Why use AirAdvisor's flight compensation calculator?
- It's free. Check what you're owed with no obligation.
- It's fast. See your compensation amount in under one minute.
- It's straightforward. Enter your departure and destination airports and the calculator does the rest.
You're at the airport ready to begin your trip, and then you find out your flight is delayed for hours or cancelled entirely. The stress is real. But if your disruption falls under UK261 or EU261, you may be entitled to significant compensation, and this calculator tells you exactly how much.
Passengers often assume compensation is calculated based on what the airline decides is fair or on how much the delay inconvenienced them personally. Under UK261 and EU261, neither of those things is relevant. The law sets fixed, non-negotiable amounts based on distance and delay length. The airline's approval is not required. – Anton Radchenko, Aviation Lawyer, AirAdvisor.
What you'll need to check your compensation eligibility
To check your eligibility, you'll need to provide some basic information about your flight:
- Travel dates
- Departing and arrival airports
- Your airline
- Details of the disruption (it's fine if you don't know the exact cause)
If you don't have everything to hand, the calculator walks you through each step with drop-down options. Once you start a claim, AirAdvisor will request any additional documentation needed to maximise your payout.
How to use the flight compensation calculator
The tool is designed to be fast and easy. Here's how it works.
Step 1
Start typing to select your departure and final destination airports from the drop-down menu. Have your booking confirmation and boarding pass available in case you need to reference any details.
Step 2
Your compensation amount appears instantly. If you're entitled to a payout, you can submit your claim directly through the tool, and AirAdvisor handles everything from that point.
Step 3
Enter your flight details and basic personal information. AirAdvisor takes over from there, managing the claim with the airline on your behalf.
Does the compensation amount depend on the ticket price?
No. The statutory compensation amounts under UK261 and EU261 are defined by the distance of your route, not by the price of your ticket or the class you travelled in.
The benefits of using the AirAdvisor calculator
As well as confirming your eligibility and compensation amount, the calculator gives you the option to start a claim immediately. Many passengers file claims directly with airlines — but airlines frequently reject or delay valid claims, and the process can be time-consuming. AirAdvisor's legal team handles the full claim on your behalf.
Here's what you get when you use the tool:
- Results in plain English without legal jargon
- Instant eligibility check based on your exact flight details
- Your compensation amount, accurate to UK261 and EU261 requirements
- The option to start a claim and have AirAdvisor manage it entirely
- Expert legal support if the airline rejects your claim
AirAdvisor operates on a no win, no fee basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. If it succeeds, AirAdvisor's service fee is 30% of the compensation recovered, which is deducted at the point of transfer. This 30% success fee applies to flight delay, cancellation, and denied boarding claims. For reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses such as meals, hotels, or transport, a 40% fee applies. We only get paid if we win a payout on your behalf.
If you're not sure whether your flight still falls within the claim window, submit your details and we'll confirm.
Check your eligibility now
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my flight qualifies for compensation?
The two main criteria are: your flight must have operated under UK261 or EU261 coverage (which covers most flights departing from the UK or EU, or arriving in the EU on an EU or UK carrier), and you must have arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late due to a cause within the airline's control. The calculator checks both of these for your specific flight automatically.
What if the airline says the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances?
Extraordinary circumstances (genuine extreme weather, political crises, air traffic control strikes) do remove the airline's liability to pay compensation. However, airlines frequently cite extraordinary circumstances for delays that are actually within their control, such as technical faults, staffing issues, or operational problems. If your claim has been rejected on these grounds, AirAdvisor can assess whether the rejection is valid and challenge it on your behalf.
Can I claim if I already accepted a voucher?
In most cases, yes. Accepting a travel voucher does not automatically waive your right to statutory cash compensation under UK261 or EU261, unless you signed a document explicitly agreeing to give up that right. Submit your details and AirAdvisor will advise you on whether your claim is still valid.
How long does a claim take?
Most straightforward claims are resolved within a few months. More complex cases, or those where the airline initially refuses, can take longer. AirAdvisor keeps you updated throughout the process and escalates to the appropriate enforcement body if needed.
Is there a cost to checking my eligibility?
No. Using the calculator is completely free. There is no obligation to start a claim after checking your eligibility. If you do proceed and AirAdvisor successfully recovers compensation on your behalf, a service fee of 30% is deducted from the payout at the point of transfer for flight delay and cancellation claims, and 40% for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. If the claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.
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