flight delay compensation calculator uk - Aaron Graves, PhDude Replica

UK261 Flight Compensation Calculator

Estimate whether you may be entitled to compensation for a delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight under UK rules.

What happened?

Flight distance (km) Use total route distance. Compensation bands are based on distance.

Arrival delay at final destination (hours) For cancellations, enter delay after rerouting (if any).

Cancellation notice received (days before departure)

Did you volunteer to give up your seat?

Is the route likely covered by UK261? Usually covered if departing from the UK, or arriving in the UK on a UK/EU airline.

Was disruption caused by extraordinary circumstances?

Flight date

Where are you claiming?

How UK flight delay compensation works

In the UK, most passenger compensation claims are based on UK261 rules (the UK version of EU261). If your flight was heavily delayed, cancelled at short notice, or you were denied boarding against your will, you may be able to claim a fixed amount.

This amount is not based on ticket price. It is based on flight distance and disruption type, plus whether the airline could reasonably have prevented the issue.

Typical compensation bands (UK261)

Flight distance	Possible compensation	Common delay threshold
Up to 1,500 km	£220	3+ hours (arrival)
1,500–3,500 km	£350	3+ hours (arrival)
Over 3,500 km	£520	3+ hours (arrival)

When you are usually eligible

Your flight falls within UK261 scope.
You reached your final destination at least 3 hours late (delay claims), or your cancellation/denied boarding meets claim conditions.
The disruption was within airline control (for example, crew or technical planning issues).
Your claim is still within legal time limits.

When compensation may be reduced or refused

Extraordinary circumstances

Compensation may be refused when disruption was truly outside airline control, such as:

Severe weather preventing safe operation
Air traffic control restrictions
Airport closures or security incidents
Political instability

Routine technical faults and crew shortage are often argued as airline-responsibility issues, depending on facts.

Cancellation notice windows

If you were told about cancellation early enough, compensation may not be due:

14+ days notice: usually no fixed compensation.
7–13 days notice: may be excluded if rerouting timing is close enough.
Under 7 days: stronger compensation rights unless rerouting was very close to original schedule.

How to use this calculator effectively

Enter distance and arrival delay as accurately as possible.
Select the disruption type (delay, cancellation, denied boarding).
Add cancellation notice days if relevant.
Set route coverage and extraordinary-circumstances status honestly.
Check date and time limit before submitting a claim.

Practical claim tips

Keep boarding pass, booking confirmation, and delay notifications.
Ask for written reason for delay/cancellation where possible.
Record actual arrival time at destination (door open time).
Complain directly to airline first, then escalate to ADR/CEDR or court if needed.

FAQ

Does Brexit remove flight compensation rights?

No. The UK has retained similar protections under UK261.

Is this calculator legally binding?

No. It gives an estimate only. Actual outcomes depend on evidence, route details, and airline defenses.

Can I claim if I accepted vouchers?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on what you agreed in writing when accepting the voucher.

How long do claims take?

Simple claims may resolve in weeks; disputed claims can take months if escalated.

Disclaimer: This calculator is an informational tool, not legal advice. For complex cases, consider speaking to a solicitor or regulated claims specialist.