Turkish Airlines: Compensation time limits (UK261) — Examples & Scenarios

Flight Delay Compensation: A Practical Guide to Claiming Under EU261/2004 and UK261

Passengers facing disruption often want clear, reliable information on when flight delay compensation applies and how to claim it. Under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (commonly called EU261/2004) and its UK equivalent (UK261), eligible passengers may be entitled to fixed compensation and additional care and assistance when flights are significantly delayed, cancelled, or when boarding is denied.

This guide explains the main eligibility rules, typical compensation amounts, the claim process, and the documents passengers should keep, using a practical approach designed for real-world travel situations.

Eligibility for flight delay compensation (EU261/2004 and UK261)

Flight delay compensation under EU261/2004 or UK261 depends on where the flight departs from, the operating airline, and the length and cause of the delay.

Which flights are covered

• EU261/2004 generally applies to flights departing from an EU/EEA airport and to flights arriving in the EU/EEA when operated by an EU/EEA carrier.
• UK261 generally applies to flights departing from the United Kingdom and to flights arriving in the United Kingdom when operated by a UK carrier.

Coverage is determined by the flight’s departure/arrival points and the airline operating the flight (the carrier actually flying the aircraft), not necessarily the company that sold the ticket.

How long the delay must be

For monetary compensation due to a delay, entitlement is typically triggered when the passenger arrives at the final destination 3 hours or more later than the scheduled arrival time, provided the delay was within the airline’s responsibility under the regulation.

Extraordinary circumstances (when compensation is not owed)

Compensation is not generally payable when the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if the airline had taken all reasonable measures. These can include certain severe weather events or air traffic control restrictions. Whether a situation qualifies is fact-specific.

Even where compensation is not due, passengers may still have rights to care and assistance (such as meals or accommodation) depending on the circumstances and length of the delay.

Connecting flights and “final destination” arrival time

For itineraries with connections under a single booking, the relevant delay is measured at the final destination. A short delay on the first leg can still lead to a 3+ hour late arrival at the final destination, potentially triggering compensation if other conditions are met.

Compensation amounts for flight delays

Under EU261/2004 and UK261, compensation is generally a fixed amount based on flight distance and the length of delay on arrival. The commonly referenced bands are:

• €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

Under UK261, the framework mirrors EU261/2004, and compensation is payable under the UK regime for qualifying flights. The airline may pay in a different currency, but the entitlement follows the regulation’s structure.

Distance is typically calculated using the great-circle distance between airports (not the number of miles flown by the aircraft). Where a journey includes connecting segments on one booking, compensation is generally assessed by the distance between the departure point and the final destination.

Right to care and assistance during a delay

Separate from compensation, EU261/2004 and UK261 provide a right to care and assistance once delays reach certain thresholds, depending on flight distance. This can include:

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

These rights can apply even when extraordinary circumstances are involved, although the application can depend on the facts and what the airline can reasonably provide at the time.

How to claim flight delay compensation

A direct claim to the operating airline is usually the starting point. A well-structured claim improves the chances of a timely, accurate assessment.

Step-by-step claim process

• Confirm coverage under EU261/2004 or UK261 based on departure/arrival and operating carrier.
• Record the arrival delay at the final destination (door opening time can be relevant in practice, but passengers should keep their own clear evidence of when they were able to disembark).
• Submit a written claim to the operating airline, referencing EU261/2004 or UK261 as applicable.
• Request a written explanation of the cause of the delay if it is not already provided.
• Keep copies of all communications and documents submitted.

What to include in the claim

• Passenger name(s) exactly as on the booking
• Flight number, travel date, and route
• Booking reference and ticket details
• Scheduled and actual arrival times
• Connection details if relevant (single booking information)
• Bank details or preferred method of payment where requested by the airline

If the airline rejects or ignores the claim

If an airline declines compensation, it should provide reasons. Passengers can respond by requesting clarification and supporting evidence for the refusal, particularly if the airline relies on extraordinary circumstances.

Where appropriate, passengers may consider escalation options such as alternative dispute resolution (if offered) or relevant complaint pathways, depending on the jurisdiction. The correct next step may vary based on where the flight departed, where the airline is based, and the scheme available for that carrier.

Documents passengers should keep

Strong documentation helps support both compensation claims and reimbursement requests for care costs.

• Boarding pass and e-ticket confirmation
• Booking confirmation showing the itinerary (especially for connections)
• Proof of delay such as screenshots of airline notifications, airport departure/arrival boards, or emails/SMS messages
• Receipts for meals, hotels, transport, and communications if the airline did not provide care directly
• Written statements from the airline about the disruption cause, if provided

Receipts should be itemised where possible. Costs should be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances to reduce the risk of disputes about reimbursement.

FAQ: Flight delay compensation under EU261/2004 and UK261

Is compensation owed for a delay of under 3 hours?

Monetary compensation for delay is generally linked to arrival at the final destination 3 hours or more late, subject to the other eligibility rules. Shorter delays may still trigger the right to care and assistance depending on distance and waiting time.

Does bad weather always mean no compensation?

Weather can qualify as an extraordinary circumstance, but entitlement depends on the specific facts and whether the airline took all reasonable measures to avoid or reduce the delay. Passengers can request a clear explanation from the airline.

Are passengers entitled to compensation if they accepted a rebooked flight?

Rebooking does not automatically remove entitlement. The key question is typically the delay on arrival at the final destination and the reason for the disruption, assessed under EU261/2004 or UK261.

Do passengers have rights if the flight is delayed overnight?

Where an overnight stay becomes necessary, passengers may be entitled to accommodation and transport between the airport and the place of accommodation as part of the right to care, depending on the circumstances.

Can compensation be claimed for a missed connection?

For connecting itineraries on a single booking, eligibility is usually assessed based on arrival time at the final destination. If a missed connection results in arrival 3+ hours late, compensation may be available if the disruption falls within the airline’s responsibility under the regulation.

Conclusion

Flight delay compensation can provide meaningful financial relief when passengers arrive 3 hours or more late and the delay falls within the scope of EU261/2004 or UK261. Even when compensation is not payable due to extraordinary circumstances, passengers may still have enforceable rights to care and assistance during the disruption.

A clear claim supported by boarding documents, delay evidence, and receipts is often the most practical way to seek compensation or reimbursement. Passengers who keep good records and reference the correct regulation are better positioned to secure the outcome the rules provide.