When do you get compensation for a cancellation?
When the airline told you less than 14 days before departure, and the cancellation wasn't caused by extraordinary circumstances. If you were told 7 to 14 days before, or less than 7 days before, and you were offered a replacement flight close to your original times, the airline may not owe compensation.
Refund or rerouting: your choice
Whatever the reason for the cancellation, you can choose between a full refund within 7 days, or a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or at a later date that suits you. This is separate from compensation: you can get both.
Can the airline reduce compensation?
Yes, by 50% if your replacement flight got you to your destination within 2 hours (short flights), 3 hours (medium) or 4 hours (long-haul) of the original arrival time.
What about vouchers?
Airlines may only pay refunds or compensation in vouchers if you agree in writing. You always have the right to money.
Common questions
My flight was moved by several hours. Is that a cancellation?
A schedule change of several hours, or a change to the flight number and route, can legally count as a cancellation. We check each case.
Can I claim if the cancellation was due to a strike?
If the airline's own staff were on strike, yes. Strikes by air traffic control or airport staff usually don't qualify.
The airline told me by email and I didn't see it. Does that count?
The airline has to prove when it informed you. If it told your travel agent but the agent didn't pass it on, the airline is still responsible.