British Airways flight delay compensation: up to £520 or €600
British Airways flies short-haul across Europe and long-haul worldwide, and either can be disrupted. As a UK airline, BA flights are covered by UK261, and its EU departures by EU261 — so a delayed or cancelled BA flight can mean a fixed payout of up to £520 or €600. Here is what applies.
By the Libravo editorial team · Updated 14 June 2026
Is British Airways covered by UK261 and EU261?
Yes. BA flights departing the UK are covered by UK261, and flights departing the EU are covered by EU261. As a UK carrier, BA flights arriving in the UK from outside Europe are also covered by UK261. If you arrived three or more hours late for a reason within BA's control, you are likely owed compensation.
How much is British Airways compensation?
The payout is set by distance: under EU261 it is €250, €400 or €600; under UK261 it is £220, £350 or £520. On long-haul flights over 3,500 km, a delay of three to four hours is paid at the reduced rate (£260 or €300), while four hours or more is paid in full (£520 or €600).
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Cancelled British Airways flight
If BA cancelled with less than 14 days notice, you may be owed compensation in addition to a refund or a re-routing. With 14 days notice or more, compensation is not due, but you keep the right to a refund or an alternative flight to your destination.
When British Airways does not have to pay
Extraordinary circumstances — severe weather, air-traffic-control strikes, security incidents — exempt BA from compensation, though you keep your care and re-routing rights. Most technical faults and crew or operational issues are within BA's control and remain claimable.
How to claim from British Airways
Submit a claim in writing through BA's customer-relations or online claim form, citing the regulation, your flight details and the amount owed, and keep copies. If BA refuses or does not respond, escalate for free to the CAA or an approved ADR scheme such as CEDR in the UK, or the national enforcement body for EU departures.
How long do you have to claim?
In the UK you generally have up to six years to bring a claim; in EU countries the window is often around three years. Claim sooner rather than later.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation does British Airways pay?
£220 to £520 under UK261, or €250 to €600 under EU261, depending on distance. Long-haul delays of three to four hours are paid at half the top rate.
Does BA pay compensation for long-haul delays?
Yes. On flights over 3,500 km, a three-to-four-hour delay is paid at £260 or €300, and four hours or more at £520 or €600, if the cause was within BA's control.
Is British Airways compensation separate from a refund?
Yes. Compensation is a fixed payout for the disruption. For a cancellation you can also claim a refund or re-routing on top.
How long do I have to claim from British Airways?
Up to six years for UK flights, and commonly around three years for EU departures, depending on the country.
Ready to claim?
Use our free step-by-step guide with a claim-letter template, or check your flight first.
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General information based on Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and its UK retained version, not legal advice. Libravo is not affiliated with any airline.