When the UK left the EU, it kept EU261's passenger protections on the domestic statute book as "UK261," enforced by the CAA. Here's what's the same, and what to double-check.
UK261 mirrors EU261's structure — the same three distance bands, now paid in sterling. Published amounts have been converted from the original euro figures and can be updated, so treat any specific number as indicative until confirmed against current CAA guidance:
| Flight distance | Compensation (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220* |
| 1,500–3,500 km | £350* |
| Over 3,500 km | £520* |
*Indicative — confirm current amounts with the CAA before publishing or promising a figure to a customer.
Same core tests as EU261: a delay of 3+ hours on arrival, a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, or denied boarding — unless the airline can show genuine extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, security threats, third-party strikes). As with EU261, technical/mechanical faults and the airline's own staffing issues generally don't qualify as extraordinary.
Many routes (e.g. London–Paris) can fall under both EU261 and UK261 depending on direction and airline. Where both could apply, we determine which regime — or both — gives you the strongest claim during review.