Flight cancellations can disrupt your travel plans and cause unnecessary stress—but did you know you might be entitled to flight cancellation compensation when this happens?

Under European Union regulations, airlines are often required to compensate passengers for last-minute flight cancellations, especially when the airline is at fault. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand when you’re eligible, how much you could claim, and how to claim flight compensation.

UK/EU Flight Cancellation Compensation

Was your flight cancelled?

You might be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

If it’s a last-minute flight cancellation (less than 2 weeks before departure) that has happened due to the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation of 250, 400 or 600 euros. The longer the flight, the bigger the compensation.

You are notified 7-14 days before departure:

• You choose a new flight that departs not more than 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, and arrives at the destination no later than 4 hours after the scheduled arrival time. In this case, compensation is not due.
• In all other cases, you may have a right to compensation.

You are notified less than 7 days before departure:

• You choose a new flight that departs not more than 1 hour before the scheduled departure time, and arrives at the destination no later than 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time. In this case, you can’t claim compensation.
• In all other cases, you may have a right to compensation.

Keep in mind that paying compensation does not release the airline from the obligation to take you to your destination. Just as the fact that you have been delivered to your destination does not release the airline from the obligation to pay compensation (when it is due).

What to Do if Your Flight Is Cancelled?

When an airline cancels a flight, passengers must be given a choice of:

• new flight or flights;
• or a full refund of the ticket price.

If you were notified of the cancellation less than 14 days before the flight, you are also entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

But first, you have to figure out which of the 2 options to choose.

Choose either the alternative flight or a refund. It’s up to you. It doesn’t affect your chances of getting flight compensation, even if you accept a full refund.

Refund for a Cancelled Flight

If you don’t want to take the alternative flight, you can choose a full refund.

The refund must be provided within seven days and can be issued in cash, by bank transfer, or another agreed method — vouchers can only be given if you accept them.

Bank transfer is the preferred method for many travelers.

If you get a refund, you are still entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

Right to Care From the Airline

Flight cancelled last-minute?

You may get certain services for free.

You have arrived at the airport just to find out that your flight has been cancelled last minute. Or, you have a connecting flight, but one of the connections got cancelled, and you are stuck halfway. What should you do in such situations?

First, regardless of the circumstances, the airline has to get you to your destination. Unless you have chosen to accept the refund instead of a new flight, you will be taken to your destination.

Often, you have to wait only a few hours until the new flight departs. But sometimes, it can be a whole day or more.

If you have already checked in your baggage and now your flight has been cancelled, wait for the information. Soon, there will be an announcement about where and how to collect your baggage. Since your flight has been canceled and there will now be a new flight, you will also need to recheck your baggage.

Keep in mind that:

• If you have to wait 3 or more hours, you are entitled to a free meal and internet access or 2 calls. If it is not offered, ask your airline.
• If you have to wait all night or even longer, you are entitled to both food and a free hotel stay + transportation to the hotel and back to the airport. For this, you will have to leave the airport, and you may need a visa for transit.

How to Claim Compensation for Cancelled Flights in the UK or EU

To claim compensation for a cancelled flight, you’ll need to contact the airline directly. When submitting your claim, be sure to include essential information such as your flight number, booking reference, and details about the cancellation — including when and why it occurred.

Supporting evidence can help strengthen your case. This may include boarding passes, booking confirmations, emails notifying you about flight cancellation, and photos of departure screens — particularly useful if the airline disputes your claim. Most airlines offer online claim forms, though you can also reach out via email or through customer service. If your claim is unfairly rejected, you have the right to escalate the matter to the relevant national enforcement body.

Alternatively, you can use a flight compensation service. These companies typically manage the entire process for you — often requiring only a signed form. If the claim is approved, your compensation is paid directly to your bank account. Keep in mind that most services charge a fee of around 30–35% of the compensation. The good news is that many operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you’ll only pay if your claim is successful.