{
  "name": "Untap UK claims rules: Delay Repay, UK261 and EU261, TfL refunds and dispute schemes: Schemes and time limits",
  "description": "UK261 and EU261 compensation bands, dispute schemes, ombudsmen and court time limits",
  "url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules",
  "version": "2026-10-05.65c95941",
  "date_published": "2026-10-05",
  "last_changed": "2026-10-05",
  "licence": {
    "name": "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International",
    "short": "CC BY 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"
  },
  "attribution": "Untap",
  "citation": "Untap (2026). Untap UK claims rules: Delay Repay, UK261 and EU261, TfL refunds and dispute schemes. Version 2026-10-05.65c95941. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://untap.money/open-data/rules",
  "publisher": {
    "name": "Untap",
    "url": "https://untap.money",
    "email": "contact@untap.money"
  },
  "changelog": {
    "page": "https://untap.money/open-data/changelog",
    "feed": "https://untap.money/open-data/changelog.xml",
    "json": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/changelog.json"
  },
  "files": {
    "json": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules.json",
    "csv": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules.csv",
    "categories": {
      "rail_operator": {
        "json": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/rail-operators.json",
        "csv": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/rail-operators.csv"
      },
      "airline": {
        "json": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/airlines.json",
        "csv": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/airlines.csv"
      },
      "tfl": {
        "json": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/tfl.json",
        "csv": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/tfl.csv"
      },
      "scheme": {
        "json": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/schemes.json",
        "csv": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules/schemes.csv"
      }
    }
  },
  "record_count": 16,
  "counts_by_category": {
    "scheme": 16
  },
  "notes": [
    "last_checked is the oldest date among a record’s sources. verification is the weakest way a load-bearing source was read: statute, live, archive, untap_guide, search_snippet, unverified or untap_practice.",
    "version changes only when a rule’s values, claim URL or sources change. Re-checking a source does not change it.",
    "These are the rules Untap applies. Before relying on one, check it with the company or regulator named in its sources."
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "id": "scheme/uk261-short",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "UK261 short band",
      "code": "UK261",
      "rule_type": "flight_compensation_band",
      "summary": "£220 per passenger for a flight up to 1,500 km arriving 3 hours or more late, or cancelled. Half (£110) only where a cancelled flight’s replacement arrived less than 2 hours late.",
      "values": {
        "scheme": "UK261",
        "currency": "GBP",
        "band": "short",
        "distance_over_km": 0,
        "distance_up_to_km": 1500,
        "delay_threshold_minutes": 180,
        "amount": 220,
        "reduced_amount": 110,
        "long_haul_full_rate_minutes": null,
        "reroute_half_rate_under_minutes": 120,
        "intra_eu_capped_at_medium": false
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 retained in UK law, Article 7",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/7",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-05"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-05",
      "version": "ec75791cabd5",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-uk261-short"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/uk261-medium",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "UK261 medium band",
      "code": "UK261",
      "rule_type": "flight_compensation_band",
      "summary": "£350 per passenger for a flight 1,500 to 3,500 km arriving 3 hours or more late, or cancelled. Half (£175) only where a cancelled flight’s replacement arrived less than 3 hours late.",
      "values": {
        "scheme": "UK261",
        "currency": "GBP",
        "band": "medium",
        "distance_over_km": 1500,
        "distance_up_to_km": 3500,
        "delay_threshold_minutes": 180,
        "amount": 350,
        "reduced_amount": 175,
        "long_haul_full_rate_minutes": null,
        "reroute_half_rate_under_minutes": 180,
        "intra_eu_capped_at_medium": false
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 retained in UK law, Article 7",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/7",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-05"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-05",
      "version": "ce952992bb8a",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-uk261-medium"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/uk261-long",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "UK261 long band",
      "code": "UK261",
      "rule_type": "flight_compensation_band",
      "summary": "£520 per passenger for a flight over 3,500 km arriving 3 hours or more late, or cancelled. Half (£260) for an arrival delay of 3 to 4 hours.",
      "values": {
        "scheme": "UK261",
        "currency": "GBP",
        "band": "long",
        "distance_over_km": 3500,
        "distance_up_to_km": null,
        "delay_threshold_minutes": 180,
        "amount": 520,
        "reduced_amount": 260,
        "long_haul_full_rate_minutes": 240,
        "reroute_half_rate_under_minutes": 240,
        "intra_eu_capped_at_medium": false
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 retained in UK law, Article 7",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/7",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-05"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-05",
      "version": "0893c085b400",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-uk261-long"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/eu261-short",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "EU261 short band",
      "code": "EU261",
      "rule_type": "flight_compensation_band",
      "summary": "€250 per passenger for a flight up to 1,500 km arriving 3 hours or more late, or cancelled. Half (€125) only where a cancelled flight’s replacement arrived less than 2 hours late.",
      "values": {
        "scheme": "EU261",
        "currency": "EUR",
        "band": "short",
        "distance_over_km": 0,
        "distance_up_to_km": 1500,
        "delay_threshold_minutes": 180,
        "amount": 250,
        "reduced_amount": 125,
        "long_haul_full_rate_minutes": null,
        "reroute_half_rate_under_minutes": 120,
        "intra_eu_capped_at_medium": false
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted by the EU, Article 7",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/7/adopted",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-05"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-05",
      "version": "9ce1093cd943",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-eu261-short"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/eu261-medium",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "EU261 medium band",
      "code": "EU261",
      "rule_type": "flight_compensation_band",
