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.

Denied Boarding Compensation UK

Bumped from an overbooked flight? You're entitled to immediate compensation of up to £520 - no 3-hour wait required.

Check If You Can Claim

What Is Denied Boarding?

Denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to allow you on a flight despite you having a valid ticket and arriving on time. The most common reason is overbooking - when airlines sell more tickets than there are seats, betting that some passengers won't show up.

Why do airlines overbook?

Airlines routinely sell more tickets than seats available because statistically, a percentage of passengers don't show up for their flights. This practice maximises revenue but occasionally backfires when more passengers turn up than expected, leaving some without seats.

Voluntary vs Involuntary Denied Boarding

When a flight is overbooked, airlines must first ask for volunteers before bumping passengers against their will.

Voluntary

You choose to give up your seat in exchange for:

• Cash or vouchers (negotiable amount)
• Rebooking on a later flight
• Potentially meals/hotel if needed

Tip: You can negotiate the amount. Airlines often start low but will increase offers if no one volunteers.

Involuntary

You're bumped against your will and entitled to:

• Immediate compensation (£220-£520)
• Rebooking on next available flight
• Care and assistance while waiting
• Option for full refund instead

Key difference: Compensation is a legal right, not negotiable, and is paid on top of rebooking.

Your Rights When Denied Boarding

If you're involuntarily denied boarding, the airline must provide:

Immediate Compensation

£220 to £520 depending on flight distance - payable immediately, not after arrival.

Choice of Refund or Rebooking

Full refund within 7 days, OR rebooking on next available flight, OR rebooking at a later date.

Care and Assistance

Meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if needed, transport to hotel.

Two Free Communications

Phone calls, emails, or faxes to inform family or arrange alternative plans.

Written Confirmation

The airline must provide written notice of your rights and compensation entitlement.

Upgrade Opportunity

If rebooked in a higher class, no extra charge. If lower class, partial refund due.

Denied Boarding Compensation Amounts

Unlike delays, compensation for denied boarding is payable immediately - no need to wait for a 3-hour delay.

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.

Reduced Compensation

If the airline offers rebooking and you arrive at your destination within a certain time of the original schedule, compensation may be reduced by 50%:

• Under 1,500km: within 2 hours of original arrival
• 1,500-3,500km: within 3 hours of original arrival
• Over 3,500km: within 4 hours of original arrival

When Airlines Can Legitimately Deny Boarding

Not all boarding denials entitle you to compensation. Airlines can refuse to board you without owing compensation in certain situations:

No Compensation Due

• You arrived late for check-in or boarding
• Invalid travel documents (passport, visa)
• Health or safety concerns
• Security reasons
• Unruly behaviour
• Failure to meet entry requirements

Compensation Due

• Flight is overbooked
• Aircraft change to smaller plane
• Operational reasons (not your fault)
• Any involuntary denial when you're not at fault

How to Claim Denied Boarding Compensation

Request compensation immediately

At the gate or service desk, request your compensation in writing. Airlines should provide a form or written acknowledgment.

Get written confirmation

Ask for written confirmation of why you were denied boarding and what compensation you're entitled to.

Choose cash or vouchers

You're entitled to cash, bank transfer, or cheque. You can accept vouchers if you prefer, but cash is your right.

Keep all documentation

Hold onto your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline about the denied boarding.

Follow up if needed

If the airline doesn't pay immediately, submit a formal claim. You can escalate to the CAA or take legal action if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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