New York JFK to London Heathrow: delays and what they are worth
A three hour delay on this route is worth £520 per passenger. It is 5,540km, which falls in the over 3,500km band, but only UK and EU airlines have to pay on the way out of New York JFK.
Why this route is worth £520
Compensation is set by the distance between the two airports, measured in a straight line, and nothing else. Not the fare, not the cabin, not the length of the delay beyond the three hour threshold.
| Distance | 5,540km |
| Band | over 3,500km |
| UK261 | £520 per passenger |
| EU261 | €600 per passenger |
Who has to pay on this route
New York JFK is outside the UK and EU. A delay leaving it is only covered when the airline is itself UK or EU — so the same delay can be worth £520 on one carrier and nothing at all on another sitting at the next gate.
Flown by: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta.
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Common questions
How much compensation for a delay on JFK to LHR?
£520 per passenger under UK261, or €600 under EU261, for an arrival three or more hours late. This route is 5,540km, which puts it in the over 3,500km band.
Which airlines on JFK to LHR have to pay?
Only UK and EU airlines. New York JFK is outside the UK and EU, so a delay leaving it is covered only when the carrier is itself UK or EU. On this route that means British Airways or Virgin Atlantic or American Airlines or Delta — but only those licensed in the UK or EU.
Is the return leg covered too?
Each leg is judged separately. Leaving New York JFK needs a UK or EU airline; the return into a UK or EU airport is covered whoever flies it.
Does the delay count from departure or arrival?
Arrival. A flight that leaves four hours late and makes up the time in the air does not qualify. One that leaves on time and lands three hours late does.
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