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It depends on where you fly. In the US, you are owed an automatic cash refund if your flight is cancelled or changed by more than 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international) and you choose not to travel. On flights covered by EU261 or UK261, you can also get fixed cash compensation of €250–€600 or £220–£520 when you arrive 3+ hours late for a reason within the airline's control.
What do US airlines owe you?
US Department of Transportation rules, in full effect since 28 October 2024, require airlines to give you a prompt cash refund when your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you decide not to travel. A significant change includes a departure or arrival time moved by more than 3 hours on a domestic flight or 6 hours on an international one.
- Refund, not a voucher: you can insist on money back to your original payment method.
- No fixed delay payment: US law does not set a cash amount for delays, but many airlines offer meals, hotels or miles. Check your airline's customer service plan.
How much is EU261 compensation?
EU261 covers flights departing an EU airport, and flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline. If you reach your final destination 3 or more hours late, or your flight is cancelled at short notice, and the cause was within the airline's control, you are owed:
| Flight distance | EU261 | UK261 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | £220 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €400 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 | £520 |
The amount depends on distance, not on how long the delay was. Bad weather, air traffic control restrictions and security alerts usually count as extraordinary circumstances, so no compensation is due, but the airline must still look after you with meals and, if needed, a hotel.
How is UK261 different?
UK261 is the UK version of the same rule. It covers flights departing a UK airport, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, with the amounts in pounds shown above.
How do you claim?
- Keep everything: boarding pass, booking confirmation, and receipts for food, taxis or hotels.
- Ask the airline for the reason for the delay in writing, or note what staff and screens say.
- Claim directly with the airline through its online form. It is free.
- Escalate if refused: in the US, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation; in the EU or UK, go to the national enforcement body or an approved dispute scheme.
- Consider a claim service only if you don't want to do it yourself. They take a share of the payout.
How can you protect your next trip?
- Book the first flight of the day: it is the least likely to be delayed by knock-on problems.
- Leave long connections on separate tickets, which are not protected if you miss the next flight.
- Get travel insurance that covers delays and missed connections.
What should you read next?
Frequently asked questions
How late does a flight have to be for compensation?
Under EU261 and UK261 you must arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours late, for a reason within the airline's control.
Does the US give compensation for delays?
There is no fixed cash amount for delays in the US. You are owed a cash refund if the flight is cancelled or changed by more than 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally and you choose not to travel.
Do I get compensation for bad weather?
Usually not. Weather is normally an extraordinary circumstance, but the airline must still provide care such as meals and accommodation under EU261 and UK261.
Is compensation per booking or per passenger?
Per passenger, including children with a seat.