In 2024, British Airways operated 304,537 flights. Of those, 1,646 were delayed by more than 3 hours. British Airways also cancelled 6,564 flights, which means that approximately every 46th scheduled flight was cancelled.
British Airways Compensation
When your British Airways flight is delayed, cancelled or overbooked, it can have both financial and time-related consequences for you. However, as a passenger, you have rights that protect you in these situations.
Use our compensation calculator to see if you're eligible for compensation from British Airways.
About British Airways
British Airways is the UK's largest airline, based in London Heathrow. It has a large fleet and serves over 200 destinations worldwide - from Denmark to Asia, Africa and USA.
Despite its size and experience, flight cancellations, delays and overbookings are still a reality for many passengers, entitling them to compensation in many cases.
British Airways is a British airline and is therefore not covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, but instead by UK261 - the UK version of EU passenger rights. UK261 was introduced after Brexit and ensures that passengers can still get compensation if the airline does not fulfil its obligations.
However, it can be difficult to take legal action in the UK if you are not from UK - it requires access to the UK complaints system and courts. This is where Refundmore can help you. We have access to the UK courts and experience in handling cases against British Airways - even when the case is complex. We help you get your compensation without you having to navigate legal requirements, forms or emails with the airline.
What our customers say about our help
We've already helped more than 410,000 air travellers get compensation from British Airways and other airlines.
We always do our best to ensure fast case handling and thorough information throughout the case - and this is reflected in our customers' reviews of us on our trustpilot profile.
When are you entitled to compensation?
According to EU law (and UK261), you may be entitled to compensation if:
Your British Airways flight was delayed by over three hours
Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before scheduled departure
You were denied boarding due to overbooking
The amount of compensation depends on the length of the flight and the delay upon arrival - and can be up to €600 per passenger.
In the table below, you can get an overview of the rules for compensation amounts:
Reason | Delayed arrival | Flights under 1.500 km | Flights 1.501 - 3.500 km | Flights over 3.500 km between EU-countries | Flights over 3.500 km to/from EU-countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cancelled* | 2 – 3 hours | 250 € | 200 € | 200 € | 300 € |
Cancelled /Delayed | 3 – 4 hours | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 300 € |
Cancelled/Delayed | More than 4 hours** | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 600 € |
Overbooked | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 600 € |
* If the cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the scheduled departure.
** If the cancellation occurs between 14-7 days before the scheduled departure.
Delayed flight with British Airways
Delayed flights are one of the most common reasons passengers seek compensation. If the flight delay is more than three hours and the cause is not due to extraordinary circumstances (such as extremely bad weather or security threats), you as a passenger are entitled to compensation.
Typical reasons for delays:
Technical problems on the aircraft
Operational problems in the airline
These cases are not extraordinary and therefore trigger compensation from British Airways.
Cancelled flight - your rights
If your British Airways flight has been cancelled, you have the right to choose between rebooking or a full refund of your flight ticket. If the cancellation is at short notice (less than 14 days before departure) and you reach your destination later than planned, you are often also entitled to compensation.
Be aware that the reason for the cancellation plays a role. If the airline can prove that it was due to circumstances beyond their control, such as an air traffic controller strike, compensation may be cancelled.
Overbooked flight and denied boarding
It happens more often than many people realise: you have a valid ticket, show up at the airport, but are told the flight is overbooked and you can't get on it. If you are denied boarding for this reason, you are automatically entitled to compensation unless you voluntarily gave up your seat for benefits.
Overbooked flights are the responsibility of the airline and they are obliged to offer both rebooking or refund - and pay out financial compensation.
What counts as extraordinary circumstances?
British Airways is exempt from paying compensation if the delay or cancellation is due to something beyond their control. This could be, for example:
Extremely bad weather
Political unrest
Security threats
Strikes beyond the airline's control
But technical issues, understaffing and operational errors are not extraordinary circumstances - and you are entitled to compensation. At Refundmore, we can investigate the cause for you and contact British Airways on your behalf.
How do you claim compensation from British Airways?
Start a case with us here
Enter information about your flight and the delay or cancellation
We will assess the case and give you an answer within a short time
If you are eligible for compensation, we will contact the airline and take your case all the way – from start to compensation is paid out
We don't take any payment unless we receive payment from the airline on your behalf - and you get your share of the compensation paid directly from us.
Frequently asked questions about British Airways compensation
How long do I have to claim compensation?
You have up to 3 years to claim compensation for flight delay, cancellation or overbooking.
Can I get compensation for domestic flights in the UK?
If you fly with British Airways within the UK, for example from London to Edinburgh, the same rules apply as for international travel.
Do I need to contact British Airways myself?
You can, but many experience long waiting times and incomprehensible answers. Refundmore makes it easy for you - we handle the entire process, even if the case goes to court.
What if I was travelling with children?
Children with their own ticket and seat are just as eligible for compensation as adults. So you can get compensation for the whole family if your flight is delayed or cancelled.