Quick summary of your flight cancellation compensation
If your flight is cancelled within 14 days before departure, you can request a ticket refund or flight rebooking and even compensation under certain circumstances.
If the cancellation is due to reasons within the airline’s control, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Flight cancellation compensation varies between 250€ to 600€, based on the length of the flight and the period of notice given.
You need to contact your airline as soon as possible if your flight is cancelled, and you may also be entitled to assistance, care, and accommodation if necessary.
Airlines are exempt from providing compensation if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
You have up to three years to file a claim for compensation under EC 261/2004.
You had a flight delay or a flight cancellation? Check your rights now and increase your chances of compensation
How to claim compensation for Cancelled Flights
If your flight is cancelled, it’s good to know that under EU law you have rights – and Flightright is here to help! You’re entitled to a replacement flight or ticket refund, and potentially even compensation of up to 600€. Our complete guide will inform on under what circumstances air passengers are entitled to a ticket refund or replacement flight and when you can claim for flight cancellation compensation.
Our free flight cancellation compensation calculator will let you know if you are entitled for a refund!
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Flight cancellations: your rights explained
If your flight is cancelled, your airline must rebook you onto a replacement flight or offer you a full ticket refund. An important condition: your flight must depart from the EU, UK, Switzerland, Iceland or Norway. If your return flight to the EU is cancelled and you are flying with an EU airline, you are also covered under the so-called EC 261/2004 air passenger regulation.
Further, you might be entitled to claim flight cancellation compensation if your airline informed you 14 days or less before the scheduled day of departure. The compensation amount ranged between ranges between 250€ to 600€ per passenger based on the flight distance.
Which flights are covered under EU 261/2004?
The rights provided under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261) depend on your flight route and the airline operating the flight, not on your nationality. In other words, it makes no difference whether you’re a European traveler or visiting from abroad — all passengers are equally protected under the same set of rules.
Flights Covered by EC 261
In general, any flight departing from a European airport is covered by EC 261. And Europe’s definition for these purposes goes beyond the mainland — it also includes several outermost regions and territories, such as:
The Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores
French Guiana and Martinique
Mayotte, Guadeloupe, La Réunion, and Saint-Martin
Plus, non-EU countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland
Flights to Europe on EU Airlines
Even if your journey starts outside of Europe, you’re still protected if you’re flying to a European destination on a European-based airline.
To make things clear, here’s how the regulation applies to different flight combinations:
Flight route | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
|---|---|---|
From inside the EU → inside the EU | Covered | Covered |
From inside the EU → outside the EU | Covered | Covered |
From outside the EU → inside the EU | Covered | Not Covered |
From outside the EU → outside the EU | Not Covered | Not Covered |
The following examples will highlight which flights and travel routes are claimable should your flight get cancelled:
Los Angeles → Lisbon (TAP Portugal) – Covered. The flight lands in the EU with a European airline.
Madrid → Miami (Delta Airlines) – Covered. The flight departs from the EU, so EC 261 applies.
Berlin → Paris (Air France) – Covered. Both airports are within the EU, fully protected.
Bangkok → Sydney (Quantas) – Not Covered. Neither departure nor arrival is in Europe.
Doha → Amsterdam (Qatar Airways) – Not Covered. The destination is in the EU, but the carrier is non-EU.
Flight Cancellation: These Are Your Options
If your flight is cancelled, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 ensures that you have clear and important rights. In such cases, the airline must give you three possible options to choose from:
Replacement flight at the earliest opportunity: You may choose to be placed on the next available flight to reach your final destination as soon as possible.
Rebooking for a Later Date: If you prefer to travel another time, you’re entitled to a new ticket for a future date of your choosing, depending on seat availability.
Ticket refund: You can request a full or partial refund for your original booking.
My flight got cancelled: I want a replacement flight
As mentioned before, if your flight gets cancelled, you are covered under EU law. One of the options the airlines need to offer you is a free replacement flight (re-routing) to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or on an agreed date.
Good to know
If you accept the airline’s option of re-routing you to a different flight, you are no longer eligible for a ticket refund!
This does not necessarily mean you will fly with the original airline you had booked with. As an example: If your British Airways flight is cancelled and there is only a rival airline flight available with for example Easyjet, you can request this option.
