The amount of the compensation claim depends on the length of the flightpath. How much you paid for the ticket is irrelevant for the compensation.
Under the UK Regulations for short-haul flights (less than 1,500 kilometres), you are entitled to compensation of £220 per person or up to £440 per couple.
For medium-haul flights (up to 3,500 kilometres) you are entitled to £350 or £700 per couple.
For long-haul flights (over 3,500 kilometres), the possible compensation amount increases to £520 or £1040 per couple.
The figures are slightly different where claims fall under EU rather than UK jurisdiction but are broadly similar.
If your flight arrives at its destination with a delay of more than 3 hours, you could potentially be eligible for compensation, provided that the airline is responsible for the delay. Additionally, if the delay results in long waiting times at the airport, the airline is required to provide you with complimentary drinks and snacks.
People who want to start their long-awaited holiday or return home after their trip usually rely on flights taking off as planned. Unfortunately, it happens again and again that flights are delayed, cancelled or the connecting flight is missed.
The good news for affected passengers: is that, travellers have extensive rights under Air Passenger Rights Regulations and may be entitled to a ticket refund and compensation. This is at least some recompense for the inconvenience caused.