Flight Delay Distance Bands Explained — £220 to £520
The amount of flight delay compensation you receive isn’t random — it’s set by how far you were flying, in three fixed bands. Understanding which band your flight falls into tells you exactly what you’re owed, and helps you spot when an airline has under-paid or wrongly applied a reduction.
This guide explains the bands, how they’re measured, and the one reduction airlines can legitimately apply. To see your figure instantly, use the compensation calculator.
The Three Distance Bands
How Much Each Band Pays
Compensation is fixed per passenger by distance:
- £220 — short-haul, up to 1,500 km
- £350 — medium-haul, 1,500 to 3,500 km (and any intra-UK/EU flight over 1,500 km)
- £520 — long-haul, over 3,500 km
- The same amount applies to every passenger, whatever the fare paid
How Distance Is Measured
It’s the direct distance, not the routing:
- Measured as the great-circle distance to your final destination
- Based on your final destination, not the length of any single leg
- For connections, it’s the distance from origin to final destination
The 50% Reduction
When an Airline Can Halve It
One legitimate reduction exists — know when it applies:
- On long-haul flights, the airline can pay 50% if your delay was relatively short
- Typically where you arrived between 3 and 4 hours late on a long-haul route
- So a £520 long-haul claim can drop to £260 in that window
- This applies to rerouting where you still arrive close to schedule — check it’s justified
Common Questions About Distance Bands
My ticket was cheap. Do I get less compensation?
No. The compensation amount is fixed by distance and is identical for everyone on the flight. A passenger who paid £30 receives the same as one who paid £300 — the figure reflects the disruption, not the ticket price.
How do I know which band my flight is in?
Look at the great-circle distance from your origin to your final destination. Under 1,500 km is short-haul (£220); 1,500–3,500 km is medium-haul (£350); over 3,500 km is long-haul (£520). For connecting journeys it’s the whole distance to your final stop, not each leg.
The airline paid me half what I expected. Is that allowed?
Possibly — there’s a legitimate 50% reduction on long-haul flights where your arrival delay was relatively short (broadly 3 to 4 hours). Outside that situation, a halved payment may be an under-payment. Check your arrival delay and band, and challenge it if the reduction doesn’t fit.
My connection routed me a long way round. Does the longer distance count?
No — it’s the direct great-circle distance to your final destination that sets the band, not the actual miles flown via a connection. A roundabout routing doesn’t move you into a higher band.
Related Guides
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.
