2025 Updated Guide
How to Get Refunds for Cancelled UK Flights (UK261 Guide)
UK law (UK261) is gold for travelers. If your flight is cancelled or delayed by 3+ hours, you are legally entitled to up to £520 in cash. Don't accept a voucher!
Quick Cost & Flight Summary
| Law Code | UK261 / EU261 |
| Delay Threshold | 3 Hours+ |
| Max Compensation | £520 per person |
| Time Limit | Claim up to 6 years later |
| Golden Rule | Never accept the first voucher offer |
# Your Rights: The Cheat Sheet
1. Cancellation: If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you get a full refund OR a new flight AND compensation.
2. Delay (3+ Hours): You get cash compensation depending on distance.
3. Duty of Care: If stuck overnight, the airline MUST pay for your hotel, transport, and meals. Keep receipts!
# Compensation Amounts (By Distance)
This is on top of your refund/rebooking.
| Flight Distance | Example | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Short (<1,500km) | London to Paris | £220 |
| Medium (1,500-3,500km) | London to Turkey | £350 |
| Long (>3,500km) | London to New York | £520 |
# When Do You Get NOTHING?
Airlines don't pay for 'Extraordinary Circumstances'. This includes: Bad weather, air traffic control strikes, security threats.
However, 'Technical Faults' or 'Crew Sickness' ARE the airline's fault—claim for these!