However, rebooking you on an alternative flight is not the only option the airline has to offer you to get you to your destination. You may also request to be booked onto a different mode of transport, such as trains or buses.
Good to know: You should not go ahead and book a replacement flight yourself. It’s always best to talk to your airline and find a mutual agreement. Especially if your newly booked alternative flight is even more expensive, you might be left with the price difference to your originally booked flight.
My flight got cancelled: I want a ticket refund
If your flight got cancelled and you prefer to get a refund of your original ticket price, the airline is obliged to reimburse you within seven days. The price of the ticket refund includes all parts of the ticket you have not used.
Good to know: If your trip has already begun, the airline must also provide a return flight to your point of departure, if necessary.
What happens if your flight is cancelled at short notice?
If your flight was cancelled after you arrived at the airport and chose a replacement flight, you’re entitled to assistance and care. This includes two free phone calls, fax messages, or emails. You are also eligible to receive free meals and light refreshments (usually in the form of vouchers) as well as hotel accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is necessary.
If the airline does not offer your vouchers for the above, it’s important for you to keep all your receipts so you can file a claim later with our flight cancellation compensation calculator.
Did you have a flight cancellation?
Claim compensation for a cancelled flight
Under EU law 261/2004 you are legally entitled to claim compensation if the cancellation is due to the airlines responsibility and all the following conditions apply:
Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before your scheduled departure date
You chose the option of a replacement flight and it will delay the arrival time of 2 hours or more
Your flight was scheduled to fly in the past three years
The amount of flight cancellation compensation you can claim will further depend on a:
The timeframe when the flight was cancelled
The flight distance
The departure and arrival time of the scheduled flight
Flight cancellation: How much compensation can I claim?
If the airline informs you about the cancellation at short notice, you might also be entitled to compensation. The EU Regulation Nr. 261/2004 states that airlines should inform customers about cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in a timely manner, you could be entitled to 250€ to 600€ (€250 – €600) per passenger according to the distance of the flight. The same applies to flights that are brought forward at short notice.
To claim compensation for a cancelled flight, the following conditions need to be met:
The airline has to be responsible for the cause of the flight cancellation
You checked in for your flight on time
Your flight was leaving the EU, UK, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland with any airline
Your flight was arriving in the EU, UK, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland with a EU airline
You encountered these problems on a flight operated in the last 6 six years in the UK (five years in Scotland)
The table below provides a detailed overview of the circumstances under which air passengers may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation based on when they were notified of the flight cancellation.
Notification before departure | Alternative flight lands at the destination | Right to compensation |
|---|---|---|
More than 14 days before | Departure/Arrival irrelevant | No |
7 -14 days before | Departs no more than 2 hours earlier/arrives less than 4 hours later | No |
7 -14 days before | Departs more than 2 hours earlier/arrives more than 4 hours later | Yes |
Less than 7 days before | Departs no more than 1 hour earlier/arrives less than 2 hours later | No |
Less than 7 days before | Departs more than 1 hour earlier/arrives more than 2 hours later | Yes |
Less than 14 days before | No alternative flight offered | Yes |
Compensation if your flight was cancelled more than 14 days before departure
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to compensation for the cancellation. However, you do still have the option of either requesting a full ticket refund or having the airline book an alternative flight for you.
To claim compensation on top of a ticket refund, your flight has to have been cancelled less than two weeks before you were meant to fly.