      "summary": "€400 per passenger for a flight 1,500 to 3,500 km arriving 3 hours or more late, or cancelled. Half (€200) only where a cancelled flight’s replacement arrived less than 3 hours late. A flight between two EU airports of more than 1,500 km is paid at this band, however long it is.",
      "values": {
        "scheme": "EU261",
        "currency": "EUR",
        "band": "medium",
        "distance_over_km": 1500,
        "distance_up_to_km": 3500,
        "delay_threshold_minutes": 180,
        "amount": 400,
        "reduced_amount": 200,
        "long_haul_full_rate_minutes": null,
        "reroute_half_rate_under_minutes": 180,
        "intra_eu_capped_at_medium": false
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted by the EU, Article 7",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/7/adopted",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-05"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-05",
      "version": "2a8467174bda",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-eu261-medium"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/eu261-long",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "EU261 long band",
      "code": "EU261",
      "rule_type": "flight_compensation_band",
      "summary": "€600 per passenger for a flight over 3,500 km arriving 3 hours or more late, or cancelled. Half (€300) for an arrival delay of 3 to 4 hours. Not for a flight between two EU airports, which stays at the medium band.",
      "values": {
        "scheme": "EU261",
        "currency": "EUR",
        "band": "long",
        "distance_over_km": 3500,
        "distance_up_to_km": null,
        "delay_threshold_minutes": 180,
        "amount": 600,
        "reduced_amount": 300,
        "long_haul_full_rate_minutes": 240,
        "reroute_half_rate_under_minutes": 240,
        "intra_eu_capped_at_medium": true
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as adopted by the EU, Article 7",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/7/adopted",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-05"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-05",
      "version": "94c8379f6a9e",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-eu261-long"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/rail-ombudsman",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "Rail Ombudsman",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "Once 40 working days have passed since complaining to the operator, or sooner on a final response (a deadlock letter, email or text) the person is unhappy with. Delay and cancellation disputes are in scope; it is free, and its decision binds the operator if the person accepts it. Within 12 months of the operator’s final response, unless circumstances are exceptional.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "rail",
        "when": "Once 40 working days have passed since complaining to the operator, or sooner on a final response (a deadlock letter, email or text) the person is unhappy with. Delay and cancellation disputes are in scope; it is free, and its decision binds the operator if the person accepts it.",
        "time_limit": "Within 12 months of the operator’s final response, unless circumstances are exceptional."
      },
      "claim_url": "https://www.railombudsman.org",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Rail Ombudsman: frequently asked questions",
          "url": "https://www.railombudsman.org/en/faq",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/train-delay-repay",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "b8ea58670e4f",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-rail-ombudsman"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/rail-claim-handling",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "Rail delay claim handling",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "Under the rail regulator’s Delay Compensation Code of Practice, operators process a correctly completed claim within 20 working days, tell the passenger within 5 working days if evidence is missing, and give written reasons and a way to contest a refusal.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "rail",
        "processing_working_days": 20,
        "missing_evidence_notice_working_days": 5
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "ORR Delay Compensation Code of Practice, paragraphs 4.1 to 4.6",
          "url": "https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-03/delay-compensation-code-of-practice.pdf",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/train-delay-repay",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "65efd178c269",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-rail-claim-handling"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/rail-claim-deadline",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "Rail claim deadline",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "Compensation is claimed from the train company responsible for the delay. A claim sent to any train company whose trains were used is passed on to the right one. Claims go in within 28 days of finishing the journey.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "rail",
        "claim_deadline_days": 28
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "National Rail Conditions of Travel (from 30 July 2026), Conditions 32 and 33",
          "url": "https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/NRCOT/",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/train-delay-repay",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "ce17a7ecdfa2",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-rail-claim-deadline"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/airline-final-response",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "Airline final response",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "If the airline refuses, or has not given a final answer within 8 weeks of the written claim, the case can go to the airline’s dispute scheme or, if it has none, to the CAA.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "flights",
        "weeks_before_escalation": 8
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Civil Aviation Authority: alternative dispute resolution",
          "url": "https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/travel-problems-and-rights/travel-complaints/alternative-dispute-resolution/",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "2d4fb0f548e8",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-airline-final-response"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/aviation-adr",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "AviationADR",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "After a written complaint to the airline through its own procedure, and either its final written response (deadlock letter) or 8 weeks without one. Free for passengers; the decision binds the airline once the passenger accepts it. Within 12 months of the airline’s final response, or of the last contact if it never replied.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "flights",
        "when": "After a written complaint to the airline through its own procedure, and either its final written response (deadlock letter) or 8 weeks without one. Free for passengers; the decision binds the airline once the passenger accepts it.",
        "time_limit": "Within 12 months of the airline’s final response, or of the last contact if it never replied."
