This calculator assumes the airline cannot prove "extraordinary circumstances" (severe weather, ATC strikes, etc.). If they can, EU261/UK261 compensation may be waived — but the US DOT refund right still applies regardless of cause.
EU261 lookup table
| Flight distance | Delay 3–4 hrs | Delay 4+ hrs |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | €400 | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km, intra-EU | €400 | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km, EU ↔ non-EU | — | €600 |
UK261 lookup table
| Flight distance | Delay 3–4 hrs | Delay 4+ hrs |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | £220 | £220 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | £350 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | £260 | £520 |
US DOT lookup
| Flight type | Refund trigger | Owed |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Cancellation, 3+ hr delay, airport change, added connection, downgrade | Full cash refund |
| International | Cancellation, 6+ hr delay, airport change, added connection, downgrade | Full cash refund |
US DOT refunds must be issued automatically to the original payment method — within 7 business days for credit-card purchases, 20 calendar days for other payment methods. There is no fixed delay payout equivalent to EU261; the airline's own commitments on the DOT Dashboard may add meals, hotel, and credit during controllable delays.
ClaimBox runs the calculation for every flight you add — and writes the claim
Add a flight once. ClaimBox tracks it on live ADS-B data, runs this calculation the moment a disruption crosses the threshold, and assembles a ready-to-send claim packet (cover letter, expenses, evidence) for the airline. You keep 100%.
Download on the App Store →How to find the great-circle distance of your flight
For EU261 and UK261, distance is the great-circle distance between the departure airport and the final destination on the booking — not the sum of legs. You can look it up at greatcirclemap.com by entering the IATA codes (e.g. LHR JFK) or use any flight-search tool that shows distance. ClaimBox does this automatically inside the app.
Frequently asked questions
How is flight compensation calculated under EU261?
By the great-circle distance between departure and final destination, and the length of the arrival delay. €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 between 1,500 and 3,500 km, €400 for intra-EU flights over 3,500 km, and €600 for EU↔non-EU flights over 3,500 km. Delay must be 3+ hours (4+ on long-haul beyond the EU).
How is flight compensation calculated under UK261?
By distance and delay length. £220 up to 1,500 km, £350 between 1,500 and 3,500 km, £260 for over 3,500 km delayed 3–4 hours, and £520 for over 3,500 km delayed 4+ hours.
How does the US DOT refund rule work?
The US has no fixed delay compensation. Under 14 CFR §259.5, you get an automatic cash refund of the original ticket price (to the original payment method) when your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to fly. "Significant change" means 3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international, airport change, added connection, or downgrade.
This calculator gives an indicative amount based on the public regulations. The airline may dispute eligibility under the "extraordinary circumstances" exception (EU261/UK261) — though that defence is narrow and the burden of proof is on the airline. Always confirm with the relevant regulator. ClaimBox helps you prepare and send your own claim; it is not a law firm.