Flight Delay Compensation Calculator: EU261, UK261, US DOT
Unexpected flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking can disrupt your travel plans, but you may be entitled to compensation under regulations like EU261, UK261, or US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. Our flight delay compensation calculator helps you estimate payouts instantly, ensuring you know your passenger rights.
Understanding Flight Delay Compensation
Airline disruptions are frustrating, but regulations in Europe, the UK, and the US protect passengers. EU261 applies to flights departing from or arriving in the EU, while UK261 mirrors it for UK flights post-Brexit. In the US, DOT rules are less generous but still offer remedies for certain cases. Knowing these laws can save you hundreds in compensation for delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
How to Use Our Calculator
- Select your regulation (EU261, UK261, or US DOT).
- Enter flight distance (in miles).
- Input delay duration (in hours).
- Choose the issue: delay, cancellation, or overbooking.
- Click “Calculate” for an estimated payout.
EU261 and UK261 Compensation Rules
Under EU261 and UK261, compensation depends on flight distance and delay length:
- Short-haul (<1500 km): €250 for delays over 3 hours.
- Medium-haul (1500–3500 km): €400 for delays over 3 hours.
- Long-haul (>3500 km): €600 for delays over 4 hours.
Compensation applies if the delay is the airline’s fault (e.g., technical issues), not extraordinary circumstances like weather. Cancellations qualify if notified less than 14 days before departure, and overbooking (denied boarding) often triggers similar payouts.
US DOT Rules
In the US, compensation is less standardized. For domestic flights delayed over 3 hours due to airline-controlled issues, you may receive refunds or vouchers. Overbooking leading to denied boarding can yield $675–$1350, depending on delay length and ticket price. Our calculator estimates these based on DOT guidelines.
Example Calculation
Scenario: A 2000-mile flight from London to New York, delayed 4 hours under EU261.
Distance: Medium-haul (1500–3500 km).
Delay: >3 hours.
Compensation: €400 per passenger.
Compensation Eligibility Table
| Regulation | Distance | Delay | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU261/UK261 | <1500 km | >3h | €250 |
| EU261/UK261 | 1500–3500 km | >3h | €400 |
| EU261/UK261 | >3500 km | >4h | €600 |
| US DOT | Any | >3h (overbooking) | Up to $1350 |
Pro Tips for Claiming Compensation
- Document everything: Keep boarding passes, emails, and delay notices.
- File promptly: EU/UK claims can be filed up to 6 years later; US varies by airline.
- Use our tool: Pair with Trip Cost Calculator to offset losses.
- Contact airline directly: Use their online claim form for faster processing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming weather delays qualify (they don’t under EU/UK rules).
- Not checking flight distance (use Distance Calculator).
- Accepting vouchers over cash (EU/UK mandates cash options).
Passenger Rights: Know the Details
EU261 and UK261 are among the strongest passenger protection laws globally. They cover flights operated by EU/UK airlines or departing/arriving in EU/UK airports. Compensation is per passenger, so a family of four could claim €1000–€2400 for a single disrupted flight. In the US, DOT rules focus on overbooking and refunds rather than delays, but airlines like Delta or United may offer goodwill vouchers. Always check the airline’s policy and local regulations.
How to Claim Compensation
Start by contacting the airline with your flight details and delay proof. Use our calculator to estimate your payout, then submit a claim via the airline’s website or a third-party service (note: services take a cut). If denied, escalate to aviation authorities like the CAA (UK) or EASA (EU). For US flights, file a complaint with the DOT if the airline doesn’t cooperate.
FAQs
Do connecting flights qualify? Yes, if the entire journey is under one booking.
What if I accepted a voucher? You may still claim cash under EU/UK rules.
Does it cover non-EU airlines? Yes, if departing from EU/UK airports.
Conclusion
Don’t let flight disruptions ruin your trip. Use our free flight delay compensation calculator to claim what’s yours. Pair it with our Travel Insurance Comparator-AntiBotnet">Travel Insurance Comparator for extra protection.
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