Understanding Your Flight Compensation Rights
Duty of Care
If a flight is cancelled, the airline must provide a duty of care. This means you can choose between a full refund or an alternative flight, and the airline must also supply meals and drinks (often via vouchers), a way to communicate, hotel accommodation if you are re‑routed for the next day, and transport to and from that accommodation. These provisions continue until you reach your destination, regardless of what caused the disruption.
Compensation for Delays
When a delay exceeds three hours and the airline is at fault, compensation begins at £220 for short‑haul flights and £520 for long‑haul flights. For cancellations announced with less than two weeks’ notice, payouts range from £110 to £520, depending on the flight length, the delay incurred and the notice given. You are also entitled to a refund for any unused parts of your ticket—for example, the full cost of a return ticket if only the outbound leg was cancelled.
Being Bumped (Denied Boarding)
When airlines sell more seats than are available, you may be denied boarding, known as being bumped. If you volunteer to give up your seat, you can negotiate compensation (cash or vouchers) with the airline and still receive an alternative flight or refund, plus the standard care provisions. If you are bumped without your consent and you checked in on time, you are entitled to the same compensation framework as for cancellations, based on the flight type and the resulting delay.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Before arranging your own hotels, taxis or alternative transport, speak to an airline representative. Keep receipts for any reasonable expenses you incur; the airline may reimburse costs that are necessary and appropriate. Always check the airline’s website for its specific claims procedure.
Making Your Claim
Present a clear, concise case to the airline. Include your booking reference, travel dates, flight number, departure and arrival airports, a description of the disruption, the length of the delay, and the names of any staff you spoke to. Attach copies of boarding passes, receipts, tickets and your booking confirmation. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends this approach; further guidance can be found at caa.co.uk.
Appealing a Rejected Claim
If the airline rejects your claim, you can persist and refer the complaint to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body such as the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) or Aviation ADR in the UK. Should the airline not belong to an ADR scheme, you may need to pursue the matter through the small claims court after exhausting all other avenues.
Unused Vouchers
Many travel vouchers issued during the Covid pandemic remain unspent. Check your email for vouchers from airlines like British Airways or EasyJet; they may still be valid and usable for a future trip.
