EU Flight Delay Compensation (EU261 & UK261): Your Complete Guide

If your flight was delayed or canceled in Europe, you may be entitled to cash compensation — not just a voucher or apology. These rights come from a regulation known as EU261 (and UK261 in the United Kingdom), which provides some of the strongest airline passenger protections in the world.

This guide explains how EU261 works, which flights qualify, how much compensation you may be owed, and what to do if an airline denies your claim. If you’re dealing with a disruption right now or trying to figure out whether a past flight qualifies, this page is designed to give you clear answers in plain English.

If you’re still trying to understand how European rules compare to other regions, you may want to start with this global flight delay and cancellation compensation guide.

What Is EU261 (and UK261)?

EU261 is a European Union regulation that requires airlines to compensate passengers for long flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, when the disruption is within the airline’s control.

After Brexit, the UK adopted nearly identical rules under UK261. For passengers, the rights and compensation amounts are effectively the same.

Together, these rules are often referred to as EU261 / UK261.

Which Flights Are Covered by EU261?

EU261 applies based on where your flight operates, not your nationality.

You are generally covered if:

• Your flight departed from an EU country, or
• Your flight arrived in the EU and was operated by an EU-based airline

UK261 applies similarly to flights involving the United Kingdom.

This means EU261 can apply even if:

• You’re flying to or from the United States
• You booked through a non-European airline partner
• You used points or a discounted fare

If you’re unsure how this fits into the broader rules for airline delays, this flight delay and cancellation compensation overview provides helpful context.

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Flight Delays Under EU261: When Compensation Applies

For delays, EU261 focuses on arrival time, not departure time.

You may qualify for compensation if:

• You arrived at your final destination three hours or more late, and
• The delay was caused by the airline (not extraordinary circumstances)

Under EU rules, a delay is measured by when the aircraft doors open at the final destination, not when the plane touches down.

Flight Cancellations Under EU261

If your flight is canceled, EU261 gives you several rights.

Airlines must offer:

• Rebooking on an alternative flight, or
• A full refund if you choose not to travel

You may also be entitled to cash compensation if:

• You were notified less than 14 days before departure, and
• The cancellation was within the airline’s control

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

Compensation amounts are fixed by regulation and depend on flight distance:

• Up to 1,500 km: €250
• 1,500–3,500 km: €400
• Over 3,500 km: €600

These amounts apply per passenger, regardless of ticket price or class of service.

Airlines cannot reduce these amounts simply because they offered a voucher, hotel, or meal.

Missed Connections Under EU261

If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, EU261 looks at the total delay to your final destination.

Even if the airline rebooks you, you may still qualify for compensation if:

• Your final arrival is three hours or more late

Assistance During Delays: Meals, Hotels, and Care

In addition to compensation, EU261 requires airlines to provide care during long delays, including:

• Meals and refreshments
• Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
• Transportation between the airport and hotel
• Communication (calls or emails)

These rights apply even when cash compensation is not owed.

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When EU261 Compensation Does NOT Apply

Airlines are not required to pay compensation when delays or cancellations are caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.

Common examples include:

• Severe weather
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Airport security or safety issues

How Long Do You Have to File an EU261 Claim?

Many passengers assume it’s too late to file a claim — but that’s often not true.

Depending on the country where the claim is filed, EU261 claims may be valid for:

• 2 to 6 years after the flight

This makes it possible to recover compensation for older delays or cancellations you may have given up on.

How to Claim EU261 Compensation

You generally have two options.

File a Claim Directly With the Airline

You can submit a claim yourself through the airline’s customer service or claims portal. This can work, but responses may be slow, and valid claims are sometimes denied.

Use a Compensation Service

Some travelers prefer to use a service that handles the process for them, especially for older claims or disputed cases.

AirHelp specializes in EU261 and UK261 claims and works on a no-win, no-fee basis. They handle:

• Claim submission
• Follow-ups with the airline
• Legal escalation when required

You can learn how the service works in this AirHelp review and compensation guide.

EU261 Compared to Other Regions

EU261 offers stronger protections than most other regions.

• United States: No required cash compensation for delays
• International flights outside Europe: Often governed by the Montreal Convention

If your flight did not involve Europe, this US flight delays and cancellations guide explains how rules differ.

Final Thoughts on EU261 Compensation

EU261 and UK261 give passengers real leverage when flights are delayed or canceled — but many travelers never claim what they’re owed simply because the rules aren’t clearly explained.

If your flight involved Europe and arrived late, was canceled, or caused a missed connection, it’s worth checking whether compensation applies. Even if the disruption happened years ago, you may still have options.

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Related Guides

• Global Flight Delay and Cancellation Guide
• Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation Overview
• US Flight Delays & Cancellations (DOT Rules)
• AirHelp Review & How It Works