Refunds and compensation for delayed or canceled British Airways Flights
When traveling with British Airways and experiencing delays or cancellations, it is important to know your rights to obtain appropriate refunds and compensation.
This dedicated article will help you understand how to proceed in case of service disruptions, with particular attention to the services offered by Refly to assist passengers in the compensation process for delays or cancellations of British Airways flights.
The EU Regulation EC 261/2004 sets common rules for passenger compensation and assistance in case of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. It applies to:
Flights departing from an EU airport
Flights arriving in the EU operated by EU airlines (including British Airways)
Passengers with a confirmed booking
Both rights are covered by EU Regulation EC 261/2004, but they apply in different situations.
When are you entitled to compensation for delayed British Airways flights?
If your British Airways flight arrives at destination 3 hours or more late, you may be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the flight distance:
$290 for flights up to 1,500 km
$450 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
$660 for flights over 3,500 km
Compensation isn’t due if the delay is caused by “extraordinary circumstances,” like bad weather or airport staff strikes.
Technical issues with the aircraft usually aren’t considered extraordinary circumstances—so you’re typically entitled to compensation.
The $290 compensation for a delayed flight specifically applies to flights of less than 1500 km.
$450
The $450 compensation for a delayed flight applies to flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
$660
The $660 compensation for a delayed flight applies to flights over 3500 km.
Your Flight Compensation Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
Know your passenger rights to get the refunds and compensation you deserve when things go wrong with British Airways.
EU Regulation 261/2004 protects travelers, but claiming compensation can be tricky. Using a specialized service like Refly makes the process easier, boosts your chances of success, and keeps stress to a minimum.
Compensation Amounts by Distance
Distance
Compensation
All flights up to 1,500 km
Up to $290 per person
EU flights over 1,500 km
Up to $450 per person
Non-EU flights between 1,500–3,500 km
Up to $450 per person
Non-EU flights over 3,500 km
Up to $660 per person
These amounts apply if your flight is cancelled, you’re denied boarding, or your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours.
When the Rules Apply: By Route & Airline
This table shows when you can claim compensation, based on your flight type and the airline’s nationality:
Itinerary
EU Airline
Non-EU Airline
Intra-EU Flights
✅ Refundable
✅ Refundable
EU to Non-EU Flights
✅ Refundable
✅ Refundable
Non-EU to EU Flights
✅ Refundable
❌ Not Refundable
Non-EU to Non-EU Flights
❌ Not Refundable
❌ Not Refundable
This table clarifies that the regulation applies to:
All flights departing from EU airports, no matter the airline
Flights arriving in the EU are covered only if operated by European airlines.
Conditions to Claim Compensation
You’re eligible for compensation if the following conditions are met:
Arrival Delay: Your flight must land at least 3 hours later than scheduled.
Cancellation: If your flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, unless a reasonable alternative is offered.
Denied Boarding: When a passenger is refused boarding against their will (overbooking).
Airline Responsibility: The disruption must not be caused by “extraordinary circumstances” like extreme weather, political unrest, safety risks, or unexpected strikes.
In addition to monetary compensation, passengers are entitled to:
Assistance (meals, drinks, hotel if needed)
Ticket refund or rebooking on an alternative flight
Free communications (two calls, fax, or emails)
Reduced Compensation
Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline offers an alternative flight arriving within:
2 hours for flights up to 1,500 km
3 hours for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
4 hours for flights over 3,500 km
Frequently Asked Questions about Refunds and Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled British Airways Flights
You may be entitled to compensation from British Airways if:
Your flight arrived at least 3 hours late.
Your flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure.
Denied boarding due to overbooking.
The disruption wasn’t caused by “extraordinary circumstances” like severe weather or unexpected strikes.
Your compensation amount depends on the flight distance:
$290 for flights up to 1,500 km.
$450 for EU flights over 1,500 km and non-EU flights between 1,500–3,500 km.
$660 for non-EU flights over 3,500 km.
No, it depends on your route:
Applies to all flights departing from EU airports.
Applies to flights arriving in the EU from outside the EU only if operated by a European airline.
Not valid for flights outside the EU.
Claim deadlines depend on your departure country:
Claim up to 3 years for flights departing from Italy.
6 years for flights departing from the UK.
For other countries, rules follow local laws.
If British Airways offers you an alternative flight, your compensation may be cut by 50% if the new arrival time doesn’t exceed:
2 hours for flights up to 1,500 km.
3 hours for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
4 hours for flights over 3,500 km.
To claim compensation with Refly.org, you’ll need:
Full flight details (number, date, departure and arrival airports).
Copy of your ticket or boarding pass.
Any messages from British Airways about the delay or cancellation.
Proof of expenses caused by the disruption (if applicable).
“Extraordinary circumstances” that release British Airways from paying compensation include:
Severe weather conditions affecting flight safety.
Political instability or safety risks.
Unexpected airport staff strikes (not the airline’s fault).
Unexpected flight safety issues.
Air traffic restrictions or airport closures.
While waiting for a delayed British Airways flight, you’re entitled to:
Meals and drinks based on your waiting time.
Two calls, messages, faxes, or emails.
Hotel stay and airport transfers if your flight is rescheduled for the next day.
Full ticket refund if your delay is 5+ hours and you choose not to travel.
Refly.org can help you:
Check if you’re entitled to compensation.
Prepare and submit the required documents to British Airways.
We handle all communication with the airline.
Take legal action if needed to secure your compensation.
Support you every step of the way until you get paid.
No, Refly.org works on a “no win, no fee” basis. You pay nothing upfront—our fee is only deducted if your claim is successful.
ReFly operates in accordance with regulations
related to passenger rights
Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many of them lack the legal understanding necessary to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.