Compensation if your flight was cancelled 7 to 14 days before departure
Flight distance | Departure and arrival times | Compensation (per person) |
|---|---|---|
Less than 1,500km | Departure – up to 2 hours earlier than booked flight | 125€* |
Less than 1,500km | Arrival – up to 2 hours later than booked flight | 125€* |
Less than 1,500km | Departure – at least 2 hours earlier than booked flight | 250€* |
Less than 1,500km | Arrival – at least 2 hours later than booked flight | 250€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Departure – up to 2 hours earlier than booked flight | 200€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Arrival – up to 3 hours later than booked flight | 200€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Departure – at least 2 hours earlier than booked flight | 400€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Arrival – between 3 and 4 hours later than booked flight | 400€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Arrival – at least 4 hours later than booked flight | 400€* |
3,500km + | Departure – up to 2 hours earlier than booked flight | 300€* |
3,500km + | Arrival – up to 4 hours later than booked flight | 300€* |
3,500km + | Arrival – at least 4 hours later than booked flight | 600€* |
*Minus commission (usually 20 to 30% [if nec. plus attorney’s fee of 14% ] plus VAT) if claimed through our service
Compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 7 days before departure
Flight distance | Departure and arrival times | Compensation (per person) |
|---|---|---|
Less than 1,500km | Departure – at least 1 hour earlier than booked flight | 125€* |
Less than 1,500km | Arrival – up to 2 hours later than booked flight | 125€* |
Less than 1,500km | Arrival – at least 2 hours later than booked flight | 250€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Departure – at least 1 hour earlier than booked flight | 200€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Arrival – up to 3 hours later than booked flight | 200€* |
1,500km to 3,500km | Arrival – at least 3 hours later than booked flight | 400€* |
3,500km + | Departure – at least 1 hour earlier than booked flight | 300€* |
3,500km + | Arrival – up to 4 hours later than booked flight | 300€* |
3,500km + | Arrival – at least 4 hours later than booked flight | 600€* |
*Minus commission (usually 20 to 30% [if nec. plus attorney’s fee of 14% ] plus VAT) if claimed through our service
My flight was brought forward, can I claim compensation?
If your flight is brought forward, this is considered to be the same as a cancellation and as such you are entitled for compensation. In general, the earlier the airline alerts you to your rearranged flight times, the more likely it is that the new schedule differs from the original flight without the airline having an obligation to compensate you. The price you paid for your ticket bears no relevance to your claims and passengers who traveled on package holidays are also able to claim.
Important
If you accept the airline’s option of re-routing you to a different flight, you are no longer eligible for a ticket refund!
What if my flight was part of a connecting journey?
When a cancelled flight affects one part of a connecting journey, the airline must arrange an alternative route to get you to your final destination. Whether you qualify for flight cancellation compensation depends on the total delay you experience — not just the cancelled segment.
If you miss a connection because one of your flights was cancelled and you reach your final destination 3 hours or more later than originally planned, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
It’s important to understand that your rights apply to the entire journey, provided all flights were booked together under one reservation number. If, however, the flights were purchased separately, each ticket is treated as its own contract. In that case, compensation for one leg doesn’t automatically apply to the rest of your trip.
The following table highlights some examples to illustrate how this works in practice:
Scenario | Compensation? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Paris → Amsterdam (cancelled) → Singapore (arrival 5h late) | Yes | The cancellation caused a 5-hour delay to the final destination on one booking. |
Rome → Zurich (on time) → New York (cancelled) | Yes | The long-haul flight was cancelled within a single booking, so compensation applies. |
Berlin → Doha (on time) → Melbourne (cancelled, booked separately) | No | The second flight was on a separate ticket, so it’s treated as an independent journey. |
Vienna → Lisbon (cancelled) → São Paulo (arrival 2h late) | No | The total delay at the final destination was under 3 hours. |
How Long Are Compensation Claims Valid?
Every country has its own rules when it comes to how much time you have to claim compensation. In Germany, for example, claims must be enforced within three years. The three year period begins from the end of the year in which the incident occurred. This means that if your flight was cancelled on 01.01.2025, you have until the end of 2029 to enforce your claim – that’s almost four years.
If the airline you flew with is headquartered in the UK, you have even more time to enforce your claim: six years! The country to watch out for is Sweden, where customers have just two months to raise a complaint against the airline.
Not sure how much time you have left to enforce your claim, or want to check a past flight problem that you had forgotten all about? Enter your original flight details into our free online compensation calculator, and we will let you know if you are eligible to claim delayed or cancelled flight compensation.
My flight got cancelled and I cannot claim compensation – why?
While the reasons for flight cancellations can vary, certain circumstances are simply beyond the airline’s control. In these cases, airlines use the clause of “extraordinary circumstances” to deny you compensation.
What are extraordinary circumstances?
The airline is exempt from making compensation claims for flight cancellations in the event of any of these extraordinary circumstances:
Severe weather conditions: Hail, fog, ice, snowfall, or even storms.
