How long flight delay for compensation?

If you’ve ever sat in an airport terminal wondering whether your flight delay qualifies for compensation, you’re not alone. The rules can seem confusing—but under EC261 and UK261 legislation, there are clear guidelines that determine when you're legally entitled to be compensated. This article cuts through the noise and gives you a straight answer to the question: how long flight delay for compensation?

You Need a Delay of 3 Hours or More to Claim

To be eligible for flight delay compensation, your flight must arrive at your destination more than three hours later than scheduled. Importantly, the delay is measured from the time the aircraft door opens, not when the plane lands or taxis to the gate.

But there’s a catch: the delay must be the airline’s responsibility. That includes things like technical faults, staffing issues, or operational errors—but not bad weather or air traffic control strikes, which are considered “extraordinary circumstances”.

Flight Delay Compensation Amounts Under UK261

So, how much can you actually claim? The amount is fixed and depends on the distance of your flight and how long the delay was. Here’s the breakdown in pounds sterling (£):

If your flight never arrived at all or was cancelled without proper notice, you could also be entitled to the same level of compensation, depending on the replacement flight options offered.

What If You’re Delayed by Less Than 3 Hours?

If your flight arrives less than 3 hours late, you’re not entitled to compensation. However, you may still have rights to care and assistance from the airline. This includes:

• Free meals and refreshments

• Access to phone calls or emails

These are legally required once a delay hits:

• 2 hours for flights under 1,500km

• 3 hours for flights 1,500–3,500km

• 4 hours for flights over 3,500km

If the airline doesn’t offer help, keep receipts and claim reasonable expenses back later. Just don’t go overboard—luxury hotels and champagne aren’t likely to be reimbursed.

What Can You Claim For?

Beyond the standard compensation amounts, you might also be entitled to recover additional out-of-pocket expenses, but only if they are considered “reasonable.” These include:

• Meals and drinks

• Hotel stays (when overnight delays occur)

• Transport to and from the hotel

• Basic toiletries or essentials if luggage is inaccessible

Remember: Always keep your receipts, and avoid claiming for alcohol or luxury spending—they won’t be reimbursed.

When the Delay Is 5 Hours or More

If your flight is delayed by 5 hours or more, you don’t have to take it. You’re entitled to:

• A full refund for your flight

• A refund for any unused onward or return flights

• A flight back to your original departure airport (if you’re part-way through your journey)

Even if you do take the delayed flight, you could still claim up to £520 in compensation depending on the distance and cause of delay.

Connecting Flights and Long-Haul Journeys

You can still claim compensation if your journey includes connecting flights, as long as they were booked together under a single reservation. For example, if you flew from London to Melbourne via Dubai and were delayed in Dubai, you may still be protected under UK261, provided the airline was responsible for the delay.

How Long Flight Delay for Compensation? Here’s the Recap

To keep it simple:

• 3+ hour arrival delay: You may be entitled to £220 to £520, depending on distance.

• Cause must be the airline’s fault: Not weather, security risks, or air traffic strikes.

• Delay is counted at the door opening time, not landing time.

• Even short delays (2+ hours) can entitle you to care and assistance at the airport.

• 5+ hour delays may qualify you for full refunds—even if you choose not to travel.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation

Claiming your compensation doesn’t have to be a hassle. You don’t need to chase the airline, argue the rules, or decipher legal jargon.

Use our flight delay compensation calculator—just enter your flight number and date of travel. We’ll instantly check your flight’s eligibility and tell you exactly how much you can claim.