Understanding Your Rights When a Flight Is Cancelled
When your flight is cancelled, you have important rights under UK and EU regulations – specifically, UK law (UK261) and the retained version of EU Regulation 261/2004. These rules apply to flights departing from UK or EU airports, and to flights arriving in the UK or EU on a UK or EU airline.
If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination. This could mean being rebooked on the next available service, even with a different airline if necessary. If you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a refund for any unused parts of your ticket.
Cancellations are different from delays. While both situations may entitle you to assistance at the airport, your rights to compensation and refunds are clearer when a flight is cancelled. With delays, compensation depends on how long you are kept waiting and the distance of your flight.
You may also be entitled to compensation, depending on the reason for the cancellation and when you were informed. Generally, if the airline cancels your flight less than 14 days before departure and it was not due to extraordinary circumstances (like severe weather or air traffic control strikes), you could claim compensation.
Airlines must clearly inform you as soon as possible if your flight is cancelled and explain your options. They are also required to provide care and assistance – such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation – if you are stranded as a result.
For a broader look at your rights when travel plans are disrupted, see our page on Travel and Holidays – Cancellations and Compensation.
When Can You Claim Compensation for Flight Cancellations?
If your flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation under UK and EU law, specifically Regulation EC 261/2004. Eligibility depends on several factors, such as how much notice the airline gave you and the reason for the cancellation. Generally, you can claim compensation if you were informed less than 14 days before departure and the cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances, like severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
The amount you can claim is based on the distance of your flight and the length of the delay caused by the cancellation. However, if the airline can prove the cancellation was due to events beyond their control, compensation may not apply.
Common valid claims include last-minute cancellations due to technical faults or staffing issues. For a full explanation of when you can claim, how compensation is calculated, and the exceptions that apply, see our dedicated guide on Flight Cancellation Compensation.
Refunds and Alternative Travel Options
If your flight is cancelled, UK and EU regulations (such as UK Regulation EC 261/2004) give you clear rights to a refund or an alternative journey. If you decide not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket price, including any fees for checked baggage or seat selection. This applies whether your flight was departing from the UK or EU, or arriving on a UK or EU airline.
Alternatively, you can choose to be rebooked on another flight to your original destination, either at the earliest opportunity or at a later date that suits you. The airline must offer you these options as soon as possible. If you accept a rebooking, the new flight should be under comparable conditions (for example, the same class of travel).
Airlines are required to process refunds within seven days of your request. If you opt for an alternative flight, they should arrange this promptly. If a cancellation causes you to miss a connecting flight that was part of the same booking, the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination or providing a refund for the unused parts of your journey.
If you need help requesting a refund or alternative arrangements, you can use this sample letter to request a refund or alternative.
How to Make a Claim for Flight Cancellation Compensation
When your flight is cancelled, you have the right to claim compensation in certain circumstances under UK law, specifically the UK version of EC Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to make a claim:
Contact the Airline: Start by submitting your claim directly to the airline. Most airlines have an online claims form or customer service contact for compensation requests.
Gather Your Evidence: Before you make your claim, collect all relevant documents. This includes your booking confirmation, boarding passes, receipts for any extra expenses (like food or accommodation), and copies of any communication with the airline about the cancellation.
Submit Your Claim: Clearly state what happened and what compensation you’re seeking. Include all supporting documents. Make sure you keep copies of everything you send and any responses you receive.
Escalate if Needed: If the airline refuses your claim or doesn’t respond within a reasonable time (usually 8 weeks), you can escalate the matter. This may involve contacting an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Time Limits: In the UK, you generally have up to six years from the date of the cancelled flight to make a claim, though it’s best to act as soon as possible.
For more detailed steps, including how to claim from a specific airline, see our Airline-Specific Guidance.
Additional Rights and Related Compensation Issues
Additional Rights and Related Compensation Issues
Beyond compensation for cancelled flights, passengers have several other rights under UK and EU regulations. Under UK law (UK261) and EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must provide care and assistance if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed. This includes offering meals, refreshments, and accommodation if you are stranded overnight, as well as transport between the airport and your accommodation.
