Cancelled flight compensation

Cancellation rights mirror delay rights under EU261 and UK261. You may be owed fixed cash compensation when the airline cancels and rebooking causes a long delay at arrival - or in some cases when the flight is cancelled outright.

The 14-day rule

If the airline notified you less than 14 days before departure and the alternative flight arrives 3+ hours late (or departs significantly early), compensation may apply. Notification more than 14 days ahead generally removes fixed compensation - but you still deserve rerouting or refund.

Refund vs compensation

• Refund: If you choose not to travel when the flight is cancelled.
• Rerouting: The airline must get you to your destination under comparable conditions.
• Compensation: Fixed €250 / €400 / €600 per passenger when rules apply and extraordinary circumstances do not.

What to document

Cancellation email/SMS, original schedule, actual arrival time on the replacement flight, and any voucher offers (accepting a voucher does not always waive statutory compensation). Follow our how-to-claim guide when ready to file.

Low-cost carriers

Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz cancellations are frequently contested - see Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air guides for carrier-specific tips.