Flight compensation

On the programme on Friday 16 January 2026, travel expert Simon Calder delved into your compensation rights when a flight booking goes wrong.

Rules on flight compensation are covered by legislation. The amount you are entitled to varies depending on the length of the delay and flight distance, but should be paid in cash, rather than as vouchers.

Citzens Advice has a detailed guide to flight compensation on its website here.

Airlines have a duty to look after passengers in the event of delays or cancellations – this may include providing meals and accommodation, and providing assistance to book you on to an alternative flight, even if it’s with a different airline.

Exceptional circumstances

Not all types of delay entitle passengers to compensation. If a delay is caused by exceptional circumstances outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather or strikes involving ground staff, you are not entitled to financial compensation. Your costs may be covered by your travel insurance policy.

An airline should still provide you with assistance to get you to your final destination.

Simon’s advice

• If you're stranded overnight following a flight cancellation, you have clear rights on most flights.
• An airline has to get you to your destination as soon as possible – don’t settle for a long delay to your plans if flights with a different airline are leaving sooner. Aim for departure the same day if possible, or at least the one after.
• If the airline won’t pay compensation, it has to explain why not – ask for specific reasons as to why compensation won’t be paid.
• If you're not satisfied with an airline’s decision not to pay compensation, you can take it to an Alternative Dispute Resolution service. The Civil Aviation Authority website has more information on airline ADR here.