Security risks: Terror attacks, sabotage, or bomb warnings
Strikes: Such as air traffic control strikes or airport personnel
Air traffic control restrictions: Military activities, political unrest, or natural disasters
Technical defects caused by third parties: bird collisions or drone activities
Natural disasters: Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or flooding
Even when a flight is cancelled because of extraordinary circumstances, the airline needs to do everything within its power and take all reasonable measures to avoid the cancellation (European Court of Justice ruling of 2020 Case C-74/19).
As such, the airline must demonstrate that it was not possible to rebook individual passengers onto a faster connection. They must prove that they examined the possibility of rebooking passengers not only onto their own flights, but also onto the flights of other airlines. This includes both direct and indirect connections. If an alternative means of transportation, such as a bus, train, or taxi, could get a passenger to their destination faster, this must also be considered.
In cases where airlines did not do everything within their power to minimize the disruption, air passengers may still be entitled to claim compensation for the cancelled flight.
Extraordinary circumstances and whether they are claimable
The following table summarizes common extraordinary circumstances and whether you can claim compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004:
Event | Extraordinary circumstance | Compensation Claim Possible? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
Severe weather (e.g. storms, heavy snow, fog) | Yes | No | Weather conditions are outside the airline’s control. |
Air traffic control strike or restrictions | Yes | No | Managed by authorities, not the airline. |
Airport or runway closure | Yes | No | Safety or operational decision beyond the airline’s responsibility. |
Security threats or political unrest | Yes | No | Airlines must prioritize passenger safety. |
Bird strike or drone disruption causing flight reroute | Yes | No | Considered an external, unpredictable event outside the airline’s control. |
Manufacturing defects reported by aircraft manufacturer | Yes | No | Considered extraordinary since it’s not airline-relate |
Technical fault due to poor maintenance | No | Yes | This is the airline’s responsibility and not extraordinary. |
Crew scheduling issues or sickness | No | Yes | Operational problems are within the airline’s control. |
Airline staff strike | No | Yes | Internal strikes are the airline’s responsibility. |
Flight cancellation on a business trip
If you suffered flight cancellation while traveling on business, you’ll be the one who receives the compensation, not your employer. Likewise, if you’re traveling as a state official, the EU regulation states that you’ll be the one who is owed compensation from the airline. It is the individual passenger who endured the inconvenience of the delay who receives the benefit – not the person who paid for the ticket. This stands no matter the ticket price.
How can I ensure that my future flights are secure?
We can’t help you to load your car, but we can certainly take a load off your mind. Simply enter the details of any upcoming flights into our Flightright Portal and we will keep an eye on them for you.
If any of your flights are delayed or cancelled, we will provide you with relevant information about your rights and let you know if you are entitled to claim compensation.
Our Flightright checklist for claiming compensation for cancelled flights
Collect documents and evidence: Keep your boarding pass, e-ticket and booking confirmation in a safe place. These documents form the basis for proving your claim for compensation after a flight cancellation. If you do not have digital evidence, request replacement copies from your airline.
Get written confirmation of the flight cancellation: Get the flight cancellation confirmed in writing by the airline’s ground staff. Request official confirmation directly at the airport, including the reason for the cancellation (e.g. ‘strike’, ‘technical defect’, etc.). This information strengthens your legal position and is often decisive when it comes to making a claim later on.
Claim on-site assistance: If your re-routed flight is delayed by more than two hours, you are entitled to free meals, drinks, and communication facilities. In the event of a longer delay, you can also request hotel accommodation – have all services confirmed in writing and keep the receipts.
Request alternative transport or a refund: Insist on a suitable replacement flight or demand a full refund of the ticket price. According to the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, you always have the choice between alternative transport and a refund. Also check whether other costs (e.g. seat reservations, baggage fees) must be refunded.
Check your entitlement to compensation: Find out whether any extraordinary circumstances limit your entitlement. Check whether strikes, severe weather or other external factors exclude compensation; however, technical defects and internal airline strikes are not usually considered extraordinary circumstances, so your entitlement remains.
Keep all costs and receipts: Keep all receipts and proof of costs (meals, hotel, additional transport costs) in order to enforce any further claims for reimbursement.
Limitation period: In the EU, you are eligible to claim for cancelled flights for up to three years (in some countries, this timeframe is shorter or longer!)
