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.

Why are Heathrow flights often delayed?

Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport operating at near-full capacity. Common causes include runway congestion, air traffic control restrictions, terminal crowding, and weather. The airport's slot restrictions mean limited flexibility when delays occur.

Can I claim if my delay was due to Heathrow congestion?

Yes! Airport congestion is NOT an extraordinary circumstance. Airlines are expected to account for typical operational delays at busy airports like Heathrow.

Which terminal should I go to for compensation info?

You don't need to visit the airport for compensation. Claims are made directly to your airline online or by post. Document everything at the airport (photos of boards, written confirmation of delays) for your claim.

How do I know my Heathrow flight is covered?

All flights departing from Heathrow are covered by UK261 regulations, regardless of airline. Flights arriving at Heathrow from EU airports are covered by EU261 if operated by an EU airline.

What if I missed a connection at Heathrow?

If you booked a connecting itinerary on a single ticket and missed your connection due to the first flight's delay, you can claim based on your arrival time at your final destination.

LHRLondon Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation

Was your flight at Heathrow delayed or cancelled? The UK's busiest airport sees frequent disruptions. You could claim up to £520 compensation.

Check If You Can Claim

Your Rights at Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow is the UK's largest and busiest airport, handling over 80 million passengers annually across its five terminals. As a major international hub, it serves virtually every airline and destination worldwide.

With such high traffic, delays are common at Heathrow. However, your rights to compensation remain the same regardless of the airport's operational challenges. Congestion and slot restrictions are NOT extraordinary circumstances.

Heathrow Quick Facts

Terminals:5 (T2, T3, T4, T5)

Airlines:80+ carriers

Main hub for:British Airways

Passengers:80+ million/year

Common Causes of Delays at Heathrow

Runway Congestion

Heathrow operates at near-capacity with only two runways. Slot restrictions and sequencing can cause delays, but this is NOT extraordinary circumstances.

Weather

Fog, wind, and snow affect operations. Severe weather may be extraordinary, but routine UK weather generally isn't a valid excuse.

Terminal Operations

Security queues, gate changes, and boarding delays. Operational issues within the airline's control are compensatable.

Technical Issues

Aircraft technical problems are NOT extraordinary circumstances. Airlines must maintain their fleet properly.

Airlines Operating from Heathrow

Heathrow is home to over 80 airlines. Here are some of the major carriers:

British Airways→ View guide

Virgin Atlantic

American Airlines

United Airlines

Lufthansa→ View guide

Emirates

Air France→ View guide KLM→ View guide Aer Lingus→ View guide Iberia→ View guide

View all airline guides →

Busiest Routes from Heathrow

Heathrow - New York JFK

5,500km

£520

Heathrow - Dubai

5,500km

£520

Heathrow - Los Angeles

8,800km

£520

Heathrow - Dublin

450km

£220

Heathrow - Amsterdam

370km

£220

Heathrow - Frankfurt

650km

£220

Compensation Amounts

Compensation is based on flight distance, not which airport you use.

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.

What to Do If Your Heathrow Flight Is Delayed

Document Everything

Take photos of departure boards, keep your boarding pass, and note the actual departure and arrival times.

Get Written Confirmation

Ask airline staff for written confirmation of the delay reason. This is valuable evidence for your claim.

Keep All Receipts

If you need meals, refreshments, or accommodation, keep receipts. The airline should reimburse reasonable expenses.

Check Your Eligibility

Use our eligibility checker to see if you qualify for compensation and how much you could claim.

Heathrow Compensation FAQs

Heathrow Flight Disrupted?

Check your eligibility in under 2 minutes and find out how much compensation you could claim.

Check Your Eligibility Now

Heathrow Airport Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation

Your Rights at Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Quick Facts

Common Causes of Delays at Heathrow

Runway Congestion

Weather

Terminal Operations

Technical Issues

Airlines Operating from Heathrow

Busiest Routes from Heathrow

Compensation Amounts

What to Do If Your Heathrow Flight Is Delayed

Document Everything

Get Written Confirmation

Keep All Receipts

Check Your Eligibility

Heathrow Compensation FAQs

Other London Airports

Gatwick

Stansted

Luton

London City

Heathrow Flight Disrupted?