British Airways Delay Compensation: How to Claim Under EU261
British Airways operates one of the largest long-haul networks from London Heathrow. When BA delays your flight by 3 or more hours, EU261 and UK261 entitle you to up to 600 euros (or 520 GBP) per person. Here is how to claim it.
Which Rules Apply to Your BA Flight
British Airways flights are covered by both EU261 and UK261 depending on the departure airport. Flights departing UK airports are covered by UK261 (compensation in GBP). Flights departing EU airports are covered by EU261 (compensation in EUR). As a UK carrier, BA is also covered on flights arriving at UK airports from non-UK origins.
BA transatlantic flights from Heathrow are covered. A London Heathrow to New York flight on British Airways is covered by UK261. A delayed arrival of 3+ hours means up to 520 GBP per person (the UK equivalent of €600).
Compensation Amounts for BA Flights
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Flights up to 1,500 km: €250 / £220 per person.
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Flights 1,500 to 3,500 km: €400 / £350 per person.
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Flights over 3,500 km: €600 / £520 per person.
Most BA long-haul flights (Heathrow to US, Asia, Africa) fall in the over-3,500 km category, meaning €600 or £520 per person. For a family of four, that is over £2,000. These amounts are based on distance, not ticket price. Read our EU261 compensation guide for full details on how amounts are calculated.
How to File a Claim with British Airways
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Visit britishairways.com and navigate to "Manage My Booking" then "Make a Claim."
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Select "Delayed or cancelled flight" and enter your booking reference and flight details.
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Cite EU Regulation 261/2004 (for EU departures) or UK261 (for UK departures) by name.
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State the specific compensation amount based on flight distance.
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Keep a copy of your submission and note the case reference number.
BA typically responds within 28 days. If they reject your claim or cite extraordinary circumstances, do not accept the rejection as final. Many initially rejected BA claims succeed on escalation. For claim letter templates, see our EU261 claim writing guide.
Escalation to the UK CAA
If BA rejects your claim or does not respond within 8 weeks, escalate to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The CAA handles complaints about UK261 for free and can compel BA to pay. For EU departures, contact the NEB in the departure country.
UK courts have a 6-year limitation period. BA flights disrupted up to 6 years ago departing from England, Wales, or Ireland may still be claimable. Do not assume your claim is too old without checking.
Check Your BA Flight
Not sure if your British Airways delay qualifies? Check your flight in 30 seconds. We determine whether EU261 or UK261 applies, calculate the compensation amount, and handle the entire claim process. TravelStacks charges 25% of recovered compensation for EU261/UK261 claims, only if you receive payment.