Ryanair: Flight cancellation compensation (EU261) — Complete Guide

Flight Delay Compensation in the EU and UK (EU261/2004 and UK261)

Flight delays can disrupt work, holidays, and onward connections. Under EU261/2004 (for eligible flights in the European Union) and UK261 (for eligible flights connected to the United Kingdom), passengers may have rights to care and assistance during the disruption and, in many cases, financial compensation. This guide explains when compensation may apply, how much may be available, and how to file a claim using practical steps.

Eligibility for Compensation

Eligibility depends on several key factors, including the departure and arrival locations, the operating airline, the length of the delay at the final destination, and whether the cause was within the airline’s control.

Which flights are covered

• EU261/2004 generally applies to flights departing from an EU/EEA airport (including Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland), and to flights arriving into the EU/EEA when operated by an EU/EEA carrier.
• UK261 generally applies to flights departing from a UK airport, and to flights arriving into the UK when operated by a UK carrier.

Coverage is determined by the regulation that applies to the itinerary and the operating carrier. Codeshare arrangements may require checking which airline actually operated the flight.

Delay threshold at the final destination

For compensation, the relevant measure is typically the arrival delay at the final destination on the booking, not the departure delay. Compensation is commonly associated with 3 hours or more arrival delay, subject to the cause of the disruption.

Extraordinary circumstances

Airlines may deny compensation when a delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples often argued by airlines include certain severe weather events, air traffic control restrictions, and some security risks. Whether a specific event qualifies depends on the facts and evidence for that flight.

Connecting flights and missed connections

When a ticket includes a connection under a single booking, the delay is assessed at the final destination. A short delay on the first leg can still lead to compensation eligibility if it causes a missed connection and the passenger arrives 3+ hours late at the final destination, subject to extraordinary circumstances.

Compensation Amounts

Under EU261/2004 and UK261, compensation amounts are generally tied to the flight distance and the length of the delay at arrival.

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
• €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
• €600 for flights over 3,500 km

For some long-haul delays, the airline may argue that the compensation is reduced by 50% where the arrival delay falls within certain thresholds. The applicable reduction depends on distance and arrival delay length.

UK261 compensation is typically expressed in GBP (with amounts aligned to the EU framework but paid in the UK context). The payable amount may depend on the exchange rate or airline payment policies.

Right to Care and Assistance During a Delay

Separate from compensation, passengers may be entitled to care and assistance when delays reach certain durations, generally including:

• Meals and refreshments in a reasonable relation to the waiting time
• Two communications (such as phone calls, emails, or faxes)
• Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel when an overnight stay becomes necessary

If the airline does not provide care when required, passengers may be able to claim reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, supported by receipts.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation

A structured claim improves the chances of a timely decision. The process is usually handled directly with the airline first.

Step 1: Confirm the flight is covered

Coverage typically depends on the route (EU/EEA or UK departure/arrival rules) and the operating carrier. The booking confirmation and boarding pass can help confirm details.

Step 2: Check the arrival delay at the final destination

Compensation eligibility is commonly tied to an arrival delay of three hours or more. The arrival time is usually considered the time when at least one aircraft door is opened and passengers are permitted to disembark.

Step 3: Identify the stated cause of the delay

Airlines often cite operational issues, crew constraints, technical problems, weather, or air traffic restrictions. Passengers can request clarification and keep written records. The cause frequently determines whether the airline accepts or rejects liability for compensation.

Step 4: Submit the claim to the airline

Most airlines provide an online EU261/UK261 form. The claim should clearly state:

• Passenger names as on the booking
• Flight number, date, route, and booking reference
• Arrival delay duration at final destination
• Request for compensation under EU261/2004 or UK261
• Bank details (if the airline requests them) and preferred payment method

Step 5: Escalate if necessary

If the airline rejects the claim or fails to respond within a reasonable time, passengers may consider escalation options such as an airline’s alternative dispute resolution scheme (where applicable) or the relevant national enforcement body. The best route depends on the airline, the departure/arrival country, and whether an ADR scheme is available for that carrier and dispute type.

Documents to Prepare

Well-organized documentation can help support a claim and reduce back-and-forth with the airline.

• Booking confirmation or e-ticket receipt showing itinerary and passenger names
• Boarding pass (if available) or proof of check-in
• Evidence of arrival delay (screenshots of airport information, airline notifications, or flight tracking records)
• Receipts for meals, refreshments, transport, or accommodation if claiming reimbursement for care the airline did not provide
• Written communications from the airline stating or implying the cause of the delay

FAQ

Does a passenger get compensation for any delay?

Compensation is not automatic for every delay. It generally depends on an arrival delay of 3+ hours and whether the delay was caused by circumstances within the airline’s control, as assessed under EU261/2004 or UK261.

Is compensation based on departure delay or arrival delay?

Compensation eligibility is generally assessed by the arrival delay at the final destination on the booking.

Can a passenger claim both reimbursement of expenses and compensation?

Reimbursement for reasonable care expenses and EU261/UK261 compensation are separate concepts, and both may apply in some cases. Reimbursement typically requires receipts and proof the airline did not provide required care.

What if the passenger accepted a voucher?

Whether voucher acceptance affects the right to cash compensation depends on what was agreed and documented. Passengers typically benefit from reviewing the voucher terms and any waiver language before accepting.

How long does a passenger have to claim?

Time limits can depend on the country whose limitation rules apply to the claim. Passengers typically benefit from making a claim as soon as possible and keeping records of all communications.

Conclusion

EU261/2004 and UK261 can provide meaningful protection when a flight arrives late, including potential financial compensation and the right to care. Eligibility generally turns on whether the flight is covered, whether the arrival delay at the final destination reaches at least three hours, and whether the cause qualifies as extraordinary circumstances. A clear claim supported by booking details, proof of delay, and receipts can help passengers pursue the outcome the regulations are designed to provide.