When an airline cancels your flight, you have rights โ but many passengers don't know what they're entitled to and end up accepting far less than they deserve. Here's what airlines are actually required to offer you.
If an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket cost โ regardless of whether the fare was non-refundable. This applies even if the cancellation is due to weather or other circumstances outside the airline's control. Airlines are required by law in most jurisdictions to offer this option.
In addition to a refund, airlines must offer to rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost. If the airline cannot accommodate you within a reasonable timeframe, you may be entitled to be rebooked on a partner or competing airline.
In the EU and UK, EC Regulation 261/2004 entitles passengers to compensation of โฌ250โโฌ600 per person for cancellations where the airline is at fault, depending on the flight distance. In the US, there is no federal law requiring cash compensation for cancellations โ though airlines often offer vouchers voluntarily.
If a cancellation requires you to wait at the airport for more than a few hours, airlines are typically required to provide meal vouchers. If an overnight stay is required, they must provide hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport.
Stay calm and go to the airline's desk or call their customer service line immediately. Document everything โ take photos of departure boards and keep all receipts for expenses incurred. Request written confirmation of the cancellation and the reason. Submit your refund or compensation claim as soon as possible โ most airlines have online forms for this.
If you've had a flight cancelled and need help navigating the refund or compensation process, our team is available 24/7 to assist. We can help you understand your rights and submit your claim on your behalf.
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