Flight delay compensation is one of the most searched passenger rights topics in Europe and the UK. Every year, millions of travelers arrive late to their destinations — yet most of them never claim flight delay compensation, even when they are legally entitled to it.

Under EU261, UK261 and Canadian passenger rights laws, passengers can receive between €250 and €600 for a delayed flight. But eligibility depends on several factors including distance, delay length, and airline responsibility.

What Is Flight Delay Compensation?

Flight delay compensation is a financial payment airlines must provide when a passenger reaches their final destination 3 hours or more late — provided the delay was within the airline’s control.

It is separate from:

• Refunds
• Rebooking
• Airport assistance (meals, hotel)

Compensation is meant to cover the inconvenience caused by lost time.

When Are You Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?

You may qualify for flight delay compensation if:

• Your flight arrived 3+ hours late
• The flight departed from the EU or UK
• OR arrived in the EU operated by an EU airline
• The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances

Eligibility depends on arrival delay — not departure delay.

How Much Flight Delay Compensation Can You Get?

Under EU law, the amount of flight delay compensation depends on distance:

In the UK, the amounts are paid in GBP equivalents.

For Canadian flights, compensation ranges from CAD 125 to CAD 1,000 depending on airline size and delay duration.

What Counts as Extraordinary Circumstances?

Airlines are not required to pay flight delay compensation if the delay was caused by:

• Severe weather
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Political instability
• Security risks
• External strikes

However, technical problems, crew shortages, or operational issues usually do NOT qualify as extraordinary circumstances.

Many airlines reject claims citing “bad weather,” but if other flights departed normally, you may still be entitled to flight delay compensation.

Flight Delay Compensation for Connecting Flights

If you booked connecting flights under one reservation and reached your final destination 3+ hours late, you may claim compensation based on total journey distance.

If tickets were booked separately, eligibility may be limited.

What About Delays Over 5 Hours?

If your flight is delayed more than 5 hours at departure, you can request:

• Full ticket refund
• Or return flight to the original departure airport

This is separate from flight delay compensation rights for arrival delays.

How Long Do You Have to Claim?

In most EU countries, you have between 3 and 6 years to claim flight delay compensation.

In the UK, the limitation period is typically 6 years.

It is recommended to file claims as soon as possible while documents are accessible.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation

To claim flight delay compensation:

1. Confirm your arrival delay exceeded 3 hours.
2. Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.
3. Submit a claim directly to the airline.
4. Escalate to national authorities if rejected.

We use “no win, no fee” compensation services to simplify the process.

Why Most Passengers Never Claim

Industry reports show that up to 60% of eligible passengers never file for flight delay compensation. Airlines benefit from lack of awareness and complex claim procedures.

Knowing your rights can turn a frustrating delay into financial compensation.

FAQ – Flight Delay Compensation

How long must a flight be delayed to get compensation?

At least 3 hours at arrival under EU and UK law.

Can I get compensation for a 2-hour delay?

Generally no, unless Canadian regulations apply under certain conditions.

Do I get both meals and money?

Yes. Airport assistance and flight delay compensation are separate rights.

Can bad weather cancel compensation?

Only if it genuinely prevented safe operation. Airlines must prove this.