Understanding Flight Cancellation Compensation
When your flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation under UK law. This compensation is designed to protect passengers from the inconvenience and disruption caused by last-minute changes to travel plans. Understanding your rights can help you claim what you’re owed and ensure airlines meet their obligations.
What Is Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Flight cancellation compensation is a financial payment made by airlines to passengers when their scheduled flight is cancelled. The purpose is to recognise the inconvenience and potential extra costs you may face, such as lost time, missed connections, or additional expenses for accommodation and meals.
Legal Framework: UK Law and EU261 Regulations
Your rights to compensation are primarily set out in UK law, which has incorporated the main provisions of the former EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly known as EU261). After Brexit, these rules were retained in UK legislation and continue to apply to flights departing from UK airports, as well as flights arriving in the UK on UK or EU carriers.
Under these rules, airlines must compensate passengers when a flight is cancelled unless the cancellation was due to “extraordinary circumstances” beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
When Are You Eligible for Compensation?
You may be eligible for flight cancellation compensation if:
Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date.
The cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
You were travelling from a UK airport, or arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
You had a confirmed reservation and checked in on time.
There are some exceptions, so it’s important to check the specific details of your situation. For a broader overview of your rights and options, see Flight Cancellations and Compensation.
Airline Responsibilities When Cancelling a Flight
When an airline cancels your flight, they must:
Offer you a choice between a full refund, an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity, or rebooking at a later date.
Provide care and assistance while you wait, including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.
Inform you of your rights in a clear and timely manner.
Even if the airline cannot offer compensation due to extraordinary circumstances, they are still required to provide care and assistance.
Claiming Compensation: The Process and What You Can Get
To claim compensation, you typically need to contact the airline directly, providing details of your booking and the cancelled flight. Keep records of all correspondence, boarding passes, and receipts for any extra expenses.
The amount of compensation depends on the distance of your flight and the length of the delay caused by the cancellation. For example:
Short flights (up to 1,500km): £220 per passenger.
Medium flights (1,500km to 3,500km): £350 per passenger.
Long-haul flights (over 3,500km): £520 per passenger.
These amounts may be reduced by 50% if the airline offers you a rerouted flight that arrives close to your original arrival time.
Understanding your rights and the steps to claim compensation can help ensure you’re treated fairly when your travel plans are disrupted. If you need more information about your broader rights when flights are cancelled, visit Flight Cancellations and Compensation.
What Counts as a Flight Cancellation?
What Counts as a Flight Cancellation?
Under UK law, a flight cancellation is more than just a late departure. According to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which still applies in the UK after Brexit, a flight is considered cancelled when the original flight schedule is not operated as planned. This means the airline does not fly you on the flight you booked, regardless of the reason.
Legal Definition of a Flight Cancellation
A flight is officially cancelled if:
The airline does not operate the flight at all.
The flight number changes because the original flight has been withdrawn from service.
Passengers are transferred to another flight, often at short notice.
If the airline offers you a different flight instead of your original one, and you accept, this still counts as a cancellation under the law.
Cancellation vs Delay: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the distinction between a cancelled flight and a delayed one:
Flight Delay: The flight still operates, but departs later than scheduled. For example, if your flight leaves three hours late but you still travel on the same flight number, this is a delay, not a cancellation.
Flight Cancellation: The flight does not operate at all, or you are moved to a different flight (with a different flight number), often at a different time or even a different day.
If your flight is delayed for several hours and then eventually takes off, it is not considered cancelled. However, if the delay is so long that the airline arranges for you to travel the next day on a different flight, that is usually treated as a cancellation.
Common Scenarios Where a Flight Is Considered Cancelled
Here are some typical situations where your flight will be classed as cancelled:
Last-Minute Cancellations: The airline cancels your flight shortly before departure and does not provide a suitable alternative at a similar time.
No Alternative Flight Offered: Your original flight is withdrawn, and the airline does not arrange any replacement transport.
Re-routing on a Different Flight: You are placed on a different flight (with a different flight number), possibly on another day or with a long layover, rather than your original booking.
Return to Departure Airport: If your flight takes off but is forced to return to the departure airport and you are not flown to your destination as planned, this is also treated as a cancellation.
Practical Advice
If you are unsure whether your situation counts as a cancellation or a delay, check the following:
Did the original flight operate at all?
Were you moved to a different flight number?
Did you travel on a different day or time than originally booked?
If the answer to any of these is yes, you are likely dealing with a cancellation, and your rights under UK law may apply.
Understanding what counts as a flight cancellation is the first step in knowing when you can claim compensation and what support you should receive from the airline.
When Can You Claim Compensation?
When Can You Claim Compensation?
You may be entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled, but not every cancellation leads to a payout. Your right to claim depends on several key factors, which are set out under UK law – specifically, under the UK version of Regulation EC 261/2004 (often referred to as UK 261), which protects air passengers.
Eligible Flights
Compensation rules generally apply if:
Your flight departs from a UK or EU airport, regardless of which airline operates it.
Your flight arrives in the UK or EU and is operated by a UK or EU-based airline.
