Claim compensation for a delayed British Airways flight

Flight delays are frustrating, but you might be entitled to compensation if your British Airways flight was significantly late. European and UK laws protect passengers, ensuring you're reimbursed for the inconvenience. Don't let airlines avoid their responsibilities, claim what's rightfully yours.

Published by Reclaim, run by Corey Musa, Founder·Facts and sources checked 2026-10-19·LinkedIn·Built by COM Computing

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Your rights

Under UK261 and EU261, you are entitled to compensation if your British Airways flight was delayed by three hours or more on arrival, unless the delay was due to 'extraordinary circumstances' outside the airline's control. This applies to flights departing from the UK/EU, or arriving in the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline. For BA-operated flights, compensation is £220 for flights up to 1,500 km, £350 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and £520 for flights over 3,500 km. However, for flights over 3,500 km delayed three to four hours, the compensation is £260. If British Airways offers rerouting that arrives no more than two hours late (for flights up to 1,500 km), three hours late (for 1,500-3,500 km), or four hours late (for other flights), your compensation may be reduced by 50%. For delays of five hours or more, you also have the right to a refund for any parts of your journey not flown. Additionally, for long delays, BA must provide reasonable meals, refreshments, and a way to contact two people.

Step by step

1Confirm your eligibility: Check if your BA-operated flight was delayed by three hours or more on arrival and if the cause was within the airline's control. Ensure it falls under UK261/EU261 rules, such as departing from the UK/EU or arriving in the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline.
2Gather your flight details: Collect your booking reference, flight number, departure and arrival airports, scheduled and actual arrival times, and any communication from British Airways about the delay.
3Submit a claim directly to British Airways: Use their official online compensation claim form for BA-operated flights. If your flight was with a partner airline, contact that airline directly. Be clear, concise, and include all relevant flight information and a copy of your boarding pass.
4Escalate to BA's ADR provider: If British Airways rejects your claim or does not provide a final response within eight weeks, you can escalate your complaint to CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution), BA's independent dispute resolution service. You must refer your complaint to CEDR within 12 months of the incident.
5Further escalation: If you are dissatisfied with CEDR's resolution, or if BA did not have an ADR provider, you can escalate your complaint to the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT). As a final option, you can pursue your claim via the small claims court (Money Claim Online).

What they'll say, and your comeback

“The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances.”

Comeback, I understand that. However, routine technical faults or operational issues are generally not considered 'extraordinary circumstances' under UK261/EU261. Please provide specific evidence to support this claim.

“You accepted a voucher for the delay.”

Comeback, Accepting a voucher for incidental expenses or as a goodwill gesture does not waive my right to statutory compensation under UK261/EU261 for a significant delay. I am still entitled to the compensation amount.

“Your flight was only delayed by X hours, which is not enough for compensation.”

Comeback, My records show the flight arrived Y hours late. UK261/EU261 states that compensation is due for delays of three hours or more on arrival. Please re-verify the actual arrival time.

What actually happens

In practice, many passengers successfully claim compensation directly from British Airways using their online form. Typical payouts range from £220 for shorter flights to £520 for long-haul delays, though some longer flights delayed 3-4 hours might receive £260. The main hurdle is often BA claiming 'extraordinary circumstances'. If your initial claim is rejected or BA does not respond within eight weeks, escalating to CEDR, BA's independent dispute resolution service, is the next common step. This process can add several weeks, but CEDR often provides a resolution. Few cases reach the CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team or small claims court, as most are resolved earlier in the process, especially if the delay cause is clearly within BA's control.

FAQ

How much compensation can I expect for my delayed flight?

The amount depends on the flight distance and delay length. For flights up to 1,500 km, it's £220. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, it's £350. For flights over 3,500 km, it's £520, unless the delay was three to four hours, in which case it's £260. Compensation may be reduced by 50% if BA offers rerouting that gets you to your destination with a limited delay.

What if British Airways offers me a voucher instead of cash?

You are legally entitled to cash compensation under UK261/EU261. While British Airways may offer vouchers, you are not obliged to accept them and can insist on the cash payment. Vouchers often have restrictions and expiry dates.

What other rights do I have for long delays?

If your flight is delayed by five hours or more, you are entitled to a refund for the parts of your journey you did not fly. For any long delay, British Airways must also provide reasonable meals, refreshments, and a way for you to contact two people.

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Sources

A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice. Last researched 2026-10-19.