What is cancelled flight compensation?
Cancelled flight compensation is a fixed payment owed by the airline when a flight is cancelled at short notice and the disruption is within the airline's responsibility. The key threshold is 14 days: if the passenger was informed earlier, financial compensation is usually not due.
Three separate passenger rights
- Refund of the ticket or rerouting to the final destination.
- Care while waiting, such as meals, refreshments, hotel and transfer where required.
- Financial compensation of 250, 400 or 600 EUR if the legal conditions are met.
The 14-day rule
More than 14 days before departure
The passenger keeps the right to refund or rerouting, but the fixed compensation of 250-600 EUR is generally not due.
Between 7 and 14 days before departure
Compensation can be avoided only if the airline offers a replacement flight within the time limits specified by EU261.
Less than 7 days before departure
The airline must offer a very close replacement connection to avoid compensation. Many short-notice cancellations still qualify.
How much compensation can I receive?
| Flight distance | Compensation amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 250 EUR |
| 1,500-3,500 km, or intra-EU flights over 1,500 km | 400 EUR |
| Over 3,500 km outside the EU | 600 EUR |
If the airline offers a replacement flight and the delay at the final destination stays within the legal thresholds, the compensation can be reduced by 50%.
Check the route first
The calculator estimates the distance class and possible compensation amount.
How to claim after a cancelled flight
- Keep the cancellation notice, ticket, booking reference and any replacement flight details.
- Choose whether you want a refund, rerouting as soon as possible or rerouting at a later date.
- Submit a separate compensation claim if the cancellation was within 14 days.
- Challenge the airline if it refuses without evidence.
Cancelled flight?
Send the details and we will check whether compensation is due.
FAQ
1. Am I entitled to compensation for a cancelled flight?
Usually yes if the airline cancelled the flight less than 14 days before departure, the flight was covered by EU261 or UK261, and the cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
2. Can I receive both a ticket refund and compensation?
Yes. A refund or rerouting, care during the disruption and financial compensation are separate passenger rights. They can apply at the same time when the legal conditions are met.
3. What happens if I was informed more than 14 days before departure?
The fixed compensation of 250-600 EUR is generally not due. You still keep the right to a refund or rerouting, but the financial compensation is excluded by the 14-day rule.
4. Does accepting an alternative flight remove my compensation right?
Not always. The compensation may be reduced by 50% if the replacement flight arrives within specific time limits. If those limits are exceeded, the full amount may still be due.
5. Can an airline offer only a voucher?
A voucher can be offered, but it should not replace a cash refund unless the passenger clearly agrees. You can request a monetary refund instead.