Passengers who have flown with Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and other airlines should check whether they are owed payouts worth hundreds of pounds. A single quick check could land you around £350 per person.
When are passengers entitled to compensation?
Many flights suffer only minor delays, and pilots can often claw back some time once airborne. But if your flight is “significantly” delayed, you could be in line for compensation.
In a video on its website, the UK Civil Aviation Authority explains: “If you're flying from a UK airport or coming back on a UK airline and are significantly delayed, your airline must look after you with food, drink, a way to communicate, such as access to a phone or email, and if you're delayed overnight, a hotel and transport.”
What are the delay thresholds and payouts?
This applies after two hours for short flights, three hours for medium distances, and four hours for long haul. If you can't get help, remember to keep those receipts for any reasonable costs and claim them back later.
“If your flight arrives at the gate more than three hours late, you might get compensation from £220 for short flights up to £520 for long haul.”
Compensation is set at £220 per passenger for journeys up to 1,500km, and £350 per passenger for flights spanning 1,500-3,500km, when delays exceed three hours. For destinations beyond 3,500km, passengers receive £260 each for delays of 3-4 hours, rising to £520 per passenger if the hold-up stretches past four hours.
Which routes are covered?
The majority of popular UK traveller routes on Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 typically fall within the 1,500-3,500km bracket, meaning the £350 per passenger threshold applies. That said, these regulations don't cover circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as severe weather conditions.
