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Cancelled Flight Compensation: Everything You Need to Know
A flight cancellation can cause significant disruption to travel plans, especially when passengers are notified shortly before departure and lack immediate alternatives. In such situations, European Union legislation supports travelers by offering them the possibility to claim financial compensation, provided that certain criteria established by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 are met. This regulation applies in all EU member states and covers flights departing from EU territory or operated by a European airline to a destination outside the EU. The right to compensation is granted regardless of the passenger's nationality or the ticket price paid, being a right uniformly guaranteed to all those affected by flight cancellations.
When are you entitled to compensation for cancelled flights?
The flight cancellation was notified to the passenger less than 14 calendar days in advance.
The cancellation resulted from causes internal to the airline (e.g., lack of flight crew).
The flight cancellation occurred within the last 3 years.
The flight was scheduled to depart from an EU airport.
The flight was operated by an airline based in the EU, regardless