Flight cancellations can also impact your luggage and any connecting travel plans. If your checked baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged because of a cancellation, you may be entitled to claim compensation under the Montreal Convention. If you miss a connecting flight booked as part of a single ticket, the airline is generally responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight to your final destination.
Travel insurance plays a vital role in protecting you against losses that airline compensation may not cover, such as hotel bookings, car hire, or other non-refundable costs linked to your trip. Having comprehensive travel insurance can provide additional financial protection and peace of mind if your travel plans are disrupted.
Flight Delay Compensation
If your flight is delayed, you may have rights to compensation under UK and EU law, specifically under UK Regulation EC 261/2004. The rules apply to flights departing from the UK or EU, or arriving in the UK or EU on a UK or EU airline.
Compensation for delays is different from what you receive if your flight is cancelled. For delays, you can claim if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late, and the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
The amount you can claim depends on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight. You may also be entitled to care and assistance at the airport, such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation if needed.
To find out more about when you can claim, how much you might receive, and the process for making a claim, visit our detailed Flight Delay Compensation guide. This will help you understand your rights and the steps to take if your flight has been delayed.
Lost or Delayed Luggage Compensation
If your luggage is lost or delayed due to a flight cancellation or disruption, you have specific rights under UK and EU regulations. Airlines are responsible for your checked baggage and must compensate you if your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed. To make a claim, you should report the issue to the airline as soon as possible, keep all travel documents, and follow their claims process.
For a step-by-step guide on what to do and how to claim compensation, see our detailed Lost Luggage Compensation page.
Travel Insurance and Flight Cancellations
Travel insurance can provide valuable protection if your flight is cancelled, helping to cover costs that airlines may not reimburse. While UK and EU regulations – such as UK Regulation EC 261/2004 – require airlines to offer refunds or alternative flights for cancellations, travel insurance can offer additional support. For example, some policies may cover extra expenses like hotel stays, meals, or missed connections that result from a cancelled flight.
Not all travel insurance policies are the same. Some include cover for flight cancellations due to reasons like severe weather, strikes, or airline insolvency, while others may only pay out if the cancellation is outside your control or not covered by the airline. Always check the policy details to understand what is included, any exclusions, and the process for making a claim.
Before you travel, review your Travel Insurance policy carefully. Look for sections on cancellation cover, compensation limits, and required documentation. If you’re unsure about your level of protection, contact your insurer for clarification. This can help ensure you’re fully prepared if your flight plans change unexpectedly.
Airline-Specific Guidance and Resources
When your flight is cancelled, the way your airline handles compensation, refunds, and alternative travel arrangements can vary. While UK and EU laws – such as UK Civil Aviation Authority regulations and EU Regulation 261/2004 – set out your basic rights, individual airlines often have their own policies and processes for claims. Knowing these differences is important, as some airlines may offer additional support, faster claim procedures, or specific requirements for submitting a compensation request.
To help you understand what to expect from your airline, we’ve created a dedicated section with detailed information about the policies and claim procedures of major UK carriers. For tailored advice and step-by-step instructions on claiming compensation or refunds from your airline, visit our Airline-Specific Guidance page.
British Airways Flight Cancellations and Compensation
If your British Airways flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you have important rights under UK law (UK261) and EU regulations. These rules may entitle you to compensation, a refund, or alternative travel arrangements, depending on the circumstances. British Airways must also provide care and assistance if you are stranded at the airport.
To find out exactly what compensation you can claim, how to make a claim with British Airways, and tips for handling common issues, visit our dedicated guide: British Airways Flight Compensation. This page covers your rights in detail and walks you through the claims process step by step.
Jet2 Flight Cancellations and Compensation
If your Jet2 flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation or a refund under UK law (UK261) and EU Regulation 261/2004. Jet2 must offer you either an alternative flight or a full refund, and provide care such as meals or accommodation if you are stranded. The amount of compensation depends on the reason for the cancellation and how much notice you received.