      },
      "claim_url": "https://www.aviationadr.org.uk/",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "AviationADR: what to do before you apply",
          "url": "https://www.aviationadr.org.uk/complaints-process/what-to-do-before/",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-tools",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "6c749369792b",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-aviation-adr"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/cedr",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "CEDR aviation adjudication",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "Once 8 weeks have passed since the first complaint without a settlement, or the airline says it cannot resolve it, or it could not be reached despite reasonable efforts. Free for passengers; the decision binds the airline once the passenger accepts it. Within 12 months of the deadlock notice, or of the last attempt to contact the airline if there was none.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "flights",
        "when": "Once 8 weeks have passed since the first complaint without a settlement, or the airline says it cannot resolve it, or it could not be reached despite reasonable efforts. Free for passengers; the decision binds the airline once the passenger accepts it.",
        "time_limit": "Within 12 months of the deadlock notice, or of the last attempt to contact the airline if there was none."
      },
      "claim_url": "https://www.cedr-assist.com/consumer/aviation/overview/",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "CEDR Aviation Adjudication Scheme Rules, March 2026",
          "url": "https://www.cedr-assist.com/hubfs/Consumer%20Documents/Aviation/CEDR%20Aviation%20Adjudication%20Scheme%20Rules%20-%20March%202026.pdf",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-tools",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "8dc04486ddac",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-cedr"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/caa-pact",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "Civil Aviation Authority complaints team (PACT)",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "For a UK261 claim on an airline in no approved dispute scheme, after a written complaint and an unsatisfactory answer or 8 weeks without one. PACT gives a view and raises it with the airline but cannot impose a decision. PACT does not take a complaint with less than a year left to go to court.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "flights",
        "when": "For a UK261 claim on an airline in no approved dispute scheme, after a written complaint and an unsatisfactory answer or 8 weeks without one. PACT gives a view and raises it with the airline but cannot impose a decision.",
        "time_limit": "PACT does not take a complaint with less than a year left to go to court."
      },
      "claim_url": "https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/travel-problems-and-rights/travel-complaints/how-the-caa-can-help/",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Civil Aviation Authority: how the CAA can help (PACT)",
          "url": "https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/travel-problems-and-rights/travel-complaints/how-the-caa-can-help/",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-tools",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "f921e4bed233",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-caa-pact"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/uk261-court-time-limit",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "UK261 court time limit",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "A UK261 claim can be taken to court within six years of the flight in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "flights",
        "years_england_wales_northern_ireland": 6,
        "years_scotland": 5
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Civil Aviation Authority: how the CAA can help (PACT)",
          "url": "https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/travel-problems-and-rights/travel-complaints/how-the-caa-can-help/",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "00ddea7a5d47",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-uk261-court-time-limit"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/eu261-court-time-limit",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "EU261 court time limit",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "EU261 sets no time limit of its own: the period is set by the national law of the country where the claim is brought (Cuadrench Moré v KLM, C-139/11). Untap does not hold a table of those periods, so no date is given. A dispute scheme can have its own time limit.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "flights",
        "years": null
      },
      "claim_url": null,
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Cuadrench Moré v KLM, Case C-139/11 (CJEU, 22 November 2012)",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62011CJ0139",
          "via": "statute",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/flight-compensation-uk261",
      "verification": "statute",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "d7b8d72112cb",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-eu261-court-time-limit"
    },
    {
      "id": "scheme/london-travelwatch",
      "category": "scheme",
      "subject": "London TravelWatch",
      "code": null,
      "rule_type": "escalation_or_time_limit",
      "summary": "After complaining to TfL and asking for a manager’s review, if the outcome or the handling is still not right. It expects TfL to have had 20 working days to reply and cannot force TfL to agree. London Overground and Elizabeth line complaints go to the Rail Ombudsman instead. No fixed limit, but complaints have to be raised within a reasonable time; London TravelWatch notes most come within six weeks of the problem.",
      "values": {
        "applies_to": "tfl",
        "when": "After complaining to TfL and asking for a manager’s review, if the outcome or the handling is still not right. It expects TfL to have had 20 working days to reply and cannot force TfL to agree. London Overground and Elizabeth line complaints go to the Rail Ombudsman instead.",
        "time_limit": "No fixed limit, but complaints have to be raised within a reasonable time; London TravelWatch notes most come within six weeks of the problem."
      },
      "claim_url": "https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "London TravelWatch: appealing your complaint",
          "url": "https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/complaints-and-appeals/appealing-your-complaint/",
          "via": "live",
          "checked": "2026-10-04"
        }
      ],
      "guide_url": "https://untap.money/guides/tfl-refunds",
      "verification": "live",
      "last_checked": "2026-10-04",
      "version": "552de13e337c",
      "page_url": "https://untap.money/open-data/rules#scheme-london-travelwatch"
    }
  ]
}