Airline refused your flight compensation? What to do next

Read the reason carefully

Airlines often cite extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or technical problems, without giving details. Ask for evidence: the airline has to show that the circumstances applied and that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the delay.

Use alternative dispute resolution

Most UK airlines are members of an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme. After the airline final answer or about eight weeks without a reply, you can generally submit your case there, usually at low or no cost.

Go to court

If the dispute is not resolved, you can bring a claim in the small claims court within the time limit, generally six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and five years in Scotland.

Should I accept a partial offer?

Check that it matches the amount due for your flight distance. Accepting usually ends the claim, so compare it with the full statutory amount first.

Can the airline ignore my claim?

It can, but you then have the escalation routes above, and the delay in answering does not stop the time limit.

Will it cost me anything to challenge?

Alternative dispute resolution is usually free or low cost, and court claims carry a fee that depends on the amount.