To understand your rights in detail and learn how to make a claim, see our dedicated guide on Jet2 Flight Compensation. This page explains Jet2’s specific policies, what assistance you should expect, and step-by-step advice for claiming what you are owed.
Related Travel Disruption Topics
When your flight is cancelled, it can have a knock-on effect on other parts of your journey, such as hotel bookings or onward train travel. Knowing your rights in these areas can help you minimise inconvenience and financial loss. For example, if you have booked a hotel or train ticket as part of a package holiday, you may be protected under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which give you certain rights to refunds or alternative arrangements. For standalone bookings, your rights will depend on the terms and conditions of each provider, as well as consumer protection laws like the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Understanding the rules that apply to each part of your trip will help you handle travel disruptions with greater confidence.
COVID-19 Travel Refunds
If your flight was cancelled or disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be entitled to a refund or alternative travel options under UK and EU passenger rights regulations. Airlines are generally required to offer a full refund, a voucher, or rebooking for flights they cancel. During the pandemic, regulators such as the Civil Aviation Authority issued guidance reminding airlines to process refunds promptly, and some deadlines for making claims were extended to accommodate the unique circumstances.
It’s important to check the latest rules, as some airlines introduced special refund policies or flexible booking options in response to COVID-19. For the most current information on your rights and how to claim, see our dedicated section on COVID-19 Travel Refunds.
Hotel Cancellations and Compensation
If your flight is cancelled and it affects your hotel booking, you may have rights to a refund or alternative accommodation, depending on how you booked. If your hotel was part of a package holiday, UK law (Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018) usually means you’re entitled to a refund or a suitable replacement if your trip can’t go ahead. For hotel bookings made separately, your rights will depend on the hotel’s cancellation policy and whether you booked a refundable rate.
If your hotel cancels your booking due to travel disruption caused by a cancelled flight, you should contact the hotel or booking provider as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask about your options for a refund, rebooking, or credit. If you’re unable to resolve the issue, you may be able to claim compensation, especially if you have travel insurance that covers cancellation due to travel disruption.
For further details on what to do and how to claim, see our dedicated section on Hotel Cancellations and Compensation.
Train Cancellations and Compensation
If your journey involves both flights and trains, it’s important to know that your rights in the event of a train cancellation are different from those for flights. While flight compensation is governed by UK and EU regulations such as UK261 and EU261, train passengers are usually protected under the National Rail Conditions of Travel or similar guidelines, which set out when you may be entitled to a refund or compensation for delays and cancellations.
Compensation for train disruptions is often based on the length of the delay and the type of ticket you have. Unlike flight compensation, which can sometimes offer fixed amounts, train compensation is typically a percentage of your ticket price.
To find out more about your rights and how to claim if your train journey is cancelled or delayed, visit our dedicated section on Train Cancellations and Compensation. This will help you understand the specific rules that apply to train travel and how they compare with flight compensation schemes.
Event Tickets and Cancellations
When your flight is cancelled, it can have a knock-on effect if you’ve booked tickets for events like concerts, sports matches, or theatre performances at your destination. While UK and EU regulations, such as UK Civil Aviation Authority rules and EU Regulation 261/2004, set out your rights to flight refunds or compensation, they do not automatically cover losses from missed events.
If an event itself is cancelled – regardless of the reason – you are usually entitled to a refund for your ticket under consumer protection laws. However, if you cannot attend because your flight was cancelled, your right to a refund or compensation for the event ticket depends on the event organiser’s terms and conditions. Some may offer a refund or allow you to exchange your ticket, while others may not.
To claim a refund for event tickets, contact the ticket seller as soon as possible and explain your situation. Provide evidence of your flight cancellation, such as confirmation from the airline. If you paid by credit card, you may also have extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
For more detailed guidance on your rights and how to claim, visit our Events and Tickets page. This covers what to do if an event is cancelled or if you can’t attend due to travel disruption.