For example, if you are flying from London to Paris with any airline, or from New York to Manchester with a UK or EU airline, you may be covered by these rules. However, if you fly from New York to Manchester with a non-UK/EU airline, the compensation rules may not apply.
Valid Reasons for Compensation
You can claim compensation if your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date and the cancellation is within the airline’s control. The amount you can claim depends on the length of the delay caused by the cancellation and the distance of your flight.
Generally, you are eligible if:
The airline informed you of the cancellation less than 14 days before your flight.
The cancellation caused you to arrive at your final destination significantly later than planned.
The cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (see below).
Exceptions: When Compensation Is Not Due
There are situations where airlines are not required to pay compensation. These are known as “extraordinary circumstances,” which are events beyond the airline’s control. Common examples include:
Severe weather conditions (such as heavy snow, storms, or volcanic ash clouds)
Security risks (like terrorism alerts)
Political instability (such as sudden government-imposed travel bans)
Air traffic control restrictions (when imposed by authorities, not the airline)
Strikes by airport staff or air traffic controllers (but not strikes by the airline’s own staff)
If the airline can prove that the cancellation was due to one of these extraordinary circumstances, you will not be entitled to compensation. However, the airline must still offer you a choice between a refund or an alternative flight.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
In the UK, you generally have up to six years from the date of the cancelled flight to make a compensation claim. It is always a good idea to start your claim as soon as possible, as it may become harder to gather evidence or recall details over time.
Practical Advice
Keep all your travel documents, such as booking confirmations and correspondence from the airline.
Note the reason given for the cancellation and when you were informed.
Ask the airline to confirm in writing the cause of the cancellation, especially if they claim extraordinary circumstances.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s worth checking the details carefully, as airlines sometimes interpret the rules differently. Knowing your rights can help you make a successful claim if you are eligible.
How Much Compensation Can You Get?
How Much Compensation Can You Get?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a cancelled flight under UK law depends on several factors, including the distance of your flight and when you were notified about the cancellation. These rules are set out in the UK’s retained version of EU Regulation 261/2004 (often referred to as "UK261" after Brexit), which protects air passengers’ rights.
Compensation Amounts Based on Flight Distance
Under UK261, the standard compensation amounts are:
£220 per passenger for flights of 1,500 km or less (short-haul)
£350 per passenger for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (medium-haul)
£520 per passenger for flights over 3,500 km (long-haul)
These figures apply to flights departing from a UK airport, or arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
Example Scenarios
You book a flight from London to Paris (short-haul, under 1,500 km). If the airline cancels your flight at short notice, you may be entitled to £220 compensation.
You are due to fly from Manchester to Istanbul (medium-haul, about 2,700 km). If your flight is cancelled with little warning, you could claim £350.
If you have a long-haul flight from London to New York (over 3,500 km) cancelled at the last minute, the compensation could be £520.
How Notification Timing Affects Compensation
Compensation is not automatic in every case of cancellation. The timing of when the airline informs you about the cancellation is crucial:
If you are notified 14 days or more before the scheduled departure: You are not entitled to compensation, though you are still entitled to a refund or rebooking.
If you are notified less than 14 days before departure: You may be eligible for compensation, unless the airline can prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances (such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes).
There are also exceptions if the airline offers you an alternative flight that gets you to your final destination at a similar time to your original booking. The closer the alternative flight’s arrival time is to your original schedule, the less compensation you may receive, or you may not be eligible at all.
Compensation Is Separate from Refunds or Rebooking
It’s important to note that compensation for inconvenience is in addition to your right to a refund or a replacement flight. If your flight is cancelled, you can choose between a full refund or being rebooked on another flight. Compensation is meant to recognise the disruption and inconvenience caused, not to cover the cost of your ticket or any rebooking.
If you have extra expenses (like meals or accommodation) due to the cancellation, you may also be entitled to claim these costs separately.
Practical Advice
Keep all correspondence from the airline about your cancellation, including the timing of notifications.
Note the scheduled and actual arrival times if you are offered an alternative flight.
If you believe you are entitled to compensation, submit a claim directly to the airline, providing all relevant details and receipts for any additional costs.
By understanding how compensation is calculated and what you’re entitled to, you can make sure you receive the full amount you deserve if your flight is cancelled.
What Airlines Must Do When Your Flight Is Cancelled
When your flight is cancelled, UK law – specifically Regulation (EC) 261/2004, which remains in force post-Brexit – sets out clear obligations for airlines to assist you. Here’s what you can expect:
Immediate Assistance: Meals, Refreshments, and Accommodation
If your flight is cancelled and you are left waiting at the airport, the airline must provide you with appropriate assistance. This includes:
Meals and refreshments: These should be offered in relation to the waiting time. For example, if you’re delayed over a meal period, you should receive vouchers or access to food and drinks.
Hotel accommodation: If you need to stay overnight because of the cancellation, the airline must arrange and pay for your hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.
Communication: You are entitled to two free phone calls, emails, or faxes to let family, friends, or work know about your situation.
