UK261 explained: flight compensation rules after Brexit
Last reviewed: November 2026
In a nutshell
UK261 is the UK's version of the EU passenger rights rules, kept after Brexit. It covers every flight departing from the UK, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline. Compensation is £220, £350 or £520 per passenger, depending on distance.
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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%.
Check my flight free →UK261 vs EU261
The rules are almost the same; the amounts are in pounds. For flights between the UK and the EU, both may apply depending on direction and airline. For example, a flight from Paris to London is covered by EU261 (departing the EU), and also by UK261 if a UK or EU airline operated it. You can only claim once.
If the airline says no
- Most UK airlines belong to an approved dispute scheme, AviationADR or CEDR. It's free and the airline must follow a decision you accept.
- You can go to the scheme once the airline has given its final response, or 8 weeks after your written complaint without a reply.
- If the airline isn't in a scheme, the Civil Aviation Authority's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team can help.
- As a last resort: small claims court (Money Claim Online in England & Wales, Simple Procedure in Scotland).
Time limits
You can usually claim for flights up to 6 years ago in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or 5 years in Scotland.
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.