# What Are the Current EU261 Compensation Amounts?

aiflightrefunds.com · October 16, 2026

> EU261 Compensation Amounts by Distance Under EU261, compensation amounts are fixed by flight distance: €250 for journeys of 1,500 kilometres or less...

## EU261 Compensation Amounts by Distance

Under EU261, compensation amounts are fixed by flight distance: €250 for journeys of 1,500 kilometres or less, €400 for journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and €600 for journeys over 3,500 kilometres. These amounts apply when a flight is cancelled or arrives more than three hours late, unless extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or strikes caused the disruption. The payment is owed per passenger and does not depend on the ticket price paid.

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If an airline offers re-routing and the passenger reaches the destination within the allowed delay window, the compensation can be cut by half. EU lawmakers have recently debated reforms that could change delay thresholds and amounts, but the distance-based figures above remain the current standard. Travellers should document everything, submit claims promptly, and note that national limitation periods differ. Airlines must also provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation during extended waits.

## Flight Delay Thresholds and Payouts

Under EU261, compensation is generally tied to flight distance and delay length. For short flights up to 1,500 kilometers, passengers may receive €250 when arrival is delayed by at least three hours. Medium routes between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers can qualify for €400, while longer flights over 3,500 kilometers may bring €600. These amounts apply when the airline is responsible and the delay reaches the required threshold, though extraordinary circumstances can remove liability. The rules also consider rerouting and arrival time, so the final payout depends on the actual journey completed.

Current EU261 amounts remain fixed in euros, not adjusted for inflation, and are separate from care obligations such as meals, hotel accommodation, and rebooking. Travelers should keep boarding passes, delay notices, and receipts because claims often require proof of disruption. Airlines may offer vouchers, but cash compensation is the standard entitlement when conditions are met. Recent reform discussions focus on clarity and enforcement, yet the core payout levels for qualifying delays continue to provide the main financial remedy for affected passengers.

## Cancellation Rules and Care Obligations

Current EU261 compensation is based on flight distance and route: €250 for journeys up to 1,500 kilometers, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 kilometers or other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, and €600 for longer flights over 3,500 kilometers. These amounts apply when a flight is cancelled or delayed by at least three hours, subject to exceptions such as extraordinary circumstances, and are separate from refunds or rerouting. Airlines must also provide care, including meals, refreshments, accommodation when needed, and transport between airport and hotel.

The exact amount can depend on whether the airline offers an alternative flight and how much later it arrives, because compensation may be reduced by half in some rerouting situations. Passengers should keep boarding passes, booking confirmations, delay notices, and receipts. While proposed reforms may adjust thresholds or amounts, the current framework still centers on these distance-based payments and practical support during disruption.

## UK261 Differences After Brexit

EU261 compensation remains based on flight distance and delay length, with fixed amounts for eligible passengers when a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed. Under the current framework, short flights up to 1,500 kilometres generally attract €250, medium routes between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres usually attract €400, and longer flights typically attract €600. These amounts are not automatic in every case, because carriers may avoid payment when extraordinary circumstances apply, such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. The rules also consider rebooking and notice before departure.

For travellers comparing EU and UK regimes, amounts are broadly familiar, but jurisdiction, operating carrier, and route details matter. A claim may depend on whether the flight departed from an EU airport, arrived into the EU on an EU carrier, or fell under UK rules after Brexit. Passengers should keep boarding passes, booking confirmations, delay notices, and receipts, then check eligibility before claiming. Compensation is separate from refunds, meals, accommodation, or rerouting assistance.

## How AI Flight Refunds Helps

Under EU261, passengers on flights departing from or arriving in the EU may claim fixed compensation when flights are delayed by three hours or more, cancelled with short notice, or when boarding is denied. The amounts depend on flight distance: €250 for journeys up to 1,500 kilometres, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and €600 for longer routes. These figures apply per passenger and are payable in addition to care, meals, and accommodation during long waits. Airlines may reduce payouts by half when rerouting limits the delay, and extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather can exempt carriers entirely.

Recent EU reform discussions aim to clarify and strengthen these rights rather than weaken them, though final rules may adjust thresholds and timelines. Travellers should keep boarding passes, receipts, and delay confirmations, then file promptly because national limitation periods vary. AI Flight Refunds helps passengers understand eligibility, calculate the correct amount, and pursue claims efficiently, turning complex regulations into straightforward compensation.

## EU261 Compensation Amounts Compared

| Flight Distance | Minimum Delay | Compensation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Up to 1,500 km | 3+ hours | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | 3+ hours | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | 3–4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 km | 4+ hours | €600 |

EU261 entitles passengers to fixed compensation when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, provided the airline is at fault. Amounts depend on route distance and delay length, ranging from €250 to €600. Claims can be filed directly with the carrier or through services like AI Flight Refunds, which helps travelers recover what they are owed under EU law.

## Quick answers

### How much compensation does EU261 pay for delays?

EU261 generally pays €250, €400, or €600 depending on flight distance and delay length.

### Does EU261 apply to cancellations?

Yes, EU261 can provide compensation for short-notice cancellations unless extraordinary circumstances apply.

### Is compensation based on departure or arrival time?

Compensation is based on arrival delay, not departure delay.

### Can AI Flight Refunds help with EU261 claims?

AI Flight Refunds can help travelers organize documents and pursue eligible EU261 claims.

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