SAS UK flight compensation: EU261 or UK261?
A disrupted SAS flight leaving the United Kingdom is normally assessed under UK261, with fixed amounts of GBP 220, GBP 350 or GBP 520. A flight leaving the EU/EEA for the UK normally uses EC261 and euro amounts. An inbound flight to the UK from another country can be within UK protection when a qualifying UK or EU carrier operates it, so confirm the exact SAS entity. Compensation cannot be collected twice for the same inconvenience under overlapping retained and European rules.
Free eligibility check
Check your case in the form
Enter your route, date and type of disruption. We will check whether your case qualifies for a claim under EU 261/2004 or UK261.
What happened to your flight?
Claim up to €600 for a delayed or cancelled flight.
Choose the situation that applies to your flight:
The direction, operating carrier, final destination and event date should appear at the top of the claim. Do not convert EUR 250-600 mechanically into pounds.
Direction table
| Journey | Primary passenger-rights analysis |
|---|---|
| UK airport to Copenhagen, Stockholm or Oslo | UK261 because the flight departs the UK |
| EU/EEA airport to the UK | EC261 because the flight departs the protected European area |
| Third country to the UK, qualifying SAS EU operator | UK261 can apply to the inbound flight |
| Third country to the UK, non-European codeshare operator | UK261 normally does not cover that inbound direction |
| Separate domestic US or Canadian feeder | Outside UK261 unless incorporated into a legally protected journey under the applicable rules |
Passenger nationality and the place where the ticket was bought do not determine scope. An SK code is also insufficient when another airline actually performs the sector.
UK261 compensation amounts
| Great-circle distance | Standard UK amount per eligible passenger |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | GBP 220 |
| From 1,500 km to 3,500 km | GBP 350 |
| More than 3,500 km | GBP 520 |
For a long-distance flight over 3,500 km that arrives between three and four hours late, the UK amount can be GBP 260. Use the exact CAA table and final-arrival evidence. For other rerouting cases, the retained regulation's reduction rules require their own calculation.
Distance follows the protected final destination, not the price or cabin. A family claim is calculated per eligible passenger. Award travel available to the public can qualify, while free non-public fares require closer review.
Delay at the final destination
UK fixed delay compensation normally requires at least three hours at the protected endpoint. Arrival is measured when passengers can leave the aircraft, not at touchdown. A missed connection on one ticket can therefore produce a qualifying final delay even if the first departure was held for less than three hours.
Separate bookings generally break the through calculation. If London-Copenhagen and Copenhagen-Helsinki were independently ticketed, the first contract may end at CPH. Preserve one PNR, ticket receipt and through-baggage evidence where relying on Helsinki as the endpoint.
The SAS three-hour guide explains door-opening evidence and one-ticket connections, while this page supplies the UK currency and scope.
Cancellation, refund and rerouting
After a covered cancellation, the passenger normally chooses reimbursement, earliest rerouting or later travel subject to comparable conditions and availability. Notice timing and the replacement schedule determine fixed compensation. A voucher should be voluntary rather than the only displayed repayment route.
Current retained rules generally require reimbursement within seven days. If SAS offers an unsuitable replacement, ask for a reasonable earlier option and document contemporaneous availability. Self-booking can create a cost claim when the airline fails to reroute as required, but the passenger should contact SAS where possible and choose proportionate transport.
The EU reform adopted in July 2026 does not automatically amend UK261. Do not apply its future nine-month filing or response process to a UK case unless UK law separately changes.
Extraordinary circumstances and care
SAS can resist fixed payment by proving an event outside normal airline activity and reasonable measures. Dangerous weather, air traffic restrictions, airport closure or security incidents can qualify. General phrases such as "operational disruption" do not satisfy the full test.
Routine mechanical issues and ordinary internal staffing problems generally remain within airline control. A previous external event requires a clear causal chain to this flight.
Meals, refreshments, hotel and airport-hotel transport can remain due during a covered wait even when compensation is unavailable. Keep itemised receipts and use moderate options. Care is not included inside GBP 220-520.
Operating carrier on SAS codeshares
An SAS ticket can contain a partner-operated service. For a UK departure, UK261 territorial scope can still apply to a non-European operator, but the claim should go to that operator rather than SAS. On an inbound flight from outside the covered area, the operator's status can decide whether UK261 applies at all.
Record the marketing code and operated-by airline separately. If a replacement airline performs rerouting, distinguish the original operator from the company carrying the passenger later. The SAS SkyTeam guide maps those roles.
Complaints and enforcement
Submit a complete claim to the operating airline first. Preserve the text, attachments, confirmation and reasoned response. If unresolved, check whether an approved ADR provider covers the airline and dispute. The UK Civil Aviation Authority explains the complaint path where its assistance is available.
An airline case or CAA contact does not automatically suspend court limitation. Calculate deadlines under the competent law. Avoid sending the case to an EU authority solely because SAS is Scandinavian when the event falls under UK261.
Evidence checklist
Keep the original itinerary, operator statement, boarding passes, arrival record, cancellation notice, replacement offers and receipts. State pounds for UK compensation and euros for EC261. If both systems are arguably engaged, disclose the overlap and any payment already received.
This UK analysis was checked on 26 August 2026 against current CAA guidance and retained legislation. Verify later amendments for a future flight date.
FAQ
How much is SAS compensation for a UK flight?
The standard UK261 bands are GBP 220, GBP 350 and GBP 520 per eligible passenger, subject to coverage and liability conditions.
Is an EU-to-UK SAS flight claimed in pounds?
Normally it is an EC261 departure and uses euro amounts. The route and any overlap should be stated rather than converting currencies.
Can a SAS-operated US-to-UK flight be protected?
It can when the exact SAS operator satisfies the inbound UK carrier test and the remaining conditions are met.
Does the EU's future nine-month deadline apply to UK261?
No automatically. The adopted EU reform does not change retained UK law unless the United Kingdom enacts its own change.
Can I receive UK261 and EC261 compensation twice?
No for the same inconvenience. Analyse any overlap transparently and credit a payment already made under the other regime.