UK261
UK261 compensation for flights from the UK
UK261 is the United Kingdom’s retained air passenger rights law. It sets fixed compensation in pounds when a flight from the UK is delayed, cancelled or you are denied boarding.
Amounts
The amount depends on the flight distance and how late you arrive at your final destination.
| Distance | When it applies | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | Delay of 3 hours or more, or a cancelled flight | £220 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | Delay of 3 hours or more, or a cancelled flight | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | Delay of 3 hours or more, or a cancelled flight | £520 |
On a flight over 3,500 km, UK261 compensation can be £260 if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late.
When does UK261 apply?
UK261 applies when your flight departs from the United Kingdom. It can also apply when your flight arrives in the United Kingdom and the operating airline is a UK or EU airline.
EU261 applies when your flight departs from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland. It can also apply when your flight arrives there and the operating airline is an EU, EEA or Swiss carrier.
A departure from the UK is assessed under UK261, in pounds. A departure from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland is assessed under EU261, in euros.
Step by step
- Confirm that the flight departs from the UK, or arrives in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
- Check the flight distance and how late you arrived at the final destination.
- A cancellation, a delay of 3 hours or more, or denied boarding can qualify. Extraordinary circumstances can mean the airline does not owe compensation.
Denied boarding is covered under UK261. Read more about denied boarding.
FAQ
How much can UK261 compensation be?
UK261 compensation is £220, £350 or £520 per person. On a flight over 3,500 km, it can be £260 if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late.
When does UK261 apply?
UK261 applies to flights that depart from the United Kingdom. It can also apply to a flight that arrives in the United Kingdom when the operating airline is a UK or EU airline.
Does UK261 cover cancellations?
Yes. A cancelled flight can qualify, as can a delay of 3 hours or more at your final destination, and denied boarding.