Booking a holiday package with TUI is meant to be a hassle-free experience—flights, accommodation, and transfers all wrapped into one deal. But what happens when the flight portion of your TUI holiday doesn’t go as planned? If you’ve ever been stuck at the airport wondering what’s next, this guide will help you understand your rights when a TUI holiday package flight is delayed and how to claim TUI flight delay compensation if you're eligible.

Why Do Package Holiday Flights Get Delayed?

Even when you’ve booked a full holiday package, flight delays can happen due to several reasons:

1. Technical or mechanical issues with the aircraft

2. Crew shortages or last-minute scheduling problems

3. Air traffic control restrictions or airport congestion

4. Bad weather affecting take-off or landing

5. Knock-on effects from earlier flight disruptions

While some of these causes are beyond the airline’s control, others fall squarely on operational factors—meaning you may be entitled to compensation.

Do Package Holidays Offer Extra Protection?

Yes. When you book a package holiday through TUI, you benefit from additional legal protections under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. That means:

1. TUI is responsible for the proper performance of all elements of your package

2. If the flight delay affects other parts of your trip—like hotel bookings or excursions—TUI must offer alternatives or compensation

So, even if the delay wasn’t their direct fault, they still have a duty to ensure your holiday isn't completely disrupted.

TUI Flight Delay Compensation: What Are You Entitled To?

Under UK and EU law (EC Regulation 261/2004), you may qualify for TUI flight delay compensation if:

1. Your flight arrived at the destination 3 or more hours late

2. The delay was within TUI's control

3. Your flight departed from or arrived in the UK/EU with a UK or EU airline

Compensation Amounts:

Distance of Flight Length of Delay Compensation Up to 1,500 km3+ hours€250 / ~£2201,500–3,500 km3+ hours€400 / ~£350Over 3,500 km3–4 hours€300 / ~£260Over 3,500 km4+ hours€600 / ~£520

How to Claim Compensation for a Delayed TUI Holiday Flight

If you believe you're eligible, follow these steps to claim your TUI flight delay compensation:

1. Collect Your Flight Details

Keep records of your booking reference, flight number, departure/arrival times, and any communication from TUI about the delay.

2. Determine the Cause of the Delay

Ask TUI or airport staff for the official reason for the delay—it affects whether compensation is payable.

3. Submit Your Claim Online

TUI has a dedicated portal for flight disruptions and claims. You’ll need to:

1. Visit the TUI Flight Delay Compensation Claim Form

2. Fill in your details and explanation

3. Attach relevant documents (e.g. boarding passes, confirmation emails)

4. Wait for a Response

TUI generally aims to respond within 28 days. If they reject your claim and you feel it’s unfair, you can escalate it to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body or consider legal action.

What If the Delay Ruined Your Holiday?

If your flight delay caused you to miss part of your package holiday (like a night at the hotel or an excursion), you may also be able to claim a partial refund or compensation for loss of enjoyment under package holiday regulations—even beyond the standard TUI flight delay compensation.

Final Thoughts

A delayed flight is never the way you want to start—or end—your holiday, but if it happens on a TUI package holiday, you do have rights. Whether you’re due compensation for the delay itself or because of missed holiday elements.