What counts as extraordinary circumstances?

Events outside the airline's control, such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions and security threats. Most mechanical problems and the airline's own staff shortages count as within its control under EU and UK rules; Canada treats unscheduled mechanical problems as safety-related.

Should I use a claim company?

You don't need to: claiming directly from the airline is free. Claim companies typically keep a quarter to a third of the payout, which can be worth it only if the airline refuses and you don't want to take it further.

Passenger rights

Flight delayed or cancelled? What you're owed

Which passenger rights rules cover your flight, and what you're owed for a delay, cancellation or bumped seat under EU261, UK261, Canada's APPR and U.S. refund rules.

Quick answer

It depends on where you flew from and on which airline. Europe, the UK and Canada require cash compensation for long delays the airline caused; the U.S. doesn't, but requires a cash refund if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and you don't travel.

EU261: €250–€600 for 3+ hour delays
UK261: £220–£520 for 3+ hour delays
Canada APPR: C$400–C$1,000 (large airlines)
United States: Refund, not compensation

Which rules cover my flight?

Leaving an EU airport, any airlineEU261
Flying into the EU on an EU airlineEU261
Leaving a UK airport, any airlineUK261
Flying into the UK on a UK or EU airlineUK261
To, from or within CanadaCanada APPR
Within, to or from the U.S. (when none of the above apply)U.S. DOT refund rules

More than one can apply: a flight from London to Toronto on Air Canada is covered by both UK261 and Canada's rules, though you can't be paid twice for the same delay.

The guides

EU261 (European Union)Up to €600 per person for a delay of three hours or more, a cancellation or being bumped, on flights from the EU or to the EU on a European airline, unless the cause was extraordinary..UK261 (United Kingdom)The UK kept the EU rules after Brexit, with the amounts in pounds: up to £520 per person for a long delay, cancellation or denied boarding within the airline's control..U.S. DOT refund rulesU.S.Canada's Air Passenger Protection RegulationsOn flights to, from and within Canada, airlines owe up to C$1,000 per person for a delay of three hours or more that was within their control and not required for safety, plus care and rebooking..

FAQ

Not under U.S. law, which has no cash compensation requirement. But if you're flying to Europe or the UK on a European or British airline, or to Canada on any airline, those rules can apply. And under U.S. rules you're owed a refund if you choose not to travel after a significant delay.

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