Cancelled flight? Refund, rebooking and compensation explained
A cancellation always gives you the choice between a full refund and rebooking. On top of that, you're owed €250–€600 compensation per passenger if the airline informed you less than 14 days before departure — unless the cause was truly extraordinary.
Your immediate rights
Choose between: a full refund (cash within 7 days — not a voucher unless you agree), or rebooking to your destination at the earliest opportunity, or rebooking at a later date of your choice.
If you're rerouted, the airline still owes care: meals, hotel for overnight waits, transfers.
When compensation applies
Told more than 14 days before departure: no compensation.
Told 7–14 days before: compensation, unless the replacement flight departs at most 2 hours earlier and arrives less than 4 hours late.
Told less than 7 days before: compensation, unless the replacement departs at most 1 hour earlier and arrives less than 2 hours late.
The amounts are the same as for delays: €250 / €400 / €600 by distance.
The voucher trap
Airlines often push vouchers or "goodwill" points. You are legally entitled to money. Accepting a voucher can waive your rights — read the fine print before clicking accept.
Check if your flight qualifies
A claim service checks your flight data, files the claim and chases the airline — including going to court if needed.
Start your free claim check →✓ No win, no fee · ✓ Based on EU Regulation 261/2004 · ✓ Takes 3 minutes
We may earn a commission if you use this service. It never costs you extra — the fee is only deducted from a successful payout. Compare all claim services
Want a number first? Calculate your compensation.