Delayed Flight: What You're Owed and How to Claim
A delay only becomes a compensation claim once it crosses a threshold — and what you get depends entirely on which law governs your flight. Here's how delays are treated across the four major regimes, and what to do right now.
The short answer
Under EU261/UK261 you're owed €250–€600 / £220–£520 if you arrive 3+ hours late and the delay was the airline's fault. Canada's APPR pays CA$400–CA$1,000 by how late you arrive. The U.S. pays no cash compensation for delays, but owes you a refund if you don't travel. The clock that matters is your ARRIVAL delay, not departure.
Arrival delay is what counts
The legal threshold is measured at your final destination, not at departure. A flight that leaves 4 hours late but makes up time and lands only 2 hours late usually owes no compensation — and vice versa. Always work from your actual arrival time.
The thresholds, by jurisdiction
Each regime sets a different bar:
- EU261 / UK261: 3+ hours late at the destination → €250–€600 / £220–£520
- Canada APPR: 3+ hours late, airline's fault, not safety → CA$400–CA$1,000
- U.S. DOT: no cash for delays, but a refund if a significant change means you don't fly
Care while you wait
In the EU/UK and Canada, a long delay also entitles you to meals, refreshments, communication, and a hotel for overnight delays — even when cash compensation isn't payable (for example, in bad weather). Keep your receipts.
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Check my compensationFrequently asked questions
How many hours' delay before I get compensation?
Three hours at your destination under EU261, UK261, and Canada's APPR. Below that there's no fixed compensation, though you may still be owed care. In the U.S. there's no delay-based cash compensation at any length.
My flight left late but landed on time — am I owed anything?
Usually no. Compensation is based on how late you ARRIVE at your final destination. If you landed less than 3 hours late, you're generally below the threshold, regardless of how late you departed.