Rebooking or Refund Options
Airlines are legally required to offer you a choice between:
Rebooking: You can be placed on the next available flight to your original destination, under comparable transport conditions, at no extra cost. If you prefer, you can choose a later date that suits you, subject to seat availability.
Full refund: If you decide not to travel, you can ask for a full refund of your ticket for the cancelled flight. If your journey involved connecting flights with the same airline, you may also be entitled to a return flight to your original point of departure.
Keeping You Informed
Airlines must keep you updated as soon as they become aware of a cancellation. You should be told:
The reason for the cancellation
Your rights to assistance, rebooking, or a refund
Any compensation you may be entitled to, depending on the circumstances
Clear and timely communication is a legal obligation, so don’t hesitate to ask airline staff for written information about your rights.
Practical Tips
Keep all receipts if you end up paying for meals, hotels, or transport yourself – these can be claimed back from the airline if assistance wasn’t provided.
If you feel the airline hasn’t met its obligations, you can refer to Airline-Specific Guidance for details on how different airlines handle cancellations and compensation.
Understanding your rights means you can act quickly and confidently if your flight is cancelled, ensuring you receive the support and options the law guarantees.
How to Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation
Making a claim for flight cancellation compensation is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, along with practical tips on what to do if you encounter difficulties.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before contacting the airline, collect all the relevant details about your cancelled flight. You’ll need:
Your booking reference or ticket number
The names of all passengers included in the booking
Details of the cancelled flight (flight number, date, and destination)
Any correspondence from the airline about the cancellation
Receipts for any additional expenses you incurred due to the cancellation (such as meals, accommodation, or transport)
Having this information ready will make your claim smoother and help the airline process it more quickly.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Under UK law, specifically the UK version of EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be entitled to compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure and the cancellation was within the airline’s control (not due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather). The amount you can claim depends on the distance of your flight and how much notice you were given.
Step 3: Submit Your Claim to the Airline
Most airlines have an online claims form on their website. Complete the form, providing all the information and supporting documents you gathered. If there isn’t an online form, you can usually submit your claim by email or post – check the airline’s customer service page for details.
Clearly state that you are seeking compensation under UK Regulation 261/2004, and include:
Your personal and contact details
Flight and booking details
A description of what happened
The amount you believe you are owed
Keep a copy of all communication for your records.
Step 4: Wait for the Airline’s Response
Airlines should acknowledge your claim and respond within a reasonable timeframe, usually within a few weeks. If your claim is accepted, the airline will arrange your compensation – this is typically paid by bank transfer or cheque.
Step 5: If Your Claim Is Rejected or Ignored
If the airline refuses your claim or does not respond within a reasonable period, you have further options:
Contact the airline again: Sometimes a follow-up prompts a response.
Use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body: Many airlines are members of an ADR scheme, which can review your complaint independently and make a decision.
Contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): If the airline is not part of an ADR scheme, the CAA may be able to help.
Seek legal advice: If you’re still not satisfied, you may consider taking legal action through the small claims court.
Additional Tips
Keep all receipts for extra expenses – these may be reimbursed separately from compensation.
If you booked through a travel agent or third party, you may need to contact them as well.
If you’ve used travel insurance, check your policy to see if you’re covered for additional costs. If you run into issues, our guidance on problems with your travel insurance claim may help.
By following these steps and keeping thorough records, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a successful claim for flight cancellation compensation.
Related Travel Disruptions and Compensation Rights
When your flight is cancelled, it can disrupt more than just your journey. Travel plans are often complex, involving multiple bookings and connections. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights not only for flight cancellations, but also for other common travel disruptions that may affect your trip.
If your flight was delayed rather than cancelled, you may still be entitled to compensation under UK law. The rules for delays are similar to those for cancellations, including eligibility based on the length of the delay and the circumstances. To learn more about what you can claim, visit our section on Flight Delay Compensation.
Lost or mishandled luggage is another frequent issue, especially when flights are cancelled or rerouted. Airlines have specific obligations under the Montreal Convention and UK regulations to compensate you for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage. Find out your rights and the steps to take if your bags don’t arrive with you by exploring Lost Luggage Compensation.
Travel disruptions aren’t limited to air travel. If your journey involves trains, you have separate rights regarding delays and cancellations. Train operators are required to offer compensation or alternative arrangements in many cases. For more information on your entitlements, see our guide on Train Cancellations and Compensation.
Accommodation plans can also be affected by cancellations. If your hotel booking is cancelled, UK consumer law and booking terms may entitle you to a refund or compensation, depending on the circumstances and how the cancellation was handled. Learn about your options and how to make a claim at Hotel Cancellations and Compensation.
For a broader look at your rights across all types of travel and holiday bookings – including package holidays, cruises, and more – visit our comprehensive overview: Travel and Holidays Cancellations and Compensation. This resource covers your entitlements under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, as well as other relevant UK laws.
By understanding your rights in these related areas, you can better protect yourself against the financial and practical impact of travel disruptions. Whether your plans are affected by a cancelled flight, lost luggage, or a cancelled hotel, being informed helps you take the right steps and ensures you receive any compensation you’re owed.
