Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Find out how much compensation you may be owed under EU Regulation 261/2004 when your flight is delayed or cancelled. Enter your delay length, route distance, and number of passengers to get an instant estimate.
About this calculator
EU Regulation 261/2004 entitles passengers to fixed compensation when a flight departs from an EU airport — or arrives at one on an EU carrier — and is delayed by 3 or more hours due to the airline's fault. The compensation tiers are: €250 per passenger for flights under 1,500 km, €400 per passenger for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and €600 per passenger for flights over 3,500 km. The formula is: Compensation = (delayHours ≥ 3 AND airlineResponsible = 1) ? (distance < 1500 ? 250 : distance < 3500 ? 400 : 600) × passengers : 0. Airlines are not liable for 'extraordinary circumstances' such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes. Compensation is reduced by 50% on long-haul flights if you are rerouted and arrive within 4 hours of your original arrival time.
How to use
Your flight from Paris to New York (distance: 5,839 km) was delayed 4 hours due to a mechanical fault — meaning the airline is at fault. You are traveling as a group of 3 passengers. Delay ≥ 3 hours: yes. Airline responsible: yes. Distance > 3,500 km → compensation rate = €600 per passenger. Total = €600 × 3 = €1,800. Each passenger is individually entitled to €600, and you can claim for the whole group. Enter your values into the calculator to confirm the exact amount and eligibility for your specific flight.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifies as an airline being 'at fault' for a flight delay under EU261?
Under EU261, the airline is considered responsible when the delay is caused by factors within its control — such as technical or mechanical problems, crew scheduling failures, late aircraft from a prior flight, or operational decisions. The airline is NOT responsible when the delay results from 'extraordinary circumstances' beyond its control, including severe weather, political instability, security threats, or air traffic control strikes. The burden of proof often falls on the airline to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances, and many technical faults do not qualify as extraordinary even though airlines sometimes claim they do.
How far back can I claim EU261 flight delay compensation?
The time limit for filing an EU261 compensation claim depends on the national law of the country where your claim is lodged, since EU261 does not specify a statute of limitations. In the UK, claimants typically have 6 years under contract law. In Germany the limit is 3 years, and in France it is 5 years. Many passengers do not realize they can claim for flights that were delayed years ago. It is always worth checking your old boarding passes and booking confirmations — especially for long-haul delays where compensation can reach €600 per person.
Does EU261 compensation apply to non-EU airlines flying into Europe?
EU261 applies to all flights departing from any EU airport regardless of the airline's nationality, and to flights arriving at an EU airport only when operated by an EU-based carrier. So if you fly from London to New York on British Airways (an EU-area carrier pre-Brexit, now UK-based with UK equivalent rules), EU261 or its UK equivalent applies. If you fly from New York to Paris on Delta (a non-EU carrier), EU261 does not cover that inbound leg — though you may have rights under US Department of Transportation rules for the return journey. Always check which regulation covers your specific route and carrier combination.