UK261 & EU261 compensation check
Flew to Europe in the last few years? You might be owed up to €600 per person, even on a US airline.
European and UK rules protect passengers of every nationality. Check free in 60 seconds. Claims companies take a big cut; we charge a flat $14.99 per booking and you keep 100%.
- ✓ Free check, no sign-up
- ✓ Honest answer
- ✓ You keep 100%
Why a US traveller can be covered
The EU and UK rules depend on where the flight left from and which airline operated it, not on your nationality or where you bought the ticket.
- Leaving Europe or the UK — any airline is covered. Your flight home from Paris, Rome, London or Dublin counts, including on an American airline.
- Flying to Europe or the UK — covered on a European or UK airline. A flight from New York to Paris on a European airline is covered; the same route on a US airline isn't.
- Connections count. If a delayed first flight from Europe made you miss a connection on the same booking, the delay at your final destination is what matters, even if it's in the US.
- Each direction is judged separately, so check your outbound and return flights one at a time.
Europe → US on any airline
US → Europe on a European airline
UK → US on any airline
US → Europe on a US airline
Flights within the US (we'll show you your US refund rights instead, free)
Compensation is paid in euros or pounds (up to €600 or £520 per passenger). Time limits depend on the country and can be as short as 1 year or as long as 6 years or more, so it's worth checking older trips too.
How it works
- 1
Tell us about the flight
Route, airline, date and what happened. Or upload the airline's email and we'll fill it in.
- 2
Free check
We work out which rules apply, the distance band, the amount per passenger and the time limit, and give you an honest answer.
- 3
Your claim letter
If you're likely or possibly owed money, get a ready-to-send letter for £9.99 / €11.99 / $14.99 per booking. You send it and keep everything the airline pays.
Compensation amounts (per passenger)
| Flight distance | EU rules | UK rules |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | £220 |
| 1,500–3,500 km (and longer flights within the EU) | €400 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 | £520 |
| Over 3,500 km, arrived 3–4 hours late | €300 | £260 |
Straight-line distance between the first departure airport and the final destination. Cancellations rerouted close to the original times can be reduced.
Common questions
How much could I get?
Under EU rules: €250, €400 or €600 per passenger depending on flight distance. Under UK rules: £220, £350 or £520. Some long-haul delays of 3–4 hours get half. It's per passenger, so a family of four could be owed up to €2,400.
When am I owed compensation?
Usually when you reach your final destination 3 hours or more late, your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, or you're refused boarding because of overbooking — unless the airline can prove 'extraordinary circumstances' such as genuine severe weather or an air traffic control strike.
Which flights are covered?
Any flight departing from the UK or EU (any airline), and flights arriving in the UK or EU on a UK or EU airline. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland also apply the EU rules.
Why not use a claims company?
Claims companies typically keep a significant share of your payout, often a quarter to a third or more. You can claim directly from the airline yourself; our letter does the hard part for a small flat fee and you keep 100%.
Is this legal advice?
No. We're a self-help tool, not a law firm or claims company. We tell you what's likely or possible and give you the letter to send yourself.
More help: all guides · compensation by airline.
American or Canadian? See how UK and EU rules can cover your trips.