If you arrive three or more hours late on a flight departing the EU/UK (or arriving on an EU/UK airline), you can claim €250–€600 (£220–£520) depending on distance — unless the cause was extraordinary. Claim directly with the airline in writing; escalate to the national enforcement body if refused.
Who qualifies: any passenger on a flight departing an EU/UK airport, or arriving in the EU/UK on an EU/UK carrier, delayed 3+ hours at arrival, cancelled with under 14 days’ notice, or denied boarding.
Amounts: €250 (≤1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km or intra-EU over 1,500 km), €600 (over 3,500 km). UK amounts are similar in pounds.
Exceptions: extraordinary circumstances — severe weather, ATC restrictions, security incidents, some strikes. Technical faults and crew issues are generally not extraordinary.
How: collect the delay reason in writing, keep boarding passes and receipts, submit the airline’s EU261 form, and if refused escalate to the national enforcement body or a claims company (they take a cut). Claims can go back several years in some countries.
Related questions
My flight was cancelled — what are my rights?
Everywhere: a refund or rebooking, your choice. In the EU/UK: also meals, hotel if overnight, and up to €600 compensation unless the cause was extraordinary. In the US: a cash refund is required for cancellations; compensation is not, though some airlines offer it voluntarily. Full answer →
What happens if I miss my connecting flight?
On a single ticket, the airline rebooks you on the next available flight at no charge, and may owe meals or a hotel if the delay was its fault. On separate tickets you're on your own — you'll buy a new ticket. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.