London Heathrow Flight Delayed? Claim Up to £520 Compensation
Flight delayed at London Heathrow Airport? If your flight arrived 3+ hours late, you could be entitled to up to £520 in compensation under UK261 regulations. This guide explains everything you need to know about your passenger rights and how to claim successfully.
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The 3-Hour Rule at London Heathrow
Under UK261 and EU261 regulations, you're entitled to compensation if your flight from or to London Heathrow arrives at your final destination 3 hours or more late. This applies to all flights departing from Heathrow, and flights arriving at Heathrow operated by EU/UK airlines.
How Delay is Measured:
The delay is calculated from when the aircraft doors open at your final destination, NOT when the plane lands. A 2 hour 55 minute delay doesn't qualify, but 3 hours and 1 minute does.
Compensation Amounts for Heathrow Delays
The amount you can claim depends on your flight distance and the length of delay:
Flights up to 1,500 km
• 3+ hours delay
e.g., London to Paris, Dublin
EU flights 1,500-3,500 km or international 1,500-3,500 km
• 3+ hours delay
e.g., London to Athens, Morocco
Flights over 3,500 km outside EU
• 3+ hours delay
e.g., London to New York, Dubai
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
You can claim for a delayed Heathrow flight if ALL conditions are met:
- 3+ hours late arrival: Your flight arrived at least 3 hours late at your final destination
- Not extraordinary circumstances: The delay wasn't caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control
- EU/UK connection: Flight departed from EU/UK or arrived in EU/UK with EU/UK airline
- Checked in on time: You met all check-in and boarding requirements
- Within time limit: Claiming within 6 years of the delayed flight (UK law)
What Doesn't Count as Extraordinary Circumstances
Airlines frequently try to avoid paying by claiming "extraordinary circumstances." Here's what UK courts have ruled:
NOT Extraordinary Circumstances:
- Technical problems: Mechanical issues and maintenance are the airline's responsibility
- Staff shortages: Including crew sickness or strikes by airline staff
- Overbooking: Commercial decisions don't count as extraordinary
- Minor weather: Light fog, rain, or wind that other flights handled
- Previous delays: "Knock-on effect" from earlier operational issues
- Airport congestion: Normal operational challenges at busy times
Valid Extraordinary Circumstances:
- Severe weather making flying unsafe (hurricane, heavy snow)
- Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
- Political instability or security threats
- Bird strike causing unexpected damage
- Medical emergency requiring unscheduled landing
Important:
Even if extraordinary circumstances occurred, the airline must prove they took ALL reasonable measures to minimize the delay. If they didn't, you're still entitled to compensation.
Common Heathrow Delay Scenarios
1. British Airways Technical Delays
BA frequently experiences IT system failures and mechanical issues at Heathrow. These are operational problems within the airline's control - you're entitled to full compensation even if they claim "technical fault."
2. Missed Connections Due to First Flight Delay
If you booked both flights as a single reservation and the first delay caused you to miss your connection, you're covered. Compensation is based on your total delay to the final destination.
3. Delay Turned Cancellation
If your flight was initially delayed then cancelled, you can claim under cancellation rules which may offer better compensation, especially if cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
Immediate Rights During Delays
Besides compensation, airlines must provide care and assistance based on delay length:
2+ Hours Delay
- • Meals and refreshments
- • Two phone calls, emails, or faxes
3+ Hours Delay
- • All of the above, plus
- • Financial compensation (£220-£520)
Overnight Delay
- • Hotel accommodation
- • Transport between airport and hotel
- • All meals during wait
How to Claim Your Compensation
Document Everything
Save: booking confirmation, boarding passes, delay notifications, photos of departure boards showing delays, receipts for any expenses
Check Eligibility & Amount
Use our free calculator to instantly verify your eligibility and calculate exact compensation amount
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Choose to claim directly with airline, via CAA ADR scheme, or let WiseFlight handle everything on no-win-no-fee basis
Receive Your Money
Airlines must respond within 6 weeks. If rejected unfairly, we escalate to court at no extra cost
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must my Heathrow flight be delayed to get compensation?
Your flight must arrive at your final destination at least 3 hours late to qualify for compensation. The delay is measured from when the aircraft doors open at your final destination, not when it lands.
How much compensation can I get for a delayed Heathrow flight?
Compensation ranges from £220 to £520 depending on flight distance: £220 for flights up to 1,500km, £350 for EU flights over 1,500km or international 1,500-3,500km, and £520 for flights over 3,500km outside the EU. This applies when delays exceed 3 hours.
What if my Heathrow flight was delayed due to weather?
Severe weather that makes flying unsafe counts as extraordinary circumstances and airlines don't have to pay compensation. However, minor weather issues or poor planning by the airline are NOT valid excuses. The airline must prove the weather was truly exceptional and they took all reasonable measures.
Can I claim for a delay that made me miss my connecting flight?
Yes, if you booked both flights as a single booking. The compensation is based on the total delay to your final destination. If you arrive 3+ hours late at your final destination due to a missed connection, you're entitled to compensation.
What care is the airline required to provide during delays at Heathrow?
Airlines must provide: meals and refreshments appropriate to the delay duration, two phone calls/emails, hotel accommodation if overnight stay is needed, and transport between airport and hotel. These are separate from compensation and must be provided immediately.
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