If your flight was cancelled, you may be able to claim flight cancellation compensation.
The rights of airline passenger are protected under European law and, depending on the specific circumstances of the cancellation, you are potentially eligible for a refund, an alternative flight or compensation if your flight is cancelled.
You can quickly check to see if you have a claim for cancelled flight compensation by providing us with a few details about your flight on our flight compensation claim page. It's free to check and only takes a minute.
If the airline you are travelling with is based in the EU or if you are travelling with a non EU based airline, but flying from an EU airport, you are protected by what's known as the Denied Boarding Regulation, and this is key as to whether you are eligible for compensation.
To ensure you are protected by the Denied Boarding Regulations, you must be able to answer "Yes" to all of the following questions:
Dependant on the length of the delay and the circumstances, you could be entitled to the following:
As well as alternative travel arrangements or compensation for a delayed flight, the Denied Boarding Regulation also lays out your entitlements in regards to food and drink while remaining in the airport terminal, communications and overnight accommodation if required.
What you have access to specifically depends on the length of your flight and your delay.
Are your circumstances listed below?
Your flight was less than 932 miles and you arrive at least two hours late
Your flight was within the EU and was more than 932 miles, and you arrived at your destination at least three hours late
Your flight was outside the EU and was between 932 and 2,174 miles and was delayed by at least three hours
Your flight was delayed by at least three hours
If so, you would be entitled to the following:
2 free phone calls, faxes or emails
Free food and drink appropriate to the length of the delay
Free hotel accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is required
You also have the option not to travel and instead receive a refund if the delay is of five hours or more, but the flight was not cancelled.
Depending on your specific circumstances, you could be able to claim compensation up to the amounts listed in the table below. You can quickly check if you have a case for compensation and how much you might be able to claim by putting a few details about your flight into our claim form here.
Flight distance | Length of delay | Compensation available |
Up to 1,500km | 3 hours or more | €250 (£210) |
1,500km-3,500km | 3 hours or more | €400 (£340) |
Over 3,500km | 3-4 hours | €300 (£255) |
Over 3,500km | More than 4 hours | €600 (£510) |
If the airline is able to demonstrate that the reason for the cancellation was beyond their control (extraordinary circumstances) then you will not be able to claim compensation.
Examples of what are considered 'extraordinary circumstances' are situations such as political upheaval, worker strikes or severe weather that would actually make flying dangerous for the passengers and cabin crew.
In the event of a cancellation due to 'extraordinary circumstances', you would still be entitled to receive refreshments and accommodation if required.
Passengers who have booked their flights as part of a package deal are still entitled to the same rights as regular travellers according to the Air Passenger Rights Regulation, including access to assistance at the airport and the payment of flight cancellation compensation.
Compensation payments of up to a maximum of £540 (€ 600) are available per passenger depending on the distance already travelled and the length of the delay in arriving at their final destination.