual destination.
Scenarios, when you’re protected:
- EU – EU (UK261 & EU261)
- EU – UK (UK261 & EU261)
- EU – Third country (UK261 & EU261)
- UK – EU (only UK261)
- UK – UK (only UK261)
- UK – Third country (only UK261)
- Third country – EU (only UK261)
- Third country – UK (only UK261)
2.2 You’re Flying With an EU Airline (KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, etc.)
Here are all the possible scenarios.
Remember, your final destination on a connecting flight is what matters, no need to analyse each leg separately.
Scenarios, when you’re protected:
- EU – EU (only EU261)
- EU – UK (UK261 & EU261)
- EU – Third country (only EU261)
- UK – EU (UK261 & EU261)
- UK – UK (only UK261)
- UK – Third country (only UK261)
- Third country – EU (only EU261 law)
- Third country – UK (only UK261 law)
2.3 You’re Flying With a Non-EU, Non-UK Airline (Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Delta, etc.)
Here are all the possible scenarios.
If it’s a connecting flight, your final destination is your destination.
Scenarios, when you’re protected:
- EU – EU (only EU261),
- EU – UK (only EU261),
- EU – Third country (only EU261),
- UK – EU (only UK261),
- UK – UK (only UK261),
- UK – Third country (only Regulation UK261).
Learn more: What Are Your Rights if You’re Flying With a Non-European Airline?
3. List of UK Airlines
For your convenience, here’s a list of some of the most popular UK airlines.
- British Airways
- EasyJet
- Ryanair UK (Ryanair has several subsidiaries, including Ryanair UK)
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Jet2.com
- TUI Airways
- Wizz Air UK (just like Ryanair, Wizz Air has several subsidiaries)
- Loganair
By Europe, European Union and EU here on this website we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This is where these European regulations work.
Do you have more questions about UK flight compensation and your rights when flying with UK airlines? Ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Jack Edwards from Pexels