EU/UK 261 Compensation Checker for Flight Delays and Cancellations

This page keeps the rules simple. The checker tests whether EU261 or UK261 applies, then looks at your arrival delay and the correct distance band. With those two gates passed, it estimates the standard compensation for the regime you chose and builds a clean claim paragraph you can copy. Everything runs locally in your browser—no logins, no external lookups.

When the rules apply (coverage)

For EU261, coverage applies if you depart the EU (any carrier) or arrive to the EU on an EU carrier. For UK261, the same logic mirrors the United Kingdom: coverage applies if you depart the UK (any carrier) or arrive to the UK on a UK carrier. If neither condition is met for the regime you selected, compensation under that regime is unlikely even with a long delay.

Delay thresholds & cancellations

Compensation usually starts at an arrival delay of 3 hours or more at your final destination. Enter the delay in hours (e.g., 3.5). If your flight was cancelled and you were rebooked, use the delay compared with your original scheduled arrival—this treats cancellations and long delays consistently by focusing on when you actually arrived.

Distance bands & headline amounts

• Band 1: ≤ 1500 km
• Band 2: 1500–3500 km (and intra‑EU flights > 1500 km)
• Band 3: ≥ 3500 km

Under EU261 the nominal amounts are €250 / €400 / €600 across the three bands. Under UK261 the nominal amounts are £220 / £350 / £520. If you do not know the exact distance, a great‑circle estimate or the airline’s own banding is sufficient for a quick check.

Reroutes & 50% reductions

If you accepted an airline reroute and arrived relatively close to the original schedule, the regulations allow a 50% reduction to compensation: arrival within 2 hours for band 1, 3 hours for band 2, and 4 hours for band 3. Tick Accepted airline reroute to apply this automatically; the checker only reduces the amount when your delay falls within the relevant threshold.

Extraordinary circumstances & right to care

Events outside the carrier’s control—such as severe weather, widespread ATC restrictions, security incidents, or volcanic ash—are typically extraordinary circumstances. In those cases, compensation is not payable even with a long delay. Separate from compensation, your right to care may still apply (refreshments, communication, and accommodation where appropriate).

How to use this checker well

• Pick the right regime (EU or UK) and confirm coverage with the checkboxes for departure/arrival and carrier nationality.
• Enter the arrival delay in hours; if cancelled then rebooked, compare to the original arrival time.
• Select the distance band that fits your route; exactness isn’t critical for an initial expectation.
• Mark reroute only if you accepted the airline’s rerouting, and let the tool handle any 50% reduction.
• Mark extraordinary only for events clearly outside the airline’s control.

What you’ll get: a clear “likely eligible / not eligible” message, the relevant band, the regime currency, and the estimated payout. The result card also includes a copyable claim summary you can paste into an email or web form so your request focuses on the rule, the band, and the delay facts that matter.

Note: this tool provides a fast, transparent expectation—not legal advice. For complex cases (multi‑segment tickets, denied boarding, mixed regimes) consult your airline’s detailed guidance or a national enforcement body after running this check.