Explore the Travel Hub
Flights, hotels, transfers, car hire & more — all compared in one place.
Does EU261 Still Apply After Brexit?
Yes. The UK adopted EU261 into domestic law as UK261. The rules are identical — if your flight departed from a UK or EU airport, or arrived into one on a UK or EU carrier, you're covered. Post-Brexit hasn't changed your rights here.
What Flights Are Covered?
- Any flight departing from a UK or EU airport — regardless of airline
- Any flight arriving into the UK or EU — on a UK or EU-based carrier only
- Connecting flights count as one journey if booked on a single ticket
The Three Situations That Qualify
1. Flight Delayed 3+ Hours
If you arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late — measured at the moment the doors open, not wheels-down — you may be entitled to compensation. It's the arrival delay that counts, not departure.
2. Flight Cancelled
If your flight was cancelled and you weren't given at least 14 days' notice, you're likely entitled to compensation plus a refund or rebooking.
3. Denied Boarding (Overbooking)
If the airline turned you away despite a confirmed booking — most commonly due to overbooking — you're entitled to compensation immediately, before you even leave the airport.
How Much Can You Claim?
| Flight Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | €250 per passenger |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €400 per passenger |
| Over 3,500 km (3+ hour delay) | €300 per passenger |
| Over 3,500 km (4+ hour delay) | €600 per passenger |
These are per-person amounts. A family of four on a qualifying flight could be owed €2,400.
The "Extraordinary Circumstances" Loophole: Airlines can avoid paying if the disruption was caused by something outside their control — severe weather, airport strikes, bird strikes, etc. However, airlines routinely misuse this clause. Technical faults on the plane almost never qualify as extraordinary. Always submit a claim and let a professional assess it.
How to Make a Claim
- 1Claim directly with the airline — free, but slow, often ignored, and requires persistence.
- 2Use a compensation service — they handle everything on a no-win, no-fee basis. You keep the majority of the payout. Best for older claims or when airlines have already rejected you once.
How Far Back Can You Claim?
In the UK, you can claim up to 6 years back under the Limitation Act 1980. So if you had a bad flight in 2019 and never claimed, it's not too late.
Check If You're Owed Compensation
Both services work on a no-win, no-fee basis. Takes 2 minutes to check eligibility.
Compare on Travel Extras →Want more? Visit the Travel Hub
Flights, hotels, transfers, car hire & more — all compared in one place.