Question 1

How much compensation am I owed for a delayed flight in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Under UK261, you are entitled to £220 for flights under 1,500km, £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km, and £520 for flights over 3,500km, where your flight arrived more than 3 hours late.

Question 2

What is UK261?

Accepted Answer

UK261 is UK Regulation 261/2004, retained in UK domestic law after Brexit. It gives passengers the right to fixed-rate compensation for delayed flights, cancelled flights, and denied boarding on flights departing UK airports or operated by UK carriers.

Question 3

How do I claim flight delay compensation from British Airways, easyJet or Ryanair?

Accepted Answer

Write a formal complaint letter to the airline citing UK Regulation 261/2004, stating the delay duration, route, and compensation amount owed. If they do not respond within 14 days, escalate to CEDR (the CAA-approved dispute resolution scheme) for free.

Question 4

What if the airline claims extraordinary circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Many airline claims of extraordinary circumstances are invalid under UK case law. Technical faults, crew shortages, and IT failures are generally not accepted as extraordinary circumstances. The burden of proof rests with the airline, not the passenger.

Flight distance	Compensation
Under 1,500 km	£220
1,500–3,500 km	£350
Over 3,500 km	£520

UK261 Flight Delay Compensation Letter
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UK261 Flight Delay Compensation LetterWritten for you in 60 seconds.