✈ Airline Rights Authority ⚖ UK261 / EU261 🏢 Primary Hub: LGW

easyJet Flight Delay Compensation & Cancellation Rights

Operating extensive European point-to-point networks from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Luton (LTN), easyJet is governed by UK Regulation 261 and EU261. Passengers facing delays of 3+ hours, last-minute cancellations under 14 days, or involuntary bumping are legally entitled to statutory bank transfers up to £520.

Maximum Statutory Payout
£520
Up to £520 (~€600 / $660) per passenger
Governing Legal Code
UK261
UK261 / EU261
Statute of Limitations
6 Years
6 Years (Limitation Act 1980 England)
Primary Operational Gateway
LGW
United Kingdom

Complete Legal Guide: Claiming Flight Compensation from easyJet

As a United Kingdom licensed carrier, easyJet is strictly governed by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as retained in UK domestic law (UK261). For flights departing UK airports or departing European Union gateways, passengers enjoy comprehensive statutory cash protection in Pounds Sterling (£220, £350, or £520 per passenger).

1. When is easyJet Legally Liable to Pay Cash Compensation?

Passengers traveling on easyJet qualify for direct statutory cash compensation under the following conditions:

2. Technical Defects Are NOT Extraordinary Circumstances

Airlines routinely reject claims by citing "unexpected technical defects" or "mechanical issues." Under binding European Court of Justice jurisprudence (Wallentin-Hermann v Alitalia, Case C-549/07), routine component breakdowns, hydraulic leaks, engine warnings, and software failures are inherent to the operation of an air carrier. easyJet cannot evade compensation liability for mechanical problems unless the defect was caused by hidden manufacturing design flaws or acts of sabotage.

Mandatory Duty of Care for easyJet Disrupted Passengers

Regardless of what caused the delay (even in genuine bad weather or air traffic control strikes), easyJet is legally obligated under Article 9 of EU261 to provide free meals, refreshments, two telephone calls/emails, and overnight hotel accommodations with round-trip ground transportation if you are stranded overnight. Never throw away itemized receipts for food or lodging.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Submit Your Claim Against easyJet

  1. Preserve Documentation: Keep your booking confirmation, 6-character PNR code, e-tickets, and physical or digital boarding passes.
  2. Record Gate Arrival Time: Under CJEU Case C-452/13 (Germanwings v Henning), official arrival time is legally defined as the exact moment at least one aircraft door opens at the gate.
  3. Calculate Your Entitlement: Use the Ecquants Flight Delay Calculator to determine your exact statutory cash tier based on Haversine distance.
  4. Generate Formal Legal Demand Letter: Draft a pre-formatted legal notice using our Claim Letter Generator setting a strict 14-day statutory payment deadline.
  5. Enforce With Accredited Aviation Lawyers: If easyJet ignores your request or issues an automated denial, submit your claim to our legal enforcement partner to litigate on a 100% No Win, No Fee basis.
Start Your Zero-Risk Claim Against easyJet → Generate easyJet Demand Letter →

Relevant Air Passenger Rights Guides & Legal Frameworks

Missed Connection Rights →

CJEU Folkerts ruling: claim up to €600 for connecting flight misconnects on through-tickets.

Denied Boarding & Bumping →

Cash bumping rules: up to $1,550 cash under US DOT and €600 under European EU261.

Airline Strike Cancellations →

Pilot and cabin crew strikes are NOT extraordinary circumstances under CJEU Case C-28/20.

EU Regulation 261/2004 Bible →

Complete article-by-article legal commentary and national limitation statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions: easyJet Disruption Claims

How much compensation does easyJet pay for delayed or cancelled flights? ↓
Under UK261, easyJet must pay £220 for short flights under 1,500 km, £350 for medium-haul flights (1,501–3,500 km), and £520 for long-haul intercontinental journeys delayed by 4 hours or more (£260 if delayed between 3 and 4 hours).
Can easyJet deny compensation for technical mechanical issues? ↓
No. Under binding European Court of Justice case law (Wallentin-Hermann v. Alitalia), mechanical faults, aircraft engine defects, and computer outages do NOT constitute extraordinary circumstances. easyJet is legally obligated to pay compensation.
How far back can I submit a compensation claim with easyJet? ↓
Under the UK Limitation Act 1980 and the Supreme Court precedent in Dawson v Thomson Airways Ltd, passengers have up to 6 years from the flight date to submit a claim in England and Wales (5 years in Scotland).
Can easyJet force me to accept flight vouchers instead of cash? ↓
No. Under statutory law, flight compensation must be paid in cash, direct bank transfer, or cheque. Airlines cannot force vouchers or future travel credits unless you explicitly accept in writing.