British Airways: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding

Is your British Airways flight delayed? Or maybe cancelled? If the answer is yes, then we have a good news for you! If any of that has happened during the last 3 years, you might be owed up €600 by British Airways. All thanks to Europe's Flight Compensation Regulation. What’s next? How to claim British Airways flight delay compensation?

How to claim British Airways flight cancellation compensation?

Check your compensation online!

Or continue reading to learn more about your rights.

Here are 6 main topics that we will focus on:

1. What to do if your flight is delayed?

2. What to do if your flight is cancelled?

3. How to claim British Airways flight delay compensation?

4. How to claim British Airways flight cancellation compensation?

5. How to claim British Airways denied boarding compensation?

6. Connecting flights with British Airways

What has changed after Brexit?

In fact, nothing much has changed.

Now you are protected by the Regulation UK261.

This new regulation is almost identical to the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004. The only real change is that now sometimes you should refer to this regulation when filing a claim for compensation. Learn more about UK flight delay compensation, UK flight cancellation compensation and UK denied boarding compensation and all the different scenarious here (there aren't too many).

We work with all BA flight compensation claims.

1. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?

You have just learned, that your British Airways flight is delayed.

It's bad. But… with the number of air passengers growing, it is expected to get only worse in the nearest future. Flight delays is the new norm nowadays. What you can do about it? Can you get BA compensation for delayed flight? Often you can.

1.1 If you are still at home

If it’s a short delay, about an hour or less, proceed as planned.

Yes, you may arrive to the airport too early. But it’s better to be early than running like crazy a few hours later, if then it takes even more time to make the same journey to the airport.

If it’s a long delay, stay at home for a while.

And follow your British Airways flight status online.

Use the website of the airport to do it. We can recommend you FlightStats and Flightradar24, if you would like to double-check the information available to you. Check the status of your flight every 20-30 minutes, to see if there are any changes.

If it’s a long delay, you can also check if there are other flight delays or cancellations to and from the airport you are flying from. If there indeed are other flights, chances are that it’s some bigger issue. And it may take a longer while until the situation improves.

Do you have a connecting flight?

A flight that you may miss now?

If it’s a connecting flight booked via British Airways, you have nothing to worry about. All British Airways connecting flights are protected by them. Accordingly - if things go bad, that’s them who will take care of the situation. If necessary, you’ll be booked on another flight for free.

If, however, you have a flight you have booked separately. Or maybe a bus or train ride. Well, that’s a different matter. And you will have to deal with that yourself. If you will need a new ticket, in this case you'll have to pay for the ticket yourself.

If it’s the airline's fault - in both cases - you may also be entitled to EU flight delay compensation. And free food and free accommodation in some cases. For more information on British Airways delay compensation scroll down.

1.2 If you are already at the airport

Go and check out if the check in counter is open.

If the check in has started, then proceed as usually.

Go and check in, and proceed to your gate.

And… wait for more information.

Is there a point in contacting British Airways at this moment? For the first hour or two usually there isn't. Just find some place where to sit down, somewhere not too far from the airport information screens, and check the status of your flight every 20-30 minutes. Because information regarding your BA flight delay may change.

- 3 hour flight delay

According to EU regulations, if British Airways delays a flight for more than 3 hours, the company has to take care of you.

After 3 hours the airline has to provide you with a free meal and drink.

Two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes should also be provided.

That’s a rule airlines operating in Europe should follow.

With British Airways it applies only to flights departing from Europe.

- Long delay (Overnight delay)

Is it going to be an overnight delay?

In this case British Airways should provide you also with free hotel accommodation, plus transportation to and from the hotel, in case it isn’t going to be an airport hotel.

If any of that isn’t offered, ask for it.

It applies to all British Airways flight delays, as long as the flight departs from Europe. And again, all passengers are eligible to receive this type of care by British Airways. No matter the citizenship, age or ticket type. You don’t have to have travel insurance either.

1.3 If it's fault of British Airways

You may also be entitled to a flight delay compensation.

Up to €600. Per passenger.

That's if the delay is 3 or more hours long, and if the flight was from Europe. What matters in this situation is your actual time of arrival not the time of departure.

If it’s at least 3 hours (180 minutes) later than planned, it counts. Pay attention to the moment, when the doors of the aircraft are opened and passengers are free to leave. As that’s what’s considered your actual time of arrival, not the moment of landing.

