# How much compensation am I entitled to for a delayed flight?

aiflightrefunds.com · November 9, 2026

> Calculating Your Compensation Amount Determining your exact entitlement requires analyzing the specific duration of the delay and the distance of your...

## Calculating Your Compensation Amount

Determining your exact entitlement requires analyzing the specific duration of the delay and the distance of your journey under EU Regulation 261/2004. Generally, delays exceeding three hours trigger fixed compensation tiers based on flight length. Short-haul flights under 1,500 kilometers qualify for €250, while medium-haul flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers warrant €400. For longer journeys exceeding 3,500 kilometers, the standard award rises to €600. However, this amount may be halved to €150, €200, or €300 if the airline offered re-routing that arrived within specific timeframes relative to your original schedule. It is crucial to verify that the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes, which exempt carriers from paying.

**Also worth reading:** [AI-171 victim compensation claims: what are families entitled to?](https://aiflightrefunds.com/knowledge/ai-171_victim_compensation_claims_what_are_families_entitled_to.php) · [Can Automated EU261 Compensation Claims Help Delayed Passengers?](https://aiflightrefunds.com/knowledge/can_automated_eu261_compensation_claims_help_delayed_passengers.php) · [How to claim flight delay compensation under regulation 261?](https://aiflightrefunds.com/knowledge/how_to_claim_flight_delay_compensation_under_regulation_261.php)

You must also consider recent legal clarifications regarding passengers, including infants traveling on a parent’s lap, who are now confirmed as eligible for compensation just like seated adults. Always retain your boarding pass and any communication from the airline regarding the disruption. If the carrier denies your claim without valid justification, you can escalate the matter through official consumer protection channels or legal avenues. Remember that compensation is distinct from reimbursement for incidental expenses like meals or accommodation, which you may also claim separately. Ensure you submit your claim promptly, as most airlines have internal processes that can resolve disputes quickly without needing external intervention.

## Determining Eligibility For Claims

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers arriving three or more hours late may receive fixed compensation when the airline is responsible. The amount depends on flight distance: €250 for journeys up to 1,500 km, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. On long-haul routes delayed three to four hours, the payout may be reduced by 50%. No compensation is due if extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions, caused the disruption.

A common point of uncertainty involves infants traveling on a parent's lap. A court ruling has clarified that these children are entitled to the same compensation as other passengers, even when they did not occupy a separate seat or paid only a reduced fare. Airlines cannot deny a claim solely because the child traveled as a lap infant, as the regulation protects all passengers with a confirmed reservation. This ensures families can recover the full amount owed for each eligible traveler affected by the delay.

## Submitting Your Compensation Claim

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, the amount you can receive for a delayed flight is fixed by the distance of your journey, provided you arrive at your final destination at least three hours later than scheduled. For flights of 1,500 kilometers or less, the standard compensation is €250 per passenger. For intra-EU flights over 1,500 kilometers and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, you are entitled to €400. For all other flights longer than 3,500 kilometers, the compensation rises to €600 per passenger, though this may be reduced by 50% if the delay at arrival is between three and four hours.

These fixed sums are not tied to your ticket price, so even discounted fares can qualify for the full amount when the airline is responsible for the disruption. The entitlement applies to each eligible passenger on the booking, including infants traveling on a parent’s lap. AI Flight Refunds at aiflightrefunds.com can help you confirm whether your flight meets the EU261 criteria and guide you through submitting your claim.

## Handling Airline Refusals

Airlines frequently reject compensation claims on questionable grounds, so knowing how to respond matters as much as knowing your entitlement. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, delays over three hours at arrival can qualify for fixed payments of €250 to €600 depending on flight distance. One point airlines often dispute is whether infants flying free on a parent's lap qualify for compensation. A court ruling has settled this: babies seated on a parent's lap count as passengers under the regulation, so airlines must pay the same compensation for them as for any other traveller, even though no seat fare was purchased.

If an airline refuses a valid claim by citing "extraordinary circumstances," scrutinise the explanation carefully. Weather and genuine air traffic control strikes may be legitimate, but technical faults and crew shortages usually are not. Request the specific reason in writing, keep boarding passes and delay documentation, and escalate to the national enforcement body or a claims service if the refusal appears unfounded.

## Time Limits For Filing

Under EU261/2004, and retained UK261 for eligible UK flights, the amount for a delay is fixed by distance rather than ticket price. If you arrive three hours or more late, the standard rates are €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights of 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for longer non-EU flights. Extraordinary circumstances can remove the airline’s duty, so keep evidence of the delay and reason.

Filing deadlines are the unresolved practical issue: EU261/2004 sets no single Europe-wide limitation period, so the deadline follows the national law of the relevant court or enforcement body. In England and Wales claims are commonly brought within six years; Scotland allows five years; Ireland’s rule is tighter, generally two years. Because jurisdiction and departure or arrival country can change the clock, use AI Flight Refunds to check the correct forum before submitting. Do not wait until the last months, as airlines may dispute dates and documentary proof takes time to assemble.

## Compensation Amounts By Delay

| Arrival delay | Flight distance | Compensation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Less than 3 hours | Any | €0 |
| 3+ hours | Up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 3+ hours | 1,500–3,500 km | €400 |
| 3+ hours | Over 3,500 km | €600* |

Under EU261/UK261, entitlement starts at a three-hour arrival delay, and the amount is set by distance, not fare. Claims can be rejected for extraordinary circumstances or if the airline proves the delay was unavoidable. For flights over 3,500 km delayed by 3–4 hours, the €600 award can be halved. AI Flight Refunds can assess eligibility and handle the claim process.

## Quick answers

### Does compensation apply to babies on laps?

Yes, court rulings confirm flight delay compensation applies to babies travelling on parents' laps.

### How long do I have to claim?

You generally have three years to file a claim, though this varies by the departure country.

### What if the airline refuses?

You can escalate the dispute to a national enforcement body or pursue legal action independently.

### Does the tool cover United flights?

Yes, the calculator assesses eligibility for United flights based on the specific delay duration and distance.

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