Submit your claim: Use Flightright’s online compensation calculator and simply enter your flight details to find out immediately whether you are entitled to compensation. If the check is positive, Flightright will take care of the entire process for you at a no win, no fee basis.
Using Flightright offers you additional security in enforcing your claims, as the entire process is handled transparently and reliably for you.
Cancelled flights today
Are you looking to claim cancelled flight compensation for a flight that has just been cancelled? Check the table below to see if your flight has been cancelled today. If so, select it and follow the onscreen instructions to submit your compensation claim. It only takes two minutes to file a claim, our team of dedicated legal experts will take care of the rest.
Frequently asked questions about flight cancellation compensation
Did you have a flight cancellation?
With more than 15 years of experience, Flightright helps you enforce your right to compensation. Trust in our experience and our success rate infront of national and international courts to help you get the compensation you are owed!
Oly’s Success Story: Turning a Cancelled Flight into Compensation with Flightright
The Unexpected Turn: Oly’s Flight Cancellation Dilemma
Oly and his family were looking forward to their long-awaited trip. Every detail had been carefully planned, bags were packed, and excitement was high. But the unexpected happened—a significant delay turned into a complete cancellation of their flight, leaving them stranded and unsure of what to do next. The family eventually got rescheduled for a flight the following day, but the frustration of losing precious vacation time and the additional costs was overwhelming. At first, Oly didn’t realize that he might be eligible for compensation for the delay and the inconvenience of the cancellation. It was only later, while reading an article about Flightright, that he discovered the possibility of holding the airline accountable
Taking Action: Turning to Flightright for Help
When Oly learned about Flightright’s expertise in helping passengers secure compensation, he decided to give it a shot, though he was skeptical at first. With his confidence wavering, he uploaded the details of his family’s experience, unsure if the airline would agree to any compensation. But as he navigated our simple and intuitive platform – free compensation calculator, he grew optimistic. Oly soon realized that he would not be fighting alone—Flightright’s team was there to support him at every step. He submitted the necessary documents, shared the details of the incident, and let Flightright take the lead.
Ongoing Updates: Flightright’s Transparent Communication
As time went on, Oly received regular updates on the progress of his case. Every few weeks, Flightright kept him informed, detailing each action taken on his behalf and any responses from the airline. The transparent communication reassured him that his case was in good hands. Although it took some time for the airline to respond, Flightright’s dedication never wavered.
The Breakthrough: A Resolution and Compensation
After months of persistence, Oly received an eagerly awaited message from Flightright: the airline had finally agreed to issue compensation for his family’s disrupted trip. The outcome felt almost unbelievable, especially given how doubtful he’d been when he first started the process. “Without Flightright, I don’t think we would have ever received anything from the airline,” he shared gratefully. “They kept fighting for us even when it seemed hopeless.”
Oly’s Gratitude: A Grateful Recommendation for Flightright
Reflecting on his experience, Oly feels relieved and grateful for Flightright’s support. “Flightright turned what felt like a lost cause into a victory,” he says. “They kept me informed, never gave up on our case, and finally got us the compensation we deserved. I couldn’t have done it without them.” Oly’s story highlights Flightright’s commitment to helping travelers find justice and fair compensation. It’s one of many successes in our mission to make air travel better for everyone. Thank you, Oly, for entrusting us with your case. ❤️
Overall: Top service – a very good experience with Flightright!!!
This is the review Oly left us after Flightright successfully helped him get compensation for his Cancelled Flight.
Flightright made the airline to compensate
I read about Fligjtright about a year ago. We had happened to have a situation the previous year in which my family’s flight was first delayed for several hours and was later cancelled. We eventually got on a flight the next day. We didn’t realize that the airline was supposed to compensate for our delay and cancelled flight until I read about Flightright. When I first decided to enlist Flightright’s assistance in getting the compensation from the airline, I wasn’t confident that Flightight would get any money back for us from the airline. Flightright kept me informed every step of the way and about a year later, it told me it got good news for me: the airline agreed to compensate us. I believe without Flightright’s assistance, we would never had gotten the airline to agree to the compensation.
We will help you claim compensation for:
Your flight did not go as planned?
In the event of flight delays, cancellations and overbooking, passengers may be entitled to compensation or ticket reimbursement. Flightright enforces your rights.