How far back can you claim flight compensation in the UK?
Can you claim flight compensation for old flights?
You can indeed claim compensation for flight delays on older flights in the UK and the European Union. However, it’s important to note that there is a time limit for making such claims, which varies depending on the laws of the country you are flying from. While some European countries allow you to make a claim even up to 6 years after the flight, others have stricter rules in place. If you are flying from the UK, you have 6 years to make a claim for a disrupted flight.
Read on to find out what is the time limit for claiming flight compensation.
1. Understanding Flight Compensation in the UK
Let’s start with a brief overview of flight compensation in the UK.
According to Regulation UK261, passengers may be entitled to receive up to £520 per person in compensation if their flight is disrupted due to the airline’s fault.
Situations when you can get compensation from the airline:
- your flight is delayed for 3+ hours,
- your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the date of departure,
- you’ve missed a connecting flight due to delay or cancellation,
- you’re denied boarding due to overbooking.
Conditions: it must be due to your airline’s fault. It includes technical problems with airplane and airline staff strikes.
It’s important to note that compensation is not applicable in cases of extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather, pandemics, natural disasters, political instability, etc.
There are two important regulations that you should be aware of: Regulation EC261 (EU regulation) and UK261 (UK regulation). Sometimes you can refer to both laws, other times — to only one of them. It’s crucial to understand the specific circumstances in which each regulation applies.
Read more: Regulation EC261 vs UK261
2. Flight Compensation for Old Flights? It’s Possible
Did you experience flight disruptions in the past and ever wondered how far back can you claim flight compensation in the UK and the EU? Depending on the country you flew from, it is actually possible to receive compensation for flight disruptions that occurred years ago! Yes, you read that right.
In the UK (except Scotland) you can claim compensation for flights that are up to 6 years old.
In many EU countries, you can claim compensation for flights that are up to 3 years old.
However, it’s advisable not to wait intentionally. The sooner you make a claim, the higher your chances of a successful outcome and a stress-free process.
Read more:
- You Are Flying With a UK Airline: Which Laws Protect You as a Passenger?
- You Are Flying With a EU Airline: Which Laws Protect You as a Passenger?
- You Are Flying With a Non-EU, Non-UK Airline: Which Laws Protect You?
3. How Far Back Can You Claim Flight Compensation in the UK?
What is the time limit for claiming flight compensation in the UK?
If your flight is disrupted and it originates from the UK, you have the opportunity to claim compensation for up to 6 years. However, it’s important to note that this rule does not apply to flights originating from Scotland, as the time limit for claiming compensation in that case is 5 years.
How far back can you claim flight compensation in the UK?
- UK (except Scotland): 6 years
- Scotland: 5 years
4. How Far Back Can You Claim Flight Compensation in the EU?
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive about flight delay compensation is – how far back can I claim flight delay compensation? It’s important to note that different countries have their own regulations, so it’s advisable to check the local laws before submitting a claim.
Alternatively, if you choose to apply for compensation through our services, we will handle the necessary checks on your behalf.
In many EU countries, you have the opportunity to claim flight compensation within a timeframe of 2-3 years from the date of the delay. This means that if your flight was delayed within the past 2-3 years from the scheduled arrival time, you can still file a claim. It’s worth noting that some countries may have longer time limits for claiming flight compensation.
However, we always recommend filing your claim as soon as possible. Different countries may have varying deadlines, and the earlier you submit your claim, the easier it will be to gather evidence to support your case.
4.1 Time Limit for Claiming EU Flight Compensation
Please find below a comprehensive list of EU countries, along with the corresponding time limits for claiming flight compensation. Kindly note that this information is subject to change, as updates are made periodically. It is also possible that some inaccuracies may exist due to potential changes already implemented.
However, rest assured that if you file a claim with us, we will diligently handle the verification process on your behalf.
This is how long after a flight can you claim compensation in the EU:
- Austria: 3 years
- Belgium: 1 year
- Bulgaria: 5 years
- Croatia: 2 years
- Cyprus: 6 years
- Czech Republic: 3 years
- Denmark: 3 years
- Estonia: 3 years
- Finland: 3 years
- Germany: 3 years
- Greece: 5 years
- Iceland: 2 years
- Ireland: 6 years
- Latvia: 6 months
- Netherlands: 2 years
- Norway: 3 years
- Portugal: 3 years
- Spain: 5 years
- Switzerland: 2 years
- Sweden: 3 years
This is how long can you claim flight delay compensation in the EU. These time limits also apply to flight cancellations and denied boarding.
Do you have more questions about UK flight compensation and time limit for claiming flight delay compensation, flight cancellation and overbooking compensation? Contact us, if you need help or have questions!
Featured photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pexels