Was your flight 3 or more hours late?

Then file a claim for flight delay compensation.

If you don't do something, if you don’t ask for the money you are owed, in 99% of the situations BA will do the same (nothing). Ask for your BA flight delay compensation.

1.4 Why do flights get delayed?

Here are some of the top reasons why flights get delayed.

2. What to do if your flight is CANCELLED?

So, your British Airways flight is cancelled.

What should you do next?

Could you be entitled to BA flight cancellation compensation?

2.1 If you are still at home

You were so looking forward to it, but now your flight is cancelled.

There are two most likely scenarios:

1. You have already received an email from British Airways. And in this case you most probably know what exactly has happened, why is your flight delayed and what should you do now. In most situations British Airways will offer you to either take another flight or to receive a full refund.

Remember that you can ask for a full refund, even if the flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.

If you don’t agree with the offer, make sure you get back to them.

2. You haven’t received anything from British Airways. You have learned about the delay by checking the status of your British Airways flight online.

If your flight is very soon (most probably it is), contact the airline now.

Mostly you’ll be offered either to take another flight (for free) or to receive a full refund (in cash or in coupons). Ask for cash, if you want cash.

What about other travel plans? Do you have a connecting flight?

Take this into account when making a decision.

If it’s a connecting flight with British Airways, the airline will take care of that. It’s their responsibility. You have nothing to worry about. Except for the stuff like bus, train or hotel bookings, that are going to be affected.

With these things you’ll have to deal yourself.

Woman at the airport

2.2 If you are already at the airport

If you haven’t done it yet, don’t proceed through airport security.

Wait for more information from British Airways.

Because like it or not, you may not fly anywhere today.

British Airways has to take you to your destination, no matter the reason of the cancellation. But it just may not happen today. Sometimes it takes a few hours until a solution is found, other times - half a day or more.

If you have time, at first it makes sense to just wait. For an hour or two.

Because mostly airline staff don’t know much more than you. Hence contacting them right after the flight is cancelled, waiting in queue and arguing, may not give you any results. So, why waste your time?

If you have already gone through airport security, wait for more information.

If you don’t have checked in luggage and if it’s possible, go back to the arrivals zone and wait there. Because flight cancellation means that even if there will be a new flight (mostly there will be), you will still have to go through the check in process.

Don’t forget about your checked in luggage!

Listen carefully to all the airport announcements.

At some point there should be one from British Airways, informing you how and where will you be able to collect your checked in luggage. Most likely you will have to collect it yourself. And then - re-check in for the new flight.

- 3 hour flight delay

3 or more hours have already passed.

You may have already learned that there will be a new flight and when.

Or there may not have been any news from British Airways.

In both situations and when the flight is from Europe, British Airways is obliged to take care of you. If you have waited at the airport for 3+ hours more than initially planned, a free meal and drink and two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes should be provided.

If it isn’t offered, contact the airline staff to ask for it.

These rules apply to all British Airways flights from Europe.

To all British Airways cancellations.

- Long delay (Overnight delay)

Free hotel accommodation, free transport to and from it, plus free meals and drinks should be provided if it is going to be an overnight delay.

Again, it’s British Airways responsibility to provide you with it.

And again, all British Airways passengers are eligible to this type of care. No matter your citizenship, whether you have or haven't purchased travel insurance or what’s the reason why the flight is cancelled, as long as the flight departed from Europe.

2.3 If it's fault of British Airways

In other words - if the reason of the delay is something that’s within the airline’s control. Something that they could have dealt with, but haven’t.

You may also be owed a flight cancellation compensation up to €600.

The above mentioned sum is per passenger. If you are a couple travelling together, you may receive up to €1200 euro. And all it takes is for one of you to file a claim. Because, yes, you can do it on behalf of others travelling together with you. Plus - you are still entitled to free food, free accommodation and a new flight to your destination.

There is a common myth, that if you take free accommodation and food, you will not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

Remember that it’s just a myth.

It applies to all British Airways flights departing from Europe, to all cancellations that you have been informed of 14 days or less in advance. If you were informed earlier than that, then the airline is obliged only to take care of you and to take you to your destination (by offering you a new flight for free).

