What a flight!

UK rules

UK261 compensation explained

After Brexit the UK copied EC Regulation 261/2004 into domestic law. The thresholds, the excuses and the process are the same; the money is in pounds.

The amounts

  • £220 — flights of 1,500 km or less.
  • £350 — flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
  • £520 — flights over 3,500 km.

Which regulation applies to your flight

  • Departing a UK airport: UK261, whatever the airline.
  • Departing an EU airport: EU261, whatever the airline.
  • Arriving in the UK on a UK or EU carrier: UK261.
  • Arriving in the EU on an EU carrier: EU261.

A London–Madrid round trip can therefore fall under both, one regulation per direction.

Where to escalate

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority oversees passenger rights, and most airlines belong to an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme such as CEDR or AviationADR. Both are free to use, and the UK's six-year claim window is the longest in Europe.

Quick answer

After Brexit the UK copied EC Regulation 261/2004 into domestic law. The thresholds, the excuses and the process are the same; the money is in pounds.

Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Primary rule
UK261
Payment basis
GBP (£)
Assessment
Depends on route, disruption and cause

Common questions

Did Brexit reduce passenger rights?
No. UK261 is a near-identical copy, with the amounts converted to pounds.
How far back can I claim in the UK?
Six years in England and Wales, five in Scotland — considerably longer than most EU countries.
My flight was Manchester to Dubai on Emirates. Covered?
Yes. A UK departure is covered regardless of the airline's nationality.

Primary sources

Official guidance and legislation used to review this page.