You’ve packed your bags, arrived at the airport early, and are ready to embark on your journey, only to find out your flight is delayed. It’s a scenario many travellers dread. Flight delays not only disrupt your schedule, but they can also cause considerable stress, especially if you’re managing pre-existing medical conditions or have connecting flights.
This guide walks you through what to expect when your flight is delayed, what your rights are, how Travel Insurance can support you, and what steps you can take to minimise disruption. Whether you’re travelling short-haul or long-haul, understanding your options ensures you can travel with confidence.
Why do flights get delayed?
Flight delays happen for a multitude of reasons. According to Which?, over a third of UK flights experienced delays of 15 minutes or more in 2024. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Adverse weather conditions like fog, snow, or storms
- Technical faults or mechanical checks
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Staffing shortages or strikes
- Knock-on delays from earlier flights
By understanding the reason for your delay, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether you may be entitled to support or compensation.
Know your rights when a flight is delayed
If your flight is delayed, your rights are protected under UK law. These apply if you’re:
- Flying from a UK airport on any airline
- Flying into the UK on a UK or EU-based airline
Under UK law, based on retained EU Regulation (EC) 261/2004, you’re entitled to assistance when your flight is delayed by:
- 2 hours or more (short-haul under 1,500km)
- 3 hours or more (medium-haul 1,500–3,500km)
- 4 hours or more (long-haul over 3,500km)
In these cases, you should receive:
- Meal vouchers or refreshments
- Communication access (phone calls, emails)
- Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
- Transport to and from the accommodation
When can you claim compensation for a delayed flight?
Flight delays are frustrating, but under UK law, you may be eligible for compensation depending on the circumstances of the delay. Legislation known as (EC) 261/2004 protects passengers flying from the UK or arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
You’re entitled to financial compensation if:
- Your flight arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late
- The delay was within the airline’s control (e.g., staffing shortages, technical issues)
- You were flying from a UK airport, or flying to the UK on an airline registered in the UK or EU.
How much compensation could you receive?
The compensation amount depends on both the distance of the flight and the length of the delay at arrival:
- £220 for flights up to 1,500km with a delay of more than 3 hours
- £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km with a delay of more than 3 hours
- £520 for flights over 3,500km delayed by more than 4 hours
This compensation is paid per passenger, so if you’re travelling with family, the total reimbursement can be significant.
When you’re not eligible for compensation
You will not receive compensation if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances that are considered outside the airline’s control. These can include:
- Severe or extreme weather conditions that make flying unsafe (e.g., snowstorms, hurricanes)
- Political instability or civil unrest in either the departure or arrival location
- Air traffic control restrictions that affect airport operations or routing
- Bird strikes, which can damage aircraft engines and require urgent safety checks
- Airport closures or emergencies, including security alerts or runway incidents
While these situations may entitle you to assistance, such as meals and accommodation, they typically do not qualify for financial compensation.
What if the airline offers a voucher?
Some airlines may offer you a travel voucher or a discount off a future flight in lieu of compensation. It’s important to know that you are not obliged to accept this if you’re legally entitled to monetary compensation. You have the right to request a direct payment instead.
How to make a claim
To file a claim, contact your airline’s customer service with the following details:
- Your flight number and date
- Boarding pass and/or booking confirmation
- Documentation showing the duration of the delay
- Receipts for any costs you incurred during the delay (if applicable)
If the airline denies your claim and you believe it’s valid, you can escalate the issue to the UK Civil Aviation Authority or use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.
You can learn more about your rights and complaint resolution options on the CAA’s passenger rights hub.
How Travel Insurance can help during flight delays
While airlines are legally required to provide assistance for long delays, Travel Insurance offers additional peace of mind, especially when delays result in extra expenses or missed connections.
What’s typically covered by Travel Insurance?
Depending on your Travel Insurance policy, you could receive:
- Compensation for delays – typically a fixed amount once a delay surpasses a certain threshold (e.g., 12 hours).
- Missed connections – if you miss a connecting flight, train, or cruise due to the delay.
- Abandonment cover – if your flight is significantly delayed and you choose not to travel.
If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, delays can also disrupt medication schedules or medical appointments. AllClear Travel Insurance offers support for: All conditions. All ages. All destinations.
What to do if your flight is delayed
Being proactive can save you stress and potentially money. Follow these steps if you experience a delay:
- Ask the airline for the cause and estimated wait time.
- Document everything – take photos of departure boards, keep messages from the airline, and save receipts.
- Keep essentials handy – especially if you take regular medication.
- Review your Travel Insurance policy – to check if you’re eligible for delay-related claims.
- Contact your insurer (such as AllClear) to notify them and confirm your cover.
If your flight is significantly delayed and you’re forced to abandon your trip, a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy can help you recover costs that the airline won’t cover.
Turn travel delays into detours, not disasters
Delays may not be part of your travel plans, but they don’t have to ruin them either. With the right knowledge, preparation, and protection in place, a delayed flight becomes a minor bump, not a major breakdown.
By knowing your rights, staying proactive, and choosing a Travel Insurance provider that truly understands your needs, you can handle delays with confidence, not confusion.
We’ve helped over 3.5 million travellers negotiate their journey with peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating a crowded airport or dealing with a sudden change of plans, our specialist policies are built to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions about flight delays
Can I get compensation if my flight is delayed by 2 hours?
Not usually. Under UK 261 regulations, financial compensation typically applies only if your flight arrives at its final destination more than 3 hours late and the delay was within the airline’s control. However, if your delay is 2 hours or more, the airline should still provide assistance, such as meals and access to communication.
What documents do I need to claim compensation for a delayed flight?
To claim compensation, you’ll need:
- Your booking confirmation or ticket
- A copy of your boarding pass
- Evidence of the length and cause of the delay (emails, text messages, or airline statements)
- Receipts for any expenses you want reimbursed, such as food or accommodation
If you’re claiming via your Travel Insurance, include your policy number and medical declarations where relevant.
How long does a flight need to be delayed before I can cancel it and claim on insurance?
This varies by policy. With AllClear Travel Insurance, trip abandonment cover may apply if your outbound flight is delayed by 24 hours or more, allowing you to recover costs for your trip. Always check your policy details for the specific time threshold and claim conditions.
Does Travel Insurance cover flight delays due to weather?
While airlines don’t owe compensation for delays caused by bad weather, Travel Insurance can still offer help. AllClear policies may provide fixed delay payments or cover for accommodation and meals if you’re stranded. If severe weather forces you to abandon your trip, cover may also apply, depending on your plan.
Can I claim compensation for a missed connection due to a delay?
Yes, if all legs of your journey are on the same ticket and the delay was within the airline’s control, you may be entitled to compensation or a rebooking. If your flights were booked separately, your Travel Insurance can help cover missed connections, transport, or overnight stays, depending on your policy.
