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Flight delayed 3 hours or more: can you claim?
Updated 5 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice.
Quick answerUnder UK261 the key test is arriving at your final destination more than three hours late. If you did, you may be entitled to £220, £350 or £260 to £520 per passenger depending on distance, unless the airline shows the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances.
The three-hour test
It is the arrival time that matters, measured at your final destination. A flight that took off late but made up time may not qualify. Check your actual arrival time, not the departure.
What you may get
Use the amounts table or the calculator on the home page.
What to do next
- Note the scheduled and actual arrival times.
- Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.
- Follow the free claim steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is three hours exactly enough?
The CAA says more than three hours late at your final destination. Check your actual arrival time.
What if I only waited at the airport but arrived on time?
Compensation is based on arrival time. You may still claim reasonable expenses if you were left waiting.
Sources and official bodies: CAA: delays and compensation · CAA: cancellations · CAA: resolving travel problems · GOV.UK. Reviewed 5 November 2026.