What to do if your flight is canceled? Complete guide to getting compensation

No matter how well you plan your vacation or business trip, unexpected situations can always arise. And a canceled flight is probably one of the most stressful scenarios. Whether you find out in advance or only at the airport, everything is thrown off: your plans, bookings, time… and patience.

What Does a Canceled Flight Actually Mean?

If your flight is canceled, it means it will not depart at all on the scheduled day. Depending on the airline and circumstances, there are usually two scenarios:

• The flight is rescheduled for the next day;

• The flight is completely removed from the system.

Regardless of the situation, you have rights, and it’s important to know them.

How Can You Get Compensation for a Canceled Flight?

The first step is to determine if you’re eligible. According to Regulation EC 261/2004, you are entitled to compensation if:

• You were notified less than 14 days before departure;

• The airline did not offer a reasonable alternative (or the alternative caused a major delay).

Example: If your flight was canceled only one day in advance and you weren’t offered an option that gets you to your destination with a delay of less than 3 hours, you’re entitled to compensation.

Your Passenger Rights in the EU

If your flight departed from or arrived at an EU airport, or was operated by an EU-based airline, you are entitled to:

1. The Right to an Alternative Flight

The airline must ensure your transportation to your final destination.
If the new flight lands at a different airport, they must also provide transportation to the originally planned location.

You’re also entitled to:

• Written explanation of the reason for cancellation;

• Meals and refreshments during the wait;

• Phone calls or access to email/fax;

• Hotel accommodation (if needed);

• Transport between the hotel and the airport.

2. The Right to a Refund

If the alternative flight does not help you or you no longer need it, you can request a full refund of your ticket.
To do so, fill out a form on the airline’s website and attach your ticket along with a brief explanation.

Important: If the replacement flight is too late or no longer useful for your plans, you have the right to get your money back.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Canceled Flight?

The compensation amount depends on:

• The distance of the flight;

• How much notice you received;

• Whether the flight was within the EU or operated by an EU airline

• In the USA, things are a bit different. Airlines are not legally required to provide compensation for canceled or delayed flights.
  However, usually they will:

  • Offer you an alternative flight;

  • Refund the unused segment of your ticket;

  • Give you a voucher (make sure to read the terms carefully before accepting!).

  When do you NOT have the right to compensation?

  There are situations where you cannot claim compensation. These are called exceptional circumstances, such as:

  • Storms or extreme weather conditions;

  • Political instability or major strikes;

  • Serious security issues.

  But even in these cases, the airline must provide you with meals, drinks, accommodation, and transport.

  
  

  What documents do you need to request compensation?

  • Your flight ticket and boarding pass;

  • Official communication about the cancellation;

  • Any receipts or invoices for expenses caused by the cancellation;

  • Written proof of the reason for the cancellation.

  💡 Note! Some airlines may offer vouchers instead of monetary compensation. Be sure to read everything carefully before signing.

  How to make a compensation claim?

  1. Check if you’re eligible – use our free calculator. Enter your flight details and find out immediately if you qualify.

  2. Fill out the online form – it’s simple, fast, and you can add all relevant details.

  3. We take care of the rest – we communicate with the airline on your behalf and make sure you get your rights.

  4. You get the money in your account – no stress, no hassle. And the best part: you pay us nothing if we don’t win your case.

  How much time do you have?

  You have between 2 and 6 years to submit a claim, depending on the country where you file the complaint.
  So, if you had a canceled flight recently or even some time ago, you can still submit your claim.