How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?

You can claim between £220 and £520 depending on the distance of your flight. Short-haul flights under 1,500km qualify for £220, medium-haul flights between 1,500-3,500km qualify for £350, and long-haul flights over 3,500km qualify for £520.

What is the 3-hour rule for flight delays?

Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, you are entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours late. The delay is measured by when the aircraft doors open at your destination.

How long do I have to claim flight compensation?

In the UK, you have up to 6 years from the date of your flight to make a claim. However, we recommend claiming as soon as possible while the details are fresh.

What does no win no fee mean?

No win, no fee means you only pay if your claim is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won't pay anything. This removes the financial risk of making a claim.

How do I claim compensation from British Airways?

You can submit a claim through BA's website under "Help and contacts" > "Feedback and complaints". You can also use their dedicated refunds page or contact customer services directly. Having your booking reference ready speeds up the process.

Is British Airways good at paying compensation?

British Airways generally has a good reputation for handling valid claims. As a premium carrier, they tend to have better customer service processes, though complex cases may still take time.

Can I claim if I booked through the BA Executive Club?

Yes, compensation applies regardless of how you booked or whether you used Avios points. If your BA flight was delayed, cancelled, or you were denied boarding, you're entitled to claim.

What about BA codeshare flights?

If your flight was operated by BA (the actual aircraft and crew were BA), you claim from BA. If BA sold the ticket but another airline operated the flight, you'd claim from the operating carrier.

Does compensation differ for business class?

No, compensation amounts are the same regardless of your ticket class. Whether you flew Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Club World), or First, the compensation is based on distance, not fare paid.

British Airways Flight Delay Compensation

Was your British Airways flight delayed or cancelled? You could be entitled to up to £520 in compensation under EU261 and UK261 regulations.

Check If You Can Claim

Claiming Compensation from British Airways

British Airways is the UK's flag carrier airline, operating from its main hub at London Heathrow with additional operations at Gatwick and London City. As a full-service premium airline, BA handles compensation claims with established customer service processes.

Like all airlines, BA is subject to EU261 and UK261 regulations. The compensation amounts are identical whether you fly with a budget carrier or premium airline like BA - the law makes no distinction based on ticket price or service level.

BA's Customer Service Reputation

British Airways generally handles valid compensation claims professionally. Their customer service team is accessible via multiple channels, and they typically process straightforward claims efficiently. For Executive Club members, dedicated support lines may be available.

Popular British Airways Routes

British Airways operates an extensive network from the UK to destinations worldwide. Here are some popular routes:

London Heathrow - New York JFK

London Heathrow - Dubai

London Heathrow - Los Angeles

London Heathrow - Paris CDG

London Heathrow - Amsterdam

London Gatwick - Barcelona

London City - Edinburgh

London Heathrow - Hong Kong

London Heathrow - Singapore

British Airways Compensation Amounts

Compensation amounts are the same regardless of your ticket class - whether Economy or First.

Flight Distance

Compensation

Example Routes

Under 1,500 km

£220

London to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam

Most Common

1,500 - 3,500 km

£350

London to Rome, Athens, Marrakech

Over 3,500 km

£520

London to New York, Dubai, Bangkok

Compensation amounts are set by EU261 and UK261 regulations. Each passenger can claim individually.

BA's long-haul network means many passengers qualify for the maximum £520 compensation.

How British Airways Handles Claims

Multiple Contact Channels

BA offers various ways to submit claims: online forms, phone support, and in some cases, at the airport. Executive Club members may have access to priority support.

Professional Processing

BA generally processes claims professionally with established procedures. Valid claims for clear-cut cases are typically handled within a few weeks.

Payment Options

Compensation is usually paid via bank transfer. BA may offer Avios points as an alternative, but you're entitled to insist on monetary compensation.

Tips for Claiming from British Airways

Use Your Executive Club Account

If you're a member, log into your account - your flight history is stored and easily accessible.

Know Your Ticket Type

BA operates both mainline and BA CityFlyer - both are covered by the same regulations.

Check Operating Carrier

For codeshare flights, check who actually operated the flight - claim from that airline.

Claim Cash Not Points

BA may offer Avios instead of cash. You can accept if preferred, but cash is your right.

British Airways Compensation FAQs

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