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How to claim flight compensation yourself (free)

Updated 5 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice.

Quick answerYou do not need a claims company. The CAA says you must claim from your airline first. Gather your booking details, write to the airline stating the UK261 amount, and if you are unhappy with the final answer or wait more than eight weeks, escalate to an ADR scheme or the CAA.

Step 1: Gather your details

Step 2: Check the cause

Airlines do not have to pay if they say the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. The airline decides first, and you can challenge it.

Step 3: Send the claim to the airline

Use the airline's compensation form if it has one, or write to its customer service. State the amount from the amounts table and ask for payment. Keep a copy.

A simple template.
Subject: UK261 compensation claim, flight [number], [date]
"I was a passenger on flight [number] from [airport] to [airport] on [date], booking reference [ref]. The flight arrived [x] hours late. I am claiming compensation of £[amount] per passenger under UK261 for [number] passengers. Please confirm payment, or explain in writing the reason you say compensation is not due."

Step 4: Escalate if needed

The CAA says that if you are unhappy with the airline's final response, or it takes more than eight weeks to reply, you can escalate. If your airline is signed up to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider, go to them. If not, you can go to the CAA's passenger advice and complaints team.

Is there a deadline?

The CAA page does not set one out. Claims companies often say you have up to six years in England and Wales and five in Scotland, but check with your airline and do not leave it long, because evidence gets harder to find. See claims for older flights.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim for a flight that was a while ago?

Often yes, but time limits apply and differ in different parts of the UK. Check with the airline and act soon.

What if the airline does not reply?

After eight weeks, or if you are unhappy with its final answer, you can escalate to an ADR scheme or the CAA.

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Sources and official bodies: CAA: delays and compensation · CAA: cancellations · CAA: resolving travel problems · GOV.UK. Reviewed 5 November 2026.