Guide · Arrival

EU261 Flight Compensation: Who Qualifies, How Much & How to Claim

By the PlanTrippr team · 17 September 2026 · 9 min read

A badly delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight can ruin a trip — but it can also trigger a fixed cash payout you might not know you are owed. EU261 is one of the strongest air passenger rights rules in the world. Here is how it works, who it covers, and how to claim.

What EU261 is

EU261 (formally Regulation 261/2004) is an EU rule that sets out compensation and assistance for passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. It applies alongside similar rules in the UK (UK261) and is one of the most generous passenger-rights regimes globally. Crucially, compensation is a fixed sum per passenger on top of any refund or re-routing — it is not a discount on your ticket.

Which flights qualify

EU261 commonly applies when:

Your flight departs from an EU airport (on any airline), or
Your flight arrives in the EU on an EU-licensed airline, or
Your flight is within the EU.

UK261 mirrors this for UK departures and UK-airline arrivals into the UK. You must have checked in on time and have a confirmed booking. The rule applies regardless of ticket price, but there are distance and delay thresholds for compensation.

Quick check. See whether a delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight owes you money under rules like EU261 with the Compensation Checker — then confirm with the relevant authority before you claim.

How much compensation is commonly available

Under EU261, fixed compensation is commonly set at:

€250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
€400 for intra-EU flights of 1,500–3,500 km.
€600 for flights of more than 3,500 km outside the EU.

These amounts can be reduced by 50% where the airline offers an alternative flight close to the original arrival time, and the exact figure depends on the route and circumstances. Always confirm the amount for your specific flight.

When a delay triggers compensation

Compensation for delays commonly applies when you arrive at your final destination three or more hours later than scheduled. The amount depends on the flight distance. Short delays generally do not qualify for cash compensation, though the airline still owes you care (food, refreshments, and accommodation) during longer waits.

Cancellations and overbooking (denied boarding)

For cancellations, you are entitled to a refund or re-routing, plus compensation if you were told fewer than 14 days before departure — unless you accepted an alternative close to the original schedule. For overbooking, if you are denied boarding against your will you are generally entitled to compensation and re-routing or a refund.

Extraordinary circumstances: the big exception

Airlines do not have to pay compensation for delays or cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances — situations outside their reasonable control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security risks, or political instability. They still owe you care and assistance in these cases. Importantly, ordinary technical faults are generally not considered extraordinary, so a mechanical issue usually does not let the airline off the hook.

Your right to care, regardless of cause

Separate from compensation, airlines owe you care and assistance during long delays: reasonable meals and refreshments, accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, and transport between the airport and that accommodation. This applies even when the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances.

How to claim

Keep your booking reference, boarding passes, and receipts for expenses.
Check whether your flight likely qualifies using the Compensation Checker.
Claim directly with the airline first, in writing, stating the regulation and amount.
If the airline refuses or ignores you, escalate to the relevant national enforcement body or an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme.

Frequently asked questions

Am I entitled to compensation for a delayed flight?

You may be, depending on the flight, the length of the delay, the cause, and the applicable regulation. Under rules like EU261, flights from or to the EU on an EU airline can qualify for fixed compensation after a delay of three hours or more, unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. Check your specific flight and confirm with the relevant authority.

How much is EU261 flight compensation?

Under EU261, fixed compensation is commonly set at 250 for flights up to 1500 km, 400 for intra-EU flights of 1500-3500 km, and 600 for longer flights, with some reductions for shorter delays where the airline offered an earlier alternative. Amounts can vary by route and circumstance, so confirm the figure for your flight.

What are extraordinary circumstances under EU261?

Extraordinary circumstances are situations outside the airline's reasonable control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. In these cases the airline may not have to pay compensation, though it still owes care and assistance. Technical faults are generally not considered extraordinary.

How do I claim flight compensation?

Start by claiming directly with the airline, keeping your booking reference, boarding passes, and receipts for expenses. If the airline refuses or does not respond, you can escalate to the relevant national enforcement body or an alternative dispute resolution scheme. A compensation checker can tell you whether your flight likely qualifies before you claim.

Check your flight for compensation

See whether a delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight owes you money under rules like EU261 — no account needed.

Open the Compensation Checker

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Air passenger rights rules such as EU261 and UK261 are detailed and their application depends on the specific flight, delay, and circumstances. Always confirm your entitlement with the relevant national enforcement body or an official source before claiming. Written by the PlanTrippr team and not sponsored by any third party.