Does it apply to your flight?

If yes, here you can claim your flight cancellation compensation online.

2.4 Why do flights get cancelled?

Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.

How to claim compensation

3. How to claim British Airways flight delay compensation?

Your British Airways flight was late.

You have arrived at your destination more than 3 hours late.

It was the airline’s fault. British Airlines did mess up this time. And it was a flight that departed from Europe. But that means that now you are eligible to receive a flight delay compensation up to €600 per passenger from the airline.

How to claim your British Airways flight delay compensation?

How much time does it take?

Here are two of the best options you have:

1. You can do it all on your own. Fill the British Airways delay compensation form, submit all the information they are asking for and wait. Be prepared, that it will take a while. Don’t accept coupons, unless that’s what you prefer and not cash.

The compensation has to be paid in cash or by bank transfer.

2. Or - take the shortcut and let’s work together!

Documents on the table next to a laptop

Register your flight online at refundor.com. We will do the rest. We will help you to get the flight delay compensation British Airways owes you.

Go to this page on our website;
Fill in the details about yourself and your British Airways flight delay;
Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
Sign the claim online.

And… you’re done.

Because we’ll take it from here.

How much does it cost to work with us?

At first - nothing. We ask for no upfront fees.

And it will cost you nothing at all if it turns out that you aren’t entitled to the BA delayed flight compensation. It happens. You may have mistakenly assumed that the delay was a bit longer than it actually was. We understand that. If, however, we are successful at getting your British Airways delay compensation, then we’ll take only €25 + 25% of it and transfer you the rest. No hidden fees.

Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.

- How long does it take?

When will you receive your British Airways refund in your bank account?

It takes a while. Mostly around 2-3 months. In some situations longer. The sooner you register your British Airways compensation claim, the sooner you'll get your British Airways delayed flight compensation. The same stands true with flight cancellations.

But, don’t worry, as we’ll keep you updated.

- How far back can you claim BA delay compensation?

In most countries it's 2-3 years.

But don’t worry about this too much.

If it turns out to be too old claim, we’ll take no fee.

Submit your British Airways claim as soon after the incident as possible. For the best chance of success, and also while you haven’t forgotten about it.

- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?

It applies to all British Airways passengers.

No matter the nationality or age, no matter if you have or no travel insurance or how much does your ticket cost.

Even if a ticket cost only 50 euro, you can still receive up to €600.

- What about codeshare flights?

What if you were on a codeshare flight?

What if you bought a ticket from one airline, but the flight was operated by another company? Which company is the one to be held responsible if there are problems with the flight?

Which one is going to pay the compensation?

The one operating the flight.

But that's only true regarding the compensation. If the first flight of your journey is delayed and because of that you have missed your connecting flight, the marketing airline is responsible for booking you into the next available flight for free. If that has happened, contact the airline you booked your flight from.

3.1 How much can you claim?

Mostly your British Airways compensation will be 250, 400 or 600 euro.

Because that’s the rules here in the European Union, and the compensation amounts are fixed. Generally speaking the longer the journey, the bigger will be your compensation. They are the same for everyone. No matter the age, nationality, airline, price of the ticket or travel insurance. Even your under 2 years old can receive full British Airways flight compensation.

4. How to claim British Airways flight cancellation compensation?

Your British Airways flight was cancelled.

10 hours or 10 days before departure, it doesn’t matter. As long as it has happened less than 2 weeks before departure, it's a flight from Europe and it’s the airlines fault, you are now entitled to compensation. The things are different if your flight is cancelled more than 2 weeks before the trip.

You are now entitled to flight cancellation compensation from British Airways.

How to claim your British Airways flight cancellation compensation?

How much time does it take?

Here is how you can receive it in your bank account:

1. You can do it all on your own. Fill the British Airways cancellation compensation form, submit all the information they are asking for and wait. Be prepared, that mostly it’s gonna take some time, and some back and forth communication.

Don’t accept coupons, unless that’s what you prefer, not cash.

The flight cancellation compensation always has to be paid in cash.

2. Or - take the shortcut!

Woman using laptop - Best Travel Blogs 2019

Go to this page on our website;
Fill in the details about yourself and your British Airways flight cancellation;
Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
Sign the claim online.

And… that’s it.

We’ll take it from here.

