When a flight is delayed and UK261 applies, the airline must provide care and assistance for the whole delay. This includes food and drink suitable for the wait, and accommodation if the delay lasts overnight.
When UK261 Applies
UK261 covers any flight leaving a UK airport, no matter the airline. It also covers flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, provided you have a confirmed reservation and check in on time.
You might also get compensation if you reach your destination more than three hours late. If the delay goes beyond five hours, you can opt not to fly and ask for a refund.
What Care Must Airlines Provide?
The Civil Aviation Authority states: "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."
Care is due if the delay exceeds certain thresholds: at least two hours for flights under 1,500km (e.g., Glasgow to Amsterdam); at least three hours for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km (e.g., East Midlands to Marrakesh); at least four hours for flights over 3,500km (e.g., London to New York). You can work out the distance using the Great Circle Route method via a third-party website.
Food, Drink, and Accommodation
Regardless of the delay's cause, you should receive food and drink based on the delay length, two phone calls or emails, and if delayed overnight, accommodation plus transport between the airport and that accommodation.
Usually, airlines give a physical or digital voucher for food and drink at the airport. If not, ask airline staff. For overnight delays, the airline may arrange accommodation automatically, often notifying you by email or at the airport. Alternatively, they may ask you to book it yourself via their website or app. If none of these happen, speak to airline staff. If you live near the airport, the airline might instead reimburse your travel costs to and from home.
Claiming Back Costs
If the airline cannot or does not organise care, you can arrange it yourself and later claim the costs back. Keep itemised receipts or invoices as proof; airlines need these to process your claim. Check the airline's guidelines on what they consider reasonable—alcoholic drinks, luxury hotels, or luxury meals are unlikely to be covered.
Compensation Amounts
Beyond care, you may claim compensation if you arrive over three hours late. The amount is fixed, not based on ticket price, and depends on flight distance and sometimes delay length. For flights under 1,500km (e.g., Glasgow to Amsterdam), it's £220 per person. For flights between 1,500km and 3,500km (e.g., East Midlands to Marrakesh), it's £350 per person. For flights over 3,500km (e.g., London to New York), it's £260 if you arrive three to four hours late, or £520 if more than four hours late. Airlines may avoid paying if the delay is due to "extraordinary circumstances."
