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How long do airlines take to pay compensation?
Updated 5 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice.
Quick answerAirlines vary. The CAA says that if an airline takes more than eight weeks to respond, or you are unhappy with its final response, you can escalate to an ADR scheme or the CAA. Chase politely in writing and keep your records.
What the CAA says
You must claim from the airline first. If you are unhappy with its final response, or it takes more than eight weeks to respond, you can escalate. See the CAA guidance.
What to do while you wait
- Keep a dated record of every message.
- Send one polite reminder after a couple of weeks.
- Diarise the eight-week point, then escalate.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after eight weeks?
You can escalate to the airline's ADR scheme, or to the CAA's passenger advice team if the airline has no ADR scheme.
Sources and official bodies: CAA: delays and compensation · CAA: cancellations · CAA: resolving travel problems · GOV.UK. Reviewed 5 November 2026.