How far back can you claim flight compensation? Time limits explained
Last reviewed: November 2026
In a nutshell
UK claims can usually go back 6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland. For EU claims, the time limit is set by the national law of the country where you'd bring a claim, and varies widely. For flights from 2027, reformed EU rules will require you to ask the airline within 9 months.
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- England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 6 years
- Scotland: 5 years
EU flights
EU261 doesn't set its own time limit, so each country's law applies (EU Court of Justice, Cuadrench Moré v KLM, C-139/11). You can usually claim in the country your flight departed from or arrived in, so the more generous one may be available. Figures vary from about 1 year (for example Poland) to 3 years (Germany, running to 31 December of the third year) and 5 years or more elsewhere. Published figures disagree for several countries, so claim as soon as you can.
The new 9-month rule (from late 2027)
The EU has reformed its passenger rights rules (Regulation (EU) 2026/2202). For flights from late October 2027, you'll need to submit your compensation request to the airline within 9 months of the flight, and airlines will have 30 days to pay or explain why not. The compensation amounts and the 3-hour threshold stay the same.
Find out if you're owed compensation
See if you're likely owed compensation, how much, and the time limit. If you are, get a ready-to-send claim letter for £9.99 / €11.99 / $14.99 per booking. You keep 100%.
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General information about UK and EU air passenger rights, not legal advice. Rules can change; check the details of your own flight.