UK261 · enforcement
Claiming against an airline in United Kingdom
The compensation rules are identical across the EU — that is the point of a Regulation. What changes at the border is the deadline, the regulator and the court.
Time limit
6 years (England, Wales, NI) · 5 years (Scotland)
Limitation Act 1980; Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973
Court route
Money Claim Online — low fee, recoverable from the airline if you win
Used only after the airline and the regulator.
Approved ADR schemes (AviationADR, CEDR) bind the airline where it is a member. Amounts in sterling: £220 / £350 / £520. One of the longest windows in Europe, which is why claimants often route claims here where the airline is UK-based.
The order to do it in
- Write to the airline, quoting Article 7 and the flight. Free.
- Wait 28 days.
- Complain to Civil Aviation Authority if refused. Still free.
- Money Claim Online — low fee, recoverable from the airline if you win if that fails.
- A claims service only once the free routes are exhausted.
Questions
How long do I have to claim flight compensation in United Kingdom?
6 years (England, Wales, NI) · 5 years (Scotland). Limitation Act 1980; Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973.
Who enforces air passenger rights in United Kingdom?
Civil Aviation Authority. Complaining to them is free and does not stop you going to court afterwards.
Which court hears flight compensation claims in United Kingdom?
Money Claim Online — low fee, recoverable from the airline if you win.