How long does a flight have to be delayed to claim compensation?
The short answer
For compensation, the UK Civil Aviation Authority says you must arrive at your final destination more than three hours late. The three hours is measured on arrival, not on departure. Separate, shorter delays of two to four hours at departure trigger care such as meals, depending on flight distance.
The compensation threshold
The CAA delays page states that compensation requires arriving at your final destination more than three hours late. The amounts then depend on distance, from £220 up to £520. Compensation is also not due if the airline shows extraordinary circumstances caused the delay.
The GOV.UK air passenger guide describes the same test: the flight arrives at its final destination more than 3 hours late and the airline caused the delay.
The care threshold is different
The CAA says the right to care (food and drink, communication, accommodation if overnight) depends on how long the departure is delayed, measured from the scheduled departure time and by flight distance.
These care rights apply regardless of the cause of the delay, so they apply even when compensation is not due.
- Under 1,500 km: delayed at least 2 hours.
- 1,500 km to 3,500 km: delayed at least 3 hours.
- Over 3,500 km: delayed at least 4 hours.
Conflicting wording to be aware of
The GOV.UK guide says care applies for delays of at least 2 hours, without the distance bands the CAA gives. If you are unsure, the CAA's distance bands are the more detailed statement, but check with the airline and the CAA.
Refund after a long delay
The CAA says that if you are delayed five hours or more you can decline to travel and get a refund for unflown flights. It says you should not choose this if you still wish to travel.
Which law applies
This page describes UK law. US and EU flights are covered by different rules, and whether UK law covers your flight depends on departure airport and airline. See our page on UK261 versus EU261.
Sources: UK Civil Aviation Authority: flight delays, GOV.UK: Air passenger travel guide, summary of passenger rights. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is the three hours counted from the scheduled departure time?
No. For compensation the CAA counts how late you arrive at your final destination. Care thresholds are counted from scheduled departure.
Does a three hour delay at departure mean I can claim?
Not necessarily. What matters is how late you arrive at the final destination, and whether extraordinary circumstances caused the delay.
What if I miss a connection?
The CAA says that for self-transfer bookings there is no statutory right to care, compensation or transport after a missed connection, though entitlements per flight still apply.
Do I get meals even if there is no compensation?
The CAA says care applies regardless of the cause of the delay.
Is there a time limit for claiming?
The CAA delays page does not state one. Airlines have eight weeks to respond to a complaint, according to the CAA.