What if the airline only gave me 1 week's notice?

You're entitled to full compensation. The airline must give 2+ weeks notice to avoid paying. One week notice is too short.

Can I get a refund plus compensation?

You can choose: a refund of your ticket, or a rebooking on another flight. You can claim compensation on top of either. You don't need to accept a worse flight.

What care am I entitled to?

Meals, accommodation (if overnight), phone calls, and a rebooking on another flight. The airline must provide these without you asking.

What if I booked through a travel agent?

Your rights are against the airline, not the travel agent. Contact the airline directly for compensation. If the agent booked a non-refundable ticket, escalate to your card issuer or use chargeback.

Flight Cancelled: What Are My Rights?

Q: Do I get compensation if my flight is cancelled?

Yes, unless you were given 2+ weeks notice or the airline proves extraordinary circumstances (bad weather, security threats). EU261 provides €250–€600 compensation plus care.

Understand compensation, rebooking, and refund options

Quick Answer

When your flight is cancelled, you have the right to: a full refund, a rebooking on another flight, €250–€600 compensation (unless given 2+ weeks notice), and care (meals, accommodation, phone calls). You can claim compensation and choose refund or rebooking. The airline cannot force an unfavorable rebooking on you.

Your Rights When a Flight Is Cancelled

Under EC Regulation 261/2004, when an airline cancels your flight, you have four automatic rights: a refund of the ticket price, a rebooking on another flight at no extra cost, care and assistance (meals, accommodation, phone calls), and compensation (unless specific exceptions apply).

These rights apply regardless of whether you booked directly with the airline, through a travel agent, or as part of a package holiday. The airline cannot take away these rights with their terms and conditions.

Compensation for Flight Cancellation

You get €250–€600 compensation depending on flight distance, unless: (1) Given 2+ weeks notice, (2) The airline proves extraordinary circumstances (bad weather, security threats, air traffic control strikes). Notice periods shorter than 2 weeks give you the full compensation right.

Bad weather sometimes excuses payment, but mechanical failures, staff illness, or overselling never do. Many airlines falsely claim extraordinary circumstances—challenge these claims.

What the Law Says

EC Regulation 261/2004 (Articles 5–7)

Flight cancellation rights

Establishes compensation, rebooking, refund, and care rights when flights are cancelled. Covers operating airlines regardless of where booked.

Montreal Convention

International aviation liability

Provides additional protections for international flights, setting limits on airline liability for losses.

Air Passenger Rights (UK) Post-Brexit

UK flight cancellation regulations

UK has mirrored EC 261/2004 post-Brexit. Same compensation and care rights apply to all UK flights.

FAQ

Can I demand a refund instead of rebooking? +

Yes. You have the right to choose between a refund and a rebooking. You can also demand compensation on top of either. Never accept a worse rebooking just because the airline offers it.

What if the airline offered me a worse flight? +

You can refuse it. The airline must rebook you on a comparable flight at no extra cost, or give you a refund. A significantly delayed or inconvenient rebooking is not adequate.

Do hotels and meals cost me anything? +

No. The airline must cover these costs if the cancellation leaves you stranded overnight. Meals, accommodation, and communication must be provided at airline expense.

What if the airline says bad weather cancelled the flight? +

Bad weather can excuse compensation if it's genuinely extraordinary and unforeseeable. However, most bad weather claims are rejected on appeal. Request the airline's evidence and challenge if it's weak.

Can I claim if I booked through a travel agent? +

Yes. Your rights are against the airline, not the travel agent. Contact the airline directly. If the agent booked a non-refundable ticket and the airline won't refund, escalate to your card issuer or file a chargeback.

Claim Your Rights

Use our Flight Cancellation Tool to calculate compensation, draft a demand letter, and escalate to the airline or authorities.

Start Your Claim