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Framework first
EU261, UK261 and U.S. DOT are assessed through distinct information paths—not mixed into one generic answer.
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Distance5,540 km
CompensationCheck eligibility next
Distance alone does not determine compensation. Continue to check the operating airline, disruption, delay and notice period.
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Official statutory compensation bands
Common statutory compensation bands.
| Framework | Distance / arrival context | Reference amount |
|---|---|---|
| EU261 | Flights of 1,500 km or less | €250 per passenger |
| EU261 | More than 1,500 km inside the EU/EEA, or other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km | €400 per passenger |
| EU261 | More than 3,500 km to or from a non-EU country, arrives 4+ hours late | €600 per passenger |
| EU261 long-haul arrival delay | More than 3,500 km to or from a non-EU country, arrives at least 3h but under 4h | €300 per passenger |
| UK261 | Under 1,500 km, arrives 3+ hours late | £220 per passenger |
| UK261 | 1,500–3,500 km, arrives 3+ hours late | £350 per passenger |
| UK261 | Over 3,500 km, arrives 3–4 hours late | £260 per passenger |
| UK261 | Over 3,500 km, arrives more than 4 hours late | £520 per passenger |
| U.S. DOT | Refunds and involuntary denied boarding — not a fixed delay cash table | No EU/UK-style delay band |
Amounts are official reference bands, not a payout promise. Coverage, final arrival, notice, rerouting and extraordinary circumstances still decide the case.
DIY letter versus optional AirHelp success fee
Write to the airline yourself, or pay a disclosed AirHelp success fee.
| Path | Who files | Fee | You keep on a €600 / £520 band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct airline + FlightRefundCalc letter | You | £0 / €0 from this site | The statutory amount if the airline pays |
| Optional AirHelp referral | AirHelp if it accepts | 35% standard, plus 15% if legal action (published combined 50%) | About €300 / £260 in the 50% case |
AirHelp fees checked against its published Our Fees page (updated 11 August 2026; checked 26 August 2026). FlightRefundCalc does not take a cut. Educational estimate. Not a guarantee of payment.
How it works
Start with the facts. Understand the next step.
The calculator keeps statutory compensation, care, refund and re-routing questions distinct, then explains where the rules leave uncertainty.
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Explainable outcome
See the key facts, benefit types and evidence that shape a preliminary result.
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Privacy-aware by default
No travel documents, identity files or payment information are needed.
Built for clear decisions
One disruption. Several possible rights.
A cancellation, delay or denied boarding situation may involve different kinds of remedies. We separate them before you write to an airline.
Start the guided calculatorStatutory compensation
A preliminary estimate where the pathway supports it
Care while waiting
Meals, communications, accommodation and local transport
Refund & rerouting
Options when a qualifying journey is cancelled or significantly changed
Needs review
A careful flag when cause, booking, connections or alternatives are unclear
Common questions
What does this flight refund calculator check?+
It maps your route, operating carrier and disruption facts onto EU261, UK261 or U.S. DOT information paths, then shows a preliminary compensation, care or refund note. It is an educational estimate, not a payout.
How much compensation for a delayed flight in the UK?+
Where a qualifying UK261 path applies, official CAA guidance uses £220, £350 or £520 per passenger depending on distance. On flights over 3,500 km a 3–4 hour arrival can reduce the long-haul band to £260. The three-hour final-arrival rule, notice, rerouting and extraordinary circumstances still decide the case. This is a preliminary band, not a payout.
How much compensation for a delayed flight in the EU?+
Where a qualifying EU261 path applies, official guidance uses €250, €400 or €600 per passenger depending on distance. For a covered journey over 3,500 km between the EU area and a non-EU country, an arrival delay of at least three but under four hours uses the €300 band; four hours or more uses €600. Notice, rerouting and extraordinary circumstances still decide the case. This is a preliminary band, not a payout.
Do I still get care if the airline cites extraordinary circumstances?+
Care, refund and rerouting questions can remain even when compensation is disputed. Ask the airline for its written reason and keep receipts for reasonable meals, communications, hotels and local transport.
Should I use a claim company or write to the airline?+
You can write to the airline yourself with the free letter. An optional AirHelp referral, where shown, may charge 35% including VAT, or about 50% if legal action is needed. FlightRefundCalc charges no fee.
Does a U.S. delay pay a fixed cash amount?+
This itinerary does not produce an EU261 or UK261 compensation band. U.S. rules centre on refunds for cancellations/significant changes and on denied-boarding payments. Delay cash is not a fixed federal band.
Prefer to make a direct request?
Use our printable, privacy-aware demand-letter template to request a written review from the airline. You remain in control of the facts and evidence.
Start with a free direct airline request. Optional claim services are separate companies and may charge success fees. Compare your options and fees.
Content reviewed: 3 September 2026. Editorial standards.
Popular evidence-first guides
Start with the route and airline facts—not a generic payout headline.
For example, a Doha to Mumbai journey does not automatically create a fixed EU or UK compensation band. Preserve the airline notice, check the operating carrier and use the free letter route if you want to ask for a written review.