Flight delayed 3 hours? What compensation you can claim
The three-hour mark is the key threshold in European passenger-rights law. If your flight reached its final destination three or more hours late, you may be owed the same fixed compensation as for a cancellation — regardless of the airline. Here is how the rule works and how to claim.
By the Libravo editorial team · Updated 14 June 2026
Are you owed compensation for a 3 hour delay?
Under a long-standing ruling, a delay of three or more hours on arrival is treated like a cancellation for compensation purposes. So if you got to your final destination three hours late or more, and the cause was within the airline's control, you can claim a fixed payout — on top of any refund or care you received.
Is it the departure or arrival delay that counts?
Arrival. What matters is how late you reached your final destination, measured from when the aircraft doors open — not how late you left. On a connecting itinerary, it is the delay reaching the final destination that counts, even if an earlier leg caused it.
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See exactly what you could be owed — free, no sign-up.
How much can you claim?
The amount depends on flight distance: €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 beyond that under EU261, or £220, £350 and £520 under UK261. On long-haul flights over 3,500 km, a three-to-four-hour delay is paid at half rate (€300 or £260); four hours or more is paid in full.
Which flights are covered?
Any flight departing an EU, EEA or UK airport is covered, whatever the airline. Flights into the EU or UK are covered when operated by an EU or UK carrier. Purely non-European flights are usually outside these rules.
When the airline does not have to pay
If the delay was caused by genuinely extraordinary circumstances — severe weather, air-traffic-control strikes, security risks — the airline can refuse compensation, though it must still offer care and re-routing. Most technical and staffing problems do not count as extraordinary.
How to claim for a delayed flight
Check your distance band and the cause, then claim in writing from the airline citing Regulation (EC) 261/2004. Keep boarding passes and any delay confirmation. If refused, escalate for free to the relevant national enforcement body or ADR scheme. Our free guide has a claim-letter template.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3 hour delay enough to claim compensation?
Yes. A three-hour-or-more delay at your final destination is the threshold for a fixed compensation payout, provided the cause was within the airline's control.
How much is compensation for a delayed flight?
Between €250 and €600 under EU261, or £220 and £520 under UK261, depending on the flight distance.
Does the delay count from departure or arrival?
From arrival at your final destination — specifically when the aircraft doors open — not from the scheduled departure time.
What if my delay was caused by weather?
Severe weather is usually an extraordinary circumstance, so the airline may not have to pay compensation, though it must still provide assistance and re-routing.
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.