Flight Cancellation Compensation
When airlines cancel your flight, you have strong legal rights. You may be entitled to a full refund PLUS up to €600 compensation.
Flight Delayed or Cancelled?
Get up to €600 compensation
Your Rights When a Flight is Cancelled
Flight cancellations can derail your travel plans, but EU Regulation 261/2004 ensures you're not left out of pocket. When your flight is cancelled, you have three separate entitlements:
1. Refund or Re-routing
You must be offered a choice between:
- Full refund within 7 days (including any unused portions of your journey)
- Alternative transport to your destination at the earliest opportunity
- Rebooking at a later date convenient to you
2. Right to Care
While waiting for your rebooked flight, the airline must provide:
- Meals and refreshments proportionate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary
- Transport between the airport and hotel
- Two phone calls, emails, or faxes
3. Compensation (€250-€600)
If the airline notified you of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure, you're entitled to compensation on top of the refund/rebooking:
- €250 for flights under 1,500 km
- €400 for flights 1,500-3,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
When Airlines DON'T Have to Pay
Compensation is not required if:
- You were notified more than 14 days before departure
- The cancellation was due to "extraordinary circumstances" (severe weather, strikes, etc.)
- You were offered suitable alternative transport within specific time windows
Compensation by Notice Period
| Notice Given | Compensation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 7 days | Full compensation | €250-€600 depending on distance |
| 7-14 days | Partial compensation | Depends on alternative flight timing |
| More than 14 days | No compensation | But still entitled to refund or rebooking |
What to Do When Your Flight is Cancelled
Document Everything
Keep boarding passes, booking confirmations, and any airline communications.
Ask for Written Reason
Request the airline put the reason for cancellation in writing.
Keep Receipts
Save receipts for meals, transport, and accommodation caused by the cancellation.
Submit Your Claim
File directly with the airline or use AirHelp for a hassle-free process.
Claim Your Compensation
Check Your Eligibility with AirHelp
Free eligibility check in under 3 minutes. No win, no fee.
3 Minutes
Quick eligibility check
Up to €600
Per passenger
98% Success
When we take your case
AirHelp handles everything: paperwork, airline negotiations, and legal proceedings if needed. You only pay if you receive compensation.
Check Your Eligibility with Compensair
Free eligibility check in under 3 minutes. No win, no fee.
3 Minutes
Quick eligibility check
Up to €600
Per passenger
25% Fee
Only if you win
Compensair handles everything: paperwork, airline negotiations, and legal proceedings if needed. You only pay 25% if you receive compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to: 1) A full refund OR alternative transport, 2) Care and assistance (meals, hotel if needed), and 3) Compensation of €250-€600 if cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
Do I get compensation if the airline offered me an alternative flight?
Yes, you can still claim compensation even if you accepted an alternative flight, as long as the cancellation notice was less than 14 days before departure and you arrived at your destination significantly later than planned.
Can I claim if the airline says the cancellation was due to COVID?
It depends. Travel restrictions and lockdowns may be extraordinary circumstances, but airlines cannot use COVID as a blanket excuse. Each case is assessed individually based on the specific circumstances.
How long do I have to claim for a cancelled flight?
The time limit varies by country: UK has 6 years, most EU countries have 3 years, but some like Poland have only 1 year. Claim as soon as possible after the cancellation.
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