Vicky Parry
10th Feb 2026
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Transport delays are increasingly common across the UK — but most passengers don’t realise they could be owed refunds, compensation, food, accommodation or alternative travel.
Travel disruption is no longer rare — it’s becoming routine. But while millions of UK passengers face delayed trains, cancelled flights and suspended Tube lines every year, most are missing out on refunds, compensation and even free accommodation simply because they don’t realise they’re entitled to it.
In 2026, UK travellers remain protected by strong passenger rights rules. The challenge isn’t your rights — it’s knowing how to use them.
“Many people assume travel disruption is simply bad luck, but passengers often have powerful rights they’re not using,” says Jasmine Birtles, founder of MoneyMagpie.
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🚆 Train Passenger Rights in 2026
Most UK rail companies operate the Delay Repay compensation scheme.
Delay Repay Compensation
- 15–29 minute delay → Around 25% refund
- 30–59 minute delay → Around 50% refund
- 60+ minute delay → 100% refund or more
This usually applies even if delays are outside the operator’s control.
If Your Train Is Cancelled
- Full refund if you don’t travel
- Alternative transport
- Hotel accommodation if stranded overnight
- Food and drink during long delays
How To Claim Train Compensation
- Identify your train operator via National Rail or ticket confirmation
- Submit Delay Repay claim through operator website or app
- Escalate rejected complaints to the Rail Ombudsman
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🚌 Bus and Coach Passenger Rights
Long Distance Coach Journeys (250km+)
- Refund or alternative travel for major delays
- Food and refreshments
- Hotel accommodation if overnight delay occurs
Local Bus Services
Passengers may qualify for refunds through operator complaint systems and accessibility protections.
How To Claim Bus Compensation
- Contact bus operator directly (Stagecoach, Arriva, First Bus, National Express etc)
- Escalate complaints to Bus Users UK
- Report accessibility failures to DVSA
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🚇 London Underground and TfL Travel Rights
TfL offers refunds when journeys are delayed by 15 minutes or more.
How To Claim TfL Refunds
- Log into your TfL Oyster or contactless account
- Submit refund request with journey details
- Contact TfL customer services if unresolved
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✈️ Flight Passenger Rights Under UK261
Passengers departing the UK or flying into the UK with UK or EU airlines are protected under UK261 regulations.
Flight Delay Compensation
- Short haul → Up to £220
- Medium haul → Up to £350
- Long haul → Up to £520
Duty of Care
Airlines must provide meals, accommodation and transport during qualifying delays.
How To Claim Flight Compensation
- Submit claim via airline website
- Keep receipts for expenses
- Escalate disputes to Civil Aviation Authority
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✔ Travel Compensation Checklist
- Screenshot delay notifications
- Photograph departure boards
- Keep tickets and confirmations
- Save expense receipts
- Submit claims quickly
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Why Travel Rights Matter More in 2026
Passenger numbers, staffing challenges and extreme weather are increasing disruption across UK transport. Travellers who understand their rights can recover significant costs when journeys go wrong.
