If you arrived at your destination 3 or more hours behind schedule, you could qualify for flight delay compensation, as long as the delay was the airline’s fault and not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

These rights apply to all passengers, including infants, and you don’t need travel insurance to make a claim.

In addition to compensation, you have a right to care. Learn more in this article.

UK/EU Flight Delay Compensation

Arrived at your destination 3+ hours later?

You are often entitled to flight compensation from the airline.

Compensation is due when the cause of the delay is something that is not outside the airline’s control. In other words, when the delay is due to the fault of the airline. Passengers of all ages can receive EU flight delay compensation, including infants. You don’t need to have travel insurance to claim compensation.

Keep in mind that paying compensation does not release the airline from the obligation to take you to your destination. Just as the fact that you have been delivered to your destination does not release the airline from the obligation to pay compensation (when it is due).

Flight Delay Compensation Amount

The longer the flight, the more you can get.

The amount of the EU flight compensation is not affected by the ticket price, nor by the age of the passenger. If the compensation is due, your child/baby can get it, too. Even if you haven’t booked a separate seat for your baby.

UK flight delay compensation rules are practically identical, and the amounts are too.

Here’s how much you can claim:

• 250 EUR – if the flight distance is less than 1,500 km;
• 400 EUR – if the flight distance is between 1500 and 3,500 km;
• 600 EUR – if the flight distance is more than 3,500 km.

Flight Delay Compensation and Extraordinary Circumstances

Flight delay compensation is not paid when the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances — events beyond the airline’s control.

These can include severe weather, natural disasters, political unrest, air traffic control strikes, and security risks. In such cases, the airline is not legally required to pay compensation, even if the delay exceeds three hours.

Keep in mind that technical problems are generally not considered extraordinary circumstances — unless the issue stems from a hidden manufacturing defect. So, if your flight is delayed due to a technical fault, you’re likely entitled to compensation under EU or UK regulations.

Right to Receive Care From the Airline

If the delay is long, you can get certain services for free.

First of all, regardless of the circumstances, the airline has to get you to your destination.

There are situations when the wait drags on and departure keeps getting postponed again and again. In situations like these, it’s not really clear how long it will be like that. There is always the possibility that at some point, the flight is going to be canceled altogether. In this case, it is considered to be a flight cancellation.

Keep in mind that:

• If you have to wait 3 or more hours, you are entitled to a free meal and internet access or 2 calls. If it is not offered, ask your airline.
• If you have to wait all night or even longer, you are entitled to both food and a free hotel stay + transportation to the hotel and back to the airport. For this you will have to leave the airport, and you may need a visa for transit.

You can get these free services even if your flight is delayed due to extraordinary circumstances.

Read more: Right to Care

How to Claim UK/EU Flight Delay Compensation?

To get flight delay compensation, you’ll need to submit a claim directly to the airline, providing key details such as your flight number, booking reference, and the length and cause of the delay.

It’s helpful to include any evidence you have — like boarding passes, confirmation emails, or photos of departure boards — especially if the airline disputes the claim. Many airlines offer online claim forms, but you can also contact their customer service by email. If the airline rejects your claim unfairly, you can escalate the case to a national enforcement body.

You also have the option to use a flight compensation company. This is often the easiest route — usually, you just need to fill out and sign a single form, and the company handles the rest, including all communication with the airline. If the claim is successful, your compensation is paid directly to your bank account. Keep in mind, though, that this convenience comes at a cost. Most companies charge a fee of around 30–35% of the compensation amount. The good news is that most operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you only pay if your claim is successful.

Do you have more questions about flight delay compensation? Ask in the comments.