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Delayed flight compensation
If you reached your final destination 3 hours or more late, you can usually claim fixed compensation — on UK/Ireland–Canaries flights normally £350 or €400 per person.
The 3-hour rule
The right to compensation for long delays comes from the European Court of Justice ruling in Sturgeon (2009), which UK261 kept after Brexit. What counts is your arrival time — when at least one aircraft door opens — not the departure time.
| Flight distance | UK261 | EU261 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220 | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km (and intra-EU flights over 1,500 km) | £350 | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | £520 | €600 |
Almost every flight between the UK or Ireland and the Canary Islands is between 2,500 and 3,300 km, so the usual amount is £350 (UK261) or €400 (EU261) per passenger, including children with their own seat.
Care while you wait
For delays of 2 hours or more (on flights up to 1,500 km; 3 hours for 1,500–3,500 km, 4 hours beyond), the airline must provide meals and refreshments, communication and, if needed, a hotel and transfers. Keep receipts if you pay yourself. If the delay reaches 5 hours you may decline the flight and get a refund.
When you won't get compensation
If the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. Most technical faults are not extraordinary.
Claiming yourself (free)
Write to the airline with your booking reference, flight number, date and what happened, and ask for the fixed compensation under UK261 or EU261. If they refuse or don't reply within 8 weeks, escalate: UK airlines usually belong to an ADR scheme (e.g. AviationADR or CEDR); otherwise the UK CAA can help. For flights departing Spain (including the Canaries) you can complain to AESA, and in Ireland to the Aviation Regulator.
Using a claims company
If you don't want the hassle, a company like AirHelp handles it on a no-win, no-fee basis. You get less money (they keep a fee), but they deal with the airline and, if needed, the courts.
Frequently asked questions
My flight left 3 hours late but arrived 2h50 late. Can I claim?
No, the delay is measured at arrival, so it needs to be 3 hours or more.
Is a technical problem an excuse?
Usually not. In Huzar v Jet2 (2014) the Court of Appeal held that routine technical problems are not extraordinary circumstances.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.