Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to fixed compensation when their flight is significantly delayed, cancelled, or they are denied boarding. However, many travellers are surprised to learn that EU261 compensation can sometimes be reduced by 50%. This reduction is legal and applies only in specific situations.

Below is a clear explanation of when and why airlines are allowed to cut EU flight compensation in half.

The Standard EU261 Compensation Amounts

Under EU261, compensation is normally set at fixed amounts based on flight distance:

• €250 for short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km)
• €400 for medium-haul flights (1,500–3,500 km)
• €600 for long-haul flights (over 3,500 km)

These amounts apply when a passenger arrives at their final destination 3 hours or more late, or when a flight is cancelled at short notice and the airline is responsible — meaning the disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather.

The same compensation also applies to denied boarding due to overbooking.

When Can EU261 Compensation Be Reduced by 50%?

Under EU261, airlines may reduce flight EU261 compensation by 50%, but only in very specific circumstances. This reduction mainly applies to long-haul flights when the arrival delay is relatively short.

For long-haul flights — defined as journeys of more than 3,500 km — the standard compensation amount is €600 per passenger. This is also where the 50% reduction is most commonly applied.

If a long-haul passenger arrives at their final destination between 3 and 4 hours late, Regulation EU261 allows the airline to reduce the compensation by half, resulting in a payment of €300 instead of €600.

The full €600 compensation still applies if the arrival delay is 4 hours or more.

This also applies to UK261 compensation and UK flights.

What if You Have a Connecting Flight?

For EU261 compensation, the key factor is your arrival time at the final destination — not delays on individual flight segments.

If your journey includes an airline-protected connection, the delay is calculated based on when you reach your final stop. Even a short initial delay can lead to compensation if it causes you to miss a connection and arrive much later.

Importantly, the delay is measured from the moment the aircraft doors open at the destination, not from the scheduled or actual departure time.

For long-haul flights exceeding 3,500 km, compensation can be reduced from €600 to €300 if you arrive between 3 and 4 hours late.

If your arrival delay is 4 hours or more, you are entitled to the full €600 compensation.

How to Claim Flight Compensation

You have two main options for claiming flight compensation, depending on how much time and effort you want to invest.

1. Submit a claim directly to the airline. You can file a compensation claim yourself by using the airline’s online claim form or by contacting customer service. When submitting your claim, include your booking reference, flight details, proof of delay or cancellation, and any supporting documents such as confirmation emails or receipts for additional expenses. Be prepared for follow-ups, as airlines may request more information or initially reject claims.
2. Use a flight compensation service. Alternatively, you can use a flight compensation company to handle the claim on your behalf. These services take care of the entire process — from assessing eligibility to communicating with the airline and escalating the case if needed. They usually operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning you only pay if compensation is successfully recovered. This is often the easiest and least stressful option, as you don’t have to deal with airline responses or rejected claims.

EU261 compensation may be reduced by 50% when a long-haul flight arrives at the final destination 3 – 4 hours late.

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