Saturday, June 28, 2025
If you’ve had a delayed flight since 2019, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. Holidaymakers departing from the UK or EU airports could be eligible for compensation of up to £520, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of your journey. This compensation is part of European protections aimed at ensuring passengers are treated fairly when their flights are delayed or canceled. Here’s everything you need to know to claim your money back.

Who Is Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?

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If your flight was delayed by three hours or more and was operated by a UK or EU airline, you could be entitled to compensation. Eligible flights are those that either departed from a UK or EU airport or were operated by a European airline. Importantly, the delay must be the airline’s fault—technical failures or overbooking—but does not cover circumstances like bad weather or security issues that are beyond the airline’s control.
According to Citizens Advice, you can make a claim up to six years from the date of your flight. Here’s the breakdown of the compensation based on delay time and distance:

• Delayed by 3 hours or more (under 1,500 km): £220
• Delayed by 3 hours or more (1,500 km – 3,500 km): £350
• Delayed by 4 hours or more (over 3,500 km): £520
• Delayed less than 4 hours (over 3,500 km): £260

When Can You Get a Full Refund?

If your flight is delayed for five hours or more, you are not obligated to take the flight. In these cases, the airline is legally required to provide:

• A full refund for the delayed flight.
• Refunds for other unused flights in the same booking (like return or onward flights).
• If you’re partway through your journey, the airline must offer a flight back to your original departure airport.

The refund should be processed within seven days of your scheduled flight date. Citizens Advice suggests contacting the airline immediately if you choose not to continue with the delayed flight.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled

If your flight is canceled, you can choose between:

1. A full refund, including for any other unused flights in the same booking.
2. A replacement flight to get you to your destination.

In either case, you have a legal right to compensation, and the airline must inform you of your options clearly.

How to Make Your Claim

Making a claim for a delayed or canceled flight is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Contact the Airline: Reach out to the airline operating the flight, even if you booked it through another carrier. Have your booking reference number and flight details ready.
2. Write Your Claim: Explain the delay or cancellation and what you want the airline to provide. Be sure to include copies (not originals) of your tickets and receipts.
3. Keep Records: Retain copies of your claim and any responses you receive from the airline. If you speak with an airline representative, take detailed notes of the conversation.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Claim What You’re Owed

Flight delays and cancellations are frustrating, but knowing your rights can turn a negative experience into a positive outcome. Whether your flight was delayed by hours or canceled outright, you could be entitled to compensation. Be proactive, gather your documentation, and reach out to the airline promptly. With clear guidance and persistence, you can secure the compensation you deserve.

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Tags: Airline News, delayed flight claims, EU travel compensation, Europe, Flight Delay Compensation, passenger compensation rights, Tourism news, Travel News, UK flight refund

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Saturday, June 28, 2025
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