Bad Weather Flight Delay — Can You Claim Compensation?
Bad weather is the excuse airlines reach for most often, and the one passengers most need to scrutinise. Genuinely severe weather that makes safe operation impossible is an extraordinary circumstance, so compensation isn’t payable. But airlines frequently stretch the weather defence to cover delays that were really their own fault — and those are still claimable.
This guide explains when weather genuinely excuses the airline and when the excuse falls apart. Check what you’re owed with the compensation calculator.
Does Bad Weather Qualify?
When Weather Excuses the Airline
Usually yes for the airline — but not always:
- Conditions genuinely incompatible with safe flight
- Your specific airport or route was affected
- The airline can evidence it (NOTAM, weather report, ATC directive)
- In these cases compensation is not payable — but care still is
How Much You Could Claim
Compensation by Distance
If the delay is the airline’s responsibility, amounts are fixed per passenger:
- £220 — short-haul, up to 1,500 km
- £350 — medium-haul, 1,500 to 3,500 km
- £520 — long-haul, over 3,500 km
- You must arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late
When the Weather Excuse Fails
Red Flags
Be sceptical — you may still have a claim if:
- Other airlines flew similar routes at the same time
- The weather was well forecast and could have been planned around
- The real cause was a knock-on delay blamed on weather
- The airline won’t provide specific documentation for your flight
What to Do
Your Steps
If weather was cited for a 3+ hour delay:
- Ask the airline for the specific weather evidence for your flight
- Check whether other carriers operated the same route that day
- If the excuse looks weak, challenge it
- Keep receipts — your right to care applies even in genuine bad weather
Common Questions
It was clearly storming. Is there any point challenging?
Possibly. Even in real bad weather, ask two questions: did other airlines fly the route, and was the real cause a late inbound aircraft the airline blamed on weather? If the storm grounded everyone, compensation won’t apply — but your right to food, drink and accommodation still does, so keep receipts.
The airline said weather “at another airport” delayed my plane. Is that valid?
It can be — weather elsewhere can delay the inbound aircraft — but it’s also a common way to dress up an ordinary knock-on delay. Ask the airline to evidence the specific weather event and how it affected your particular aircraft. Vague answers are a red flag.
Do I get anything if the weather genuinely was extraordinary?
Yes — your right to care. Regardless of cause, once the delay passes the threshold the airline must provide food, drink, communication, and overnight accommodation with transport if needed. If you paid for these yourself because the airline didn’t provide them, you can reclaim those costs even though cash compensation isn’t payable.
Related Guides
Late Inbound Aircraft Compensation
Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Am I Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?
Extraordinary Circumstances Explained
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Delayed Flight
If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free flight delay claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
