Introduction to Airline-Specific Guidance
When your flight is cancelled, you have certain rights as a passenger under UK law. The main rules are set out in UK Regulation EC 261/2004, which requires airlines to provide care, assistance, and sometimes compensation if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed. However, while these basic rights apply to all airlines operating in the UK, each airline may have its own policies and processes for handling cancellations and compensation claims.
Understanding the specific approach taken by your airline is important. Some airlines offer extra support, have unique claims procedures, or set out additional terms that can affect your experience. Being aware of these differences can help you assert your rights more effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
This guidance is designed to help you navigate both the general legal protections and the particular policies of individual airlines. If you’re new to the topic or need a refresher on the core rules, you may find it helpful to start with our main guide on flight cancellations and compensation before exploring airline-specific advice. This way, you’ll be better prepared to understand your entitlements and the steps to take if your flight is disrupted.
General Rights and Airline Responsibilities in Flight Cancellations
When your flight is cancelled, you are protected under UK law, which closely follows the previous EU Regulation EC 261/2004. These rules set out clear obligations for airlines and define your basic rights as a passenger.
Your basic rights include:
A choice between a refund or rebooking: If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination at the earliest opportunity. You may also choose to travel at a later date that suits you.
Right to assistance: If you are stranded because of a cancellation, airlines must provide care such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary, depending on the circumstances and waiting time.
Airline responsibilities:
Airlines are legally required to inform you promptly about cancellations and your options. They must also provide written information about your rights. These rules apply to all flights departing from UK airports, and to flights into the UK on UK or EU airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) oversees enforcement and provides guidance on how these regulations are applied.
Compensation for cancellations:
You may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation if your flight is cancelled at short notice (less than 14 days before departure), unless the airline can prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control. The amount and eligibility depend on factors such as the timing of the cancellation and the length of your journey.
Check airline-specific policies:
While the law sets minimum standards, some airlines may offer additional rights or faster processes for refunds and rebooking. Always review your airline’s own policies, as these can affect how you make a claim or receive support.
For more information on your rights across different travel scenarios, visit our guide to travel and holidays cancellations and compensation.
Airline-Specific Policies and Compensation Guidance
When your flight is cancelled, the policies and procedures for rebooking, refunds, and compensation can vary depending on the airline. While all airlines operating in the UK must follow certain legal requirements – such as those set out in UK law (including retained EU Regulation 261/2004, often known as “EU261”) – many carriers have their own specific processes and customer service standards. This means the steps you need to take, and the documentation you may need to provide, can differ from one airline to another.
It’s important to review each airline’s individual guidance before making a claim. Some airlines offer online claim forms, while others may require you to contact customer service directly. Knowing the specific policies of your airline can help you assert your rights more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.
In the following sections, you’ll find tailored advice for major UK and international airlines, including details on how to claim compensation, what support you can expect if your flight is cancelled, and any extra steps required by certain carriers. If you want to understand the general rules that apply to all airlines, see our overview on flight cancellations and compensation. This will help you compare your airline’s specific policies against your legal rights and make informed decisions about your next steps.
Air India Flight Compensation
If your Air India flight to or from the UK is cancelled or delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under UK law, specifically the UK version of EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation applies to flights departing from the UK or arriving in the UK on an EU or UK-based airline, and Air India has its own procedures for handling such claims. To learn more about your rights, how to claim compensation from Air India, and any unique customer service policies the airline may have, see our comprehensive guide on Air India flight compensation.
British Airways Flight Compensation
If your British Airways flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to compensation or assistance under UK law, specifically the UK version of EU Regulation 261/2004. British Airways is required to offer you a choice between a refund or an alternative flight, and in some cases, provide meals, accommodation, and transport. The rules also set out when you can claim financial compensation, depending on the reason for cancellation and the notice given.
British Airways has its own policies and procedures for handling these situations and processing claims. If you want to understand your rights in detail, learn how to make a claim, or find out what to expect from British Airways when your flight is disrupted, visit our dedicated guide on British Airways flight compensation.
EasyJet Flight Compensation
If your EasyJet flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under UK law, specifically the UK version of EU Regulation 261/2004. EasyJet has its own policies for handling cancellations and compensation claims, including how to request refunds, alternative flights, or financial compensation depending on your situation. For step-by-step guidance on eligibility, the claims process, and what to expect from EasyJet’s customer support, visit our dedicated EasyJet flight compensation page.
Jet2 Flight Compensation
If your Jet2 flight is cancelled or delayed, you have specific rights under UK law. Jet2 must offer you a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, and in some cases, you may be entitled to compensation under UK Regulation EC261/2004. The process for claiming compensation or assistance with Jet2 may differ slightly from other airlines, so it’s important to understand their policies and procedures.
To help you navigate your options and make a claim, see our comprehensive Jet2 flight compensation guide. This resource explains your rights in detail, outlines what Jet2 must provide, and offers step-by-step advice for making a claim.
For further information on your legal rights as an air passenger, you can also refer to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which oversees airline compliance and passenger protections in the UK.
TUI Flight Compensation
If your TUI flight has been cancelled or disrupted, you may be entitled to compensation under UK law, specifically under UK Regulation EC 261/2004. TUI is required to offer assistance, refunds, or alternative flights depending on the circumstances, and compensation may be available if the disruption was within the airline’s control.
Each airline can have its own process for handling claims and providing support. TUI passengers should be aware of any special policies or customer service procedures that may apply.
For a step-by-step guide on eligibility, how to claim, and what to expect from TUI, visit our TUI flight compensation page.
Related Travel Disruption Topics
When flights are cancelled, other travel disruption issues can often arise, making it important to understand your rights across different situations. For example, flight delays may entitle you to compensation under UK law, specifically Regulation (EC) 261/2004, which sets out what airlines must provide if your journey is delayed. You can learn more about this on our flight delay compensation page.
Lost or delayed luggage is another common issue during travel disruptions. If your bags are missing, you may be able to claim costs and compensation under the Montreal Convention. Our lost luggage compensation guide explains your rights and how to make a claim.
Flight cancellations can also affect your accommodation plans. If your hotel booking is impacted, you may have rights to a refund or compensation – find out more about hotel cancellations and compensation.
Finally, if your travel involves connecting journeys by train, it’s helpful to know your entitlements for train cancellations and compensation as well.
Exploring these related topics can help you fully understand your rights and options when dealing with travel disruptions.
