British Airways delay & cancellation compensation: how to claim

Which British Airways flights are covered?

British Airways is a UK airline. UK rules (UK261) cover its flights departing from the UK and its flights arriving in the UK from elsewhere. EU rules (EU261) cover its flights departing from the EU.

British Airways flies under more than one airline licence, and what matters is the one that operated your flight (check your booking for "operated by"): British Airways (UK), BA CityFlyer (UK), BA Euroflyer (UK).

How much you could claim

You need to reach your final destination 3 hours or more late, or have your flight cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, or be refused boarding against your will, and the cause mustn't be genuinely extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.

• Up to 1,500 km: €250 (EU rules) / £220 (UK rules) per passenger
• 1,500–3,500 km: €400 / £350
• Over 3,500 km: €600 / £520 (half if you arrived 3–4 hours late)

If British Airways refuses or doesn't reply

• UK flights: British Airways is listed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority as a member of CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution), a free independent dispute scheme. You can use it after the airline's final response, or 8 weeks after complaining.
• EU flights: complain to the national enforcement body of the country the flight departed from.
• Last resort: small claims court in the country of departure or arrival.