What are my rights and potential compensation if my flight is delayed for more than 3 hours in the UK?

Question from John, What are my rights and potential compensation if my flight is delayed for more than 3 hours in the UK?

Answer from AI:

In the United Kingdom, your rights and potential compensation for a flight delay of more than three hours are governed by the European Union’s Flight Compensation Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This regulation applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, or arriving at an EU airport on an EU airline.

Your Rights

If your flight is delayed for more than three hours, you have the right to:

• Free meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time.
• Two free phone calls, emails, telex or fax messages.
• Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and place of accommodation (hotel or other) if a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary.

Potential Compensation

In addition to these rights, you may also be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. The compensation ranges from €250 to €600 per passenger. However, compensation is not due if the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or security risks.

Here is a general breakdown of the compensation:

• €250 for all flights of 1500 kilometers or less.
• €400 for all intra-community flights of more than 1500 kilometers, and for all other flights between 1500 and 3500 kilometers.
• €600 for all other flights.

Please note that these amounts may be reduced by 50% if the delay does not exceed four hours for flights of 3500 kilometers or more.

Claiming Compensation

To claim compensation for a delayed flight, you should contact the airline operating the flight. Even if you booked the flight through a travel agent or a third-party website, the airline operating the flight is responsible for compensating you.

If the airline does not agree you are entitled to compensation, you can escalate your claim to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority or the European Consumer Centre.

Legal Advice

While this information provides a general overview of your rights and potential compensation for a flight delay of more than three hours in the UK, it is always advisable to consult with a legal professional for personalized advice. Laws and regulations can change, and a legal professional can provide guidance based on the most current rules and your specific circumstances.

For more information, you can refer to the European Union’s Flight Compensation Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority’s guide on flight delays and cancellations.