United Kingdom — Flight Compensation Rights
UK261 explained — your rights when flying from or within the UK
If your flight departed a UK airport — or arrived into the UK on a British carrier — you are protected by UK flight compensation law. Delays of 3+ hours, cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, and involuntary denied boarding all trigger a compensation entitlement of up to £520.
Maximum compensation
£520
per passenger, per flight
Claim time limit
6 years
Regulation
UK Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (Retained)
Enforcement body
CAA
Compensation amounts in United Kingdom
The UK retained EC261/2004 as domestic law via the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 after Brexit. The rules are substantively identical to EU261 but are now enforced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority rather than any EU body. Flights covered include: (1) any flight departing a UK airport, and (2) flights arriving into the UK on a UK-licensed carrier. Flights from the EU to the UK on EU carriers are not covered by UK261 — they fall under EC261.
Tier 1
Up to 1,500 km
Short-haul
£220
Tier 2
1,500–3,500 km
Medium-haul
£350
Tier 3
Over 3,500 km
Long-haul
£520
Claim time limit: 6 years
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have 6 years from the date of the disrupted flight to bring a claim in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland the limit is 5 years under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. Either way, you have significantly more time than in most EU countries.
Who enforces your rights in United Kingdom
National enforcement authority
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
The CAA can direct airlines to pay compensation but cannot compel payment — court action remains the ultimate backstop. The CAA also approves Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes such as CEDR and Aviation ADR, which airlines must offer if they join them. Most UK claims are resolved via ADR or the courts rather than the CAA directly.
Key airports in United Kingdom
All flights departing these airports are covered by UK261.
Airlines covered in United Kingdom
These carriers operate UK261-covered flights from United Kingdom's airports.
What makes United Kingdom different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
Brexit created a separate UK261 track
Since 1 January 2021, flights from an EU airport to the UK on an EU carrier are no longer covered by UK261 — they fall under EC261. Always identify the departure country and carrier nationality before deciding which regulation applies.
Scotland has a 5-year (not 6-year) limit
Scottish law operates under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, giving a 5-year prescription period rather than the 6-year English limitation period. Still generous, but worth noting if you're filing from a Scottish address.
ADR schemes are opt-in for airlines
The CAA cannot force airlines to pay compensation directly — it can only direct and enforce via court. ADR schemes like CEDR and Aviation ADR are binding on member airlines, but not all airlines have joined. If the airline isn't a member, your route to resolution is the county court (MCOL for claims under £10,000).
MCOL — the fastest UK court route
Money Claim Online (MCOL) lets you issue a county court claim from your computer for £35–£70 depending on the claim amount. Airlines almost always pay before a hearing if you file MCOL — it is the single strongest tool a UK claimant has after a rejection.
How to claim in United Kingdom
UK261 claims follow a clear three-step path. Airlines have 28 days to respond under CAA guidelines. Most resolve within 8–12 weeks; contested cases go to ADR or the county court.
Submit your claim
Tell us your flight details and we'll assess your entitlement under UK261 — no upfront cost.
Escalate if needed
If the airline rejects or ignores your claim, escalate to their ADR scheme (CEDR or Aviation ADR) if they're a member. ADR is free, binding, and typically faster than court. If the airline isn't in an ADR scheme, file via MCOL — the court fee is recoverable.
Receive your compensation
The CAA can be contacted to report non-compliant airlines, but this is a regulatory complaint, not a compensation route. For direct compensation, ADR or MCOL are the enforceable options.
Frequently asked questions — United Kingdom
Does UK261 still apply after Brexit?
Yes. The UK retained EC261/2004 in full via the EU Withdrawal Act 2018. The rules are effectively identical to EU261, just enforced by the CAA instead of EU national bodies.
My flight was delayed by 3 hours — does that count?
Yes. A delay of 3 or more hours to your final destination qualifies under UK261. The clock runs from scheduled arrival to actual arrival at the gate.
Can I claim for a flight that departed from an EU airport?
Only if the flight was operated by a UK-licensed carrier. EU carriers operating from EU airports to the UK fall under EC261 (EU law), not UK261.
The airline says it was extraordinary circumstances. What does that mean?
Airlines can avoid paying compensation if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control — such as severe weather, security alerts, or genuine ATC strikes. Technical faults, staff shortages, and knock-on delays from scheduling failures are generally not extraordinary and do not exempt the airline.
What if the airline doesn't respond or refuses?
You can escalate to the airline's ADR scheme (CEDR or Aviation ADR) for free, binding arbitration. If they aren't in an ADR scheme, you can file a county court claim via MCOL. Most airlines pay up when a court claim is filed.
Was your United Kingdom flight disrupted?
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