Cleared to Explainan air traffic controller explains Decode your screen

Am I entitled to compensation?

Three questions, under a minute. Then the rules behind the answer, explained by an air traffic controller.

COMPENSATION CHECK · UK261 / EU2613 QUESTIONS · FREE

Can I claim compensation?

Fill in your ticket: three taps, about 20 seconds.

Your answer prints on this stub

Answer the 3 questions on your ticket

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Every claim links to the official source: UK CAA Reg. (EC) 261/2004 EUROCONTROL FAA Airservices Australia

The rules behind the answer

Everything the check uses, in plain English.

How much you can get

If you arrive 3 hours late or more, or your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, the amount depends on the distance of the flight:

DistanceUK261EU261
Under 1,500 km£220€250
1,500–3,500 km£350€400
Over 3,500 km£520€600

On flights over 3,500 km that arrive between 3 and 4 hours late, the airline can halve the amount. "Arrival" means when the doors open, not when the wheels touch down.

Which rules cover your flight

  • UK261: flights leaving the UK on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
  • EU261: flights leaving the EU on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline.

Does the reason matter?

Yes. The airline doesn't have to pay if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances it couldn't have avoided.

Reason givenUsually
Technical problemYou can claim. Faults are part of running an airline.
Crew shortageYou can claim. Airline staffing isn't extraordinary.
"ATC restrictions"Maybe. Since the October 2026 EU court ruling, the airline must show it couldn't avoid the delay. What a slot is.
ATC strikeUsually no. Controller strikes still count as extraordinary.
Bad weatherUsually no, if the weather really affected your flight.
No reason givenAsk for it in writing. Until they prove it was extraordinary, assume you can claim.

What you're owed anyway

Whatever the reason, even a strike or a storm, the airline must look after you while you wait:

  • Meals and drinks after 2 hours (short flights), 3 hours (medium) or 4 hours (long).
  • A hotel and transport to it if you're stuck overnight.
  • A refund instead of travelling, if the delay reaches 5 hours.

General information, not legal advice. Check the official sources for your flight: UK CAA, UK261 (legislation.gov.uk), EU261 (EUR-Lex).