Here we will talk about UK/EU flight compensation.
This is the compensation that you can get if your flight falls under the European Union’s flight compensation regulation – Regulation 261/2004. In the UK, the rules are almost identical. Regulation UK261, as it is oftentimes called, offers the same protections.
You can get this compensation, if:
- your flight is 3+ hours late (sometimes a 2-hour delay is enough)
- your flight is cancelled less than 2 weeks before the flight
- your flight is overbooked and you are denied boarding
The only condition is that it must be the airline’s fault.
With European airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet, this applies to all flights. With non-European airlines – only to flights departing from Europe.
Check flight compensation online.
How Much Is Flight Compensation in Europe?
The amount of compensation varies depending on the length of your flight. In most situations, you can receive from 250 to 600 euros per passenger.
- For flights under 1,500 kilometres, such as short-haul flights within Europe, the maximum compensation is €250. This applies if your flight was delayed by more than three hours or if it was cancelled less than two weeks before departure. The rules are the same if you are denied boarding due to overbooking.
- For medium-distance flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, such as from Europe to North Africa or the Middle East, the maximum compensation is €400. If your easyJet flight from London to Morocco is 4 hours late, you can get up to 400 euros.
- For long-haul flights over 3,500 kilometres, such as from Europe to the United States or Asia, the maximum compensation is €600. For example, if you are travelling with Norse to Bangkok or with Level to New York. If the flight is delayed for 3-4 hours, you will be entitled only to 50% of this amount.
It doesn’t matter if you are flying to Europe, Asia, Africa or somewhere else.
All that matters in determining how much you are entitled to from the airline is the distance of the flight, from the starting point to the end point. If there is more than one flight, you look only at the first and last airport. And you have to look at the total flight distance. The total flight distance is not the same as if you would travel by car or bus.
How much is flight compensation in Europe? In 2024, there are four options – 250, 300, 400, or 600 euros.
Check flight compensation online.
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.
How Much Is Flight Compensation for Kids?
The flight compensation amounts for kids are identical – 250, 300, 400 or 600 euros, depending on the flight distance and the total length of delay.
The flight compensation rules for kids are identical to those for adults.
Read more: UK/EU Flight Compensation for Babies and Children
How Much Is Flight Compensation If You Don’t Have a Travel Insurance?
The amounts are identical. Because to get this compensation you don’t even need travel insurance. If your flight qualifies for European flight compensation then that’s it – all you have to do is start a claim and request the money from the airline.
If you have insurance, you may get some extras (depending on your policy).
In What Situations Can You Receive Only 300 Euro Flight Compensation?
If your flight is delayed for 3-4 hours, and it’s a flight of more than 3,500 kilometres, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €300 under EU and UK laws.
Yes, only 300 euros, not 600 euros.
This is one of the European flight compensation exceptions.
This applies only to the longest of the flights. For example, when travelling from Europe to Asia, North America or South America. This is because it’s not deemed a significant issue for such a long flight.
Read more: What to Do If the Airline Refuses to Pay Compensation?
Can You Get Flight Compensation If Your Flight Is 2 Hours Late?
Yes, there is one scenario, and that applies only to flight cancellations.
If you’re notified of a cancellation less than 7 days before your flight, and you choose an alternative flight from your airline that leaves no more than 1 hour earlier and arrives no more than 2 hours later than your original times, you won’t qualify for compensation.
But – if you arrive with a 2-hour delay (2h 00 min is enough), you will be entitled to flight cancellation compensation. As long as this cancellation is due to the airline’s fault.
What is your experience with flight compensation in Europe? Have you ever received 200, 400 or 600 euros from the airline? How long time did it take for them to make a payment?