If it turns out that it wasn’t their fault after all - and you aren’t eligible to compensation - it will cost you nothing, not a single cent. If the claim is successful, we’ll take only €25 + 25% of the compensation, and transfer you the rest of the compensation.

If you would like to work with us, click here.

Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.

- How long does it take?

Mostly around 2-3 months from the moment you sign the claim.

Longer - if the airline refuses to pay and we need to go to court.

- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?

2-3 years, sometimes more.

For the best results, we recommend you to submit your British Airways compensation claim as soon as possible.

Aren’t sure, whether your flight isn’t too old already? Don’t worry, and register it anyway. We’ll check it for free. If the flight is too old, we don’t take any fee.

- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?

No.

It applies to all British Airways passengers.

To everyone flying with British Airways from Europe.

- What about codeshare flights?

What if you were on a codeshare flight?

What if you bought a ticket from one airline, but the flight was operated by another company? Which company is the one to be held responsible if there are problems with the flight?

Which one is going to pay the compensation?

The one operating the flight.

4.1 How much can you claim?

Mostly it’s gonna be either 250, 400 or 600 euro.

Around the world these sums differ and sometimes you can’t get any compensation. In Europe, however, the compensation amounts are fixed. They are the same for European airlines and for airlines operating in the EU.

There are some exceptions.

But mostly it’s this easy:

€250 - if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres (1-2 hour flights);
€400 - if the distance of the flight is between 1500 - 3500 kilometres (mostly 2-5 hour flights);
€600 - if the distance is more than 3500 kilometres (mostly 5+ hour flights).

The amounts are the same for everyone - no matter the age, nationality, airline, price of the ticket or travel insurance. Your under 2 years old can receive full flight compensation, too.

5. British Airways denied boarding compensation

Maybe you haven’t yet encountered it yourself, but it happens.

Over-bookings happen.

And one day you may be denied boarding your British Airways flight simply because there aren’t any free seats anymore. Yes, that’s how it works nowadays. Airlines do sell more tickets that there are seats on the aircraft.

Why? Because often there are people who never turn up for their flight.

Airlines know it. And they try to make the most of it.

Ok, so it happens. So far everything’s clear.

What is that that you should know about over-bookings?

When you are denied boarding because of overbooking, and your flight is from Europe, British Airlines should pay you a denied boarding compensation. In Europe it means a compensation of either 250, 400 or 600 euro. If, however, you give up your seat, you'll not be entitled to compensation.

It applies to all British Airways flights departing from Europe.

You don't have to be European to be entitled to it.

And, yes, you can get both - a new flight or refund and a compensation.

Don’t take vouchers or coupons, if you would prefer to get cash.

Has it ever happened to you?

If yes, here you can claim your denied boarding compensation online.

Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.

6. Connecting flights with British Airways

As any other traditional, full service airline, British Airways offers connecting flights to its passengers.

When booking a connecting flight with British Airways, you are given one booking reference for the entire journey. When you check in for your flight you’ll get a boarding pass for your first flight as well as a boarding pass for your next (connecting) flight.

This means that, if you are transiting at one or more airports before you get to your final destination, you don’t have to leave the transit area to check in as it has been done already.

In most cases your baggage will checked through to your final destination. You’ll have to reclaim and recheck your luggage if you are transferring between airports, or if you are travelling with separate tickets (flights aren’t on one booking reference). Also you have to recheck your luggage, if you are connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage.

If you miss your next flight because the first (or the previous) flight is cancelled or delayed, British Airways will transfer you to the next available flight free of charge.

About British Airways

Founded in 1974, British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom. Also it is the second largest airline in the country.

Headquartered at Waterside, Harmondsworth, the British Airways has two main hubs in Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

In 2010 British Airways and Iberia signed merger agreement, creating the International Airlines Group (IAG), a holding company registered in Madrid. Now it is one of the world’s largest airline groups, and it has several subsidiaries, including Aer Lingus and Vueling.

As of May 2019, the airline's fleet consists of 277 aircrafts.

Just like Air France, British Airways operated the supersonic airliner Aerospatiale-BAC Concorde. It was discontinued in 2003. The reasons were following: low passenger numbers following the July 2000 crash on a hotel in France, and rising maintenance costs.

Thanks to airline’s quality services and professional staff, British Airways is certified with the 4-Star Airline rating (Skytrax certified airline rating).

British Airways destinations

British Airways has an extensive network of flights. It flies to almost 200 destinations in 6 continents.

Albania (Tirana), Algeria (Algiers), Antigua and Barbuda (St. John's), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Australia (Sydney), Austria (Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna),

Bahamas (Nassau), Bahrain (Manama), Barbados (Bridgetown), Belgium (Brussels), Bermuda (Hamilton), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo), Bulgaria (Sofia),

Canada (Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver), Cayman Islands (George Town), Chile (Santiago), China (Beijing, Shanghai), Costa Rica (San José), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Pula, Zagreb), Cyprus (Larnaca, Paphos), Czech Republic (Prague),

Denmark (Billund, Copenhagen), Dominican Republic (Punta Cana),

Egypt (Cairo),

Finland (Helsinki), France (Bordeaux, Chambéry, Figari, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Toulouse),

Germany (Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart), Ghana (Accra), Gibraltar (Gibraltar), Greece (Athens, Chania, Kalamata, Kefalonia, Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, Zakynthos), Grenada (St. George),

Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Hungary (Budapest),

Iceland (Reykjavík), India (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai), Ireland (Dublin), Israel (Tel-Aviv), Italy (Bari, Bergamo, Bologna, Brindisi, Cagliari, Catania, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Pisa, Rome, Turin, Venice, Verona),

Jamaica (Kingston), Japan (Osaka, Tokyo), Jersey (Jersey), Jordan (Amman),

Kenya (Nairobi), Kuwait (Kuwait City),

Lebanon (Beirut), Luxembourg (Luxembourg City),

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Maldives (Malé), Malta (Valletta), Mauritius (Mahébourg), Mexico (Cancún, Mexico City), Morocco (Marrakech),

Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam), Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos), Norway (Oslo),

Oman (Muscat),

Pakistan (Islamabad), Peru (Lima), Poland (Kraków, Warsaw), Portugal (Faro, Funchal, Lisbon, Porto),

Qatar (Doha),

Romania (Bucharest), Russia (Moscow),

Saint Kitts and Nevis (Basseterre), Saint Lucia (Vieux Fort), Sauda Arabia (Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh), Seychelles (Mahé), Singapore (Singapore), South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg), South Korea (Seoul), Spain (Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Madrid, Málaga, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Valencia), Sweden (Gothenburg, Stockholm), Switzerland (Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Geneva, Zürich),

Thailand (Bangkok), Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain, Scarborough), Tunisia (Tunis), Turkey (Bodrum, Dalaman, Istanbul), Turks and Caicos Islands (Providenciales),

United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai), United Kingdom (Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne), United States (Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Newark, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tampa, Washington, D.C.).

For up to date information visit britishairways.com.

British Airways baggage allowance

Cabin luggage

All passengers are permitted to carry 1 carry on bag and 1 personal item (a handbag or a laptop bag) on board.

The dimensions of the carry on bag must not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm.

And the personal item must be no bigger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

Larger personal items are allowed on certain flights.

The carry on bag and the personal item can weight up to 23 kg each.

The personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you, but the carry on bag must be stored in the overhead bin.

On busy flights (due to too little space in the cabin) some carry on bags can be transported as hold luggage. However, the airline guarantees that you can take your personal item (laptop / handbag) with you on board.

Please note, that all duty free bags or airport purchases count as hand baggage!

Hold luggage

Checked baggage allowance varies depending on the cabin a passenger is travelling in, passenger’s member status and the destination.

Passengers are entitled to at least 1 checked bag weighing not more than 23 kg. The checked baggage allowance is larger for those who fly in higher class cabins.

Basic fare passengers are not entitled to free checked baggage. Checking in baggage costs extra. Checked baggage allowance can be booked online, or at the airport. The best price, however, is when booking online.

The allowance and the weight of the bag will be stated on the ticket.

The dimensions of the checked bag should not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm.

If a passenger has a connecting flight provided by another airline, they must check the baggage rules set by this second airline. The rules might be different from those of British Airways. The same applies to hand luggage.

By Europe and EU we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Remember, whenever your flight with British Airways is delayed, cancelled or you have been denied boarding - you might be entitled to flight compensation. File a claim to get it sorted out right away!