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Premieres 31 October 2026 at 12pm UK time
The Old Fox's Penny Tips · Episode 4
Flight 3 Hours Late? Up to £520 Each
Under UK261, delays of three hours or more that are the airline's fault can mean £220 to £520 per person, depending on distance. General information, not financial advice.
General information, not financial advice. Check your own situation.
- Under UK261, if your flight arrives three or more hours late for a reason within the airline's control, you can claim £220 per person for flights under 1,500 km, £350 for 1,500–3,500 km, and for longer flights £260 (three to four hours late) or £520 (four hours or more) (Civil Aviation Authority, 'Delays').
- Compensation isn't due for extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather or air traffic control strikes (Civil Aviation Authority).
- The rules cover flights departing UK airports and some flights arriving in the UK; you can claim directly from the airline without paying a claims company (Civil Aviation Authority).
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What the fox said
Was your flight more than 3 hours late? You may be owed up to £520 each.
Britain kept the old European passenger rules after leaving the EU. They're now known as UK261.
Arrive 3 hours or more late, through the airline's fault, and compensation is fixed by distance.
Under 1,500 kilometres, £220 a person. Up to 3,500, £350.
Longer flights, £520 if you're 4 hours late or more.
Not for bad weather, air traffic control strikes, or other extraordinary circumstances.
It covers flights leaving a UK airport, and some flights coming home. Claim from the airline directly. It's free.
3 hours in a departure lounge shouldn't be for nothing. Keep your nose to the wind.
General information, not financial advice. Check your own situation.
Sources
- Under UK261, if your flight arrives three or more hours late for a reason within the airline's control, you can claim £220 per person for flights under 1,500 km, £350 for 1,500–3,500 km, and for longer flights £260 (three to four hours late) or £520 (four hours or more) (Civil Aviation Authority, 'Delays').
- Compensation isn't due for extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather or air traffic control strikes (Civil Aviation Authority).
- The rules cover flights departing UK airports and some flights arriving in the UK; you can claim directly from the airline without paying a claims company (Civil Aviation Authority).
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