easyJet passengers may be able to claim compensation, sometimes paid in vouchers, if their flight is delayed, cancelled, or they are denied boarding. The airline states on its website that, depending on the length of the delay, it may issue refreshment vouchers worth £6 (or €9). For journeys of up to 1,500km, such as London to Zurich, vouchers apply once delays reach two hours. On routes of more than 1,500km, such as London to Dubrovnik, vouchers are issued after a three-hour delay.
EC261 compensation rules
In a separate section, easyJet confirms that passengers could be due compensation. The airline explains: "If your flight arrives more than three hours after the scheduled time of arrival, or is cancelled within 14 days of departure, or you are involuntarily denied boarding, you may be able to claim EC261 compensation."
However, if the cause of the delay or cancellation is classified as an extraordinary circumstance, such as an air traffic control strike or bad weather, passengers will not be entitled to EC261 compensation. easyJet adds that passengers "must apply directly to us to receive your compensation."
Vouchers, receipts, and rebooking
If easyJet cannot provide vouchers for any reason, it will reimburse the same amount, provided passengers have suitable receipts. If a delay lasts more than five hours, passengers can move their flight to a later date, subject to seat availability, or cancel and request a full refund. To cancel or change a flight, easyJet asks passengers to speak to its Ground Crew at the airport or contact its Customer Service team.
For overnight delays, easyJet says its ground staff will arrange accommodation for each passenger. The airline advises: "Please wait at the airport to be given the details of the hotel and the transport available to get there. We will provide transport between hotels and the airport where possible."
Hotel and transport costs
If passengers do not require a hotel and prefer to return to their own accommodation, easyJet may reimburse reasonable transport costs to a local address, such as public transport or a shared taxi. Travellers should retain receipts and submit a claim. The airline says it will not refund hotel costs if passengers book and pay for a hotel themselves when the airline could have arranged one free of charge.
If easyJet cannot provide transport, it will cover reasonable travel such as taxis, buses, or local metro services to and from the airport, but it will not pay for excessive options like private limousines. Where possible, easyJet will arrange for the hotel to provide an evening meal, excluding alcohol, and breakfast. If the hotel cannot offer food, easyJet will reimburse up to £25 per person, per day, or the equivalent in euros or Swiss francs.
Retrospective claims and food tips
Money Saving Expert (MSE) notes that passengers could claim compensation even if the delay happened years ago. It says: "If you're delayed more than three hours, or your Easyjet flight is cancelled, you could be entitled to up to £520 in compensation. You've got six years to claim (five in Scotland)." Whether a claim is possible depends on factors such as where the plane took off from, when it arrived, and whether the delay was the airline's fault.
In July 2024, a court ruling clarified that pilot sickness counts as airline fault, not an extraordinary circumstance, opening the door for retrospective claims. MSE also suggests bringing food on board, noting that an easyJet meal deal costs £9.75, while a Boots meal deal is around £5. Passengers should keep all receipts to claim back expenses.
