Which flights does UK law cover?

A flight that departs a UK airport is covered. A flight that arrives in the UK is covered only when a UK airline operates it. A flight that both departs and arrives outside the UK is not a UK claim.

How much is UK261 compensation?

£220 for flights up to 1,500 km, £350 for flights from 1,500 km to 3,500 km, and £520 for flights over 3,500 km. On a flight over 3,500 km, an arrival delay of three hours up to four hours is £260.

Does the CAA pay the compensation?

No. The UK Civil Aviation Authority enforces the regulation. The operating airline pays the passenger. The CAA does not award the money.

UK assimilated Regulation 261

UK flight compensation, in the amounts the law sets

Flights from the UK, and flights to the UK on a UK airline, are claimed in pounds. The EU guide covers the rest.

£220, £350 or £520
Three hours or more
UK departure, or a UK airline inbound

How much is UK flight compensation?

UK flight compensation is £220, £350 or £520 per passenger under assimilated Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 when you reach your final destination three or more hours late, the flight is cancelled, or you are denied boarding, and the cause is the airline’s responsibility. Distance sets the amount, not the ticket price. A delay under three hours does not qualify for this payment.

The text is the assimilated form of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on legislation.gov.uk. The UK Civil Aviation Authority enforces it and does not pay passengers. The operating airline does.

UK flight compensation by distance
Distance	Amount per passenger
Up to 1,500 km	£220
1,500 km to 3,500 km	£350
Over 3,500 km	£520
Over 3,500 km, 3 to 4 hours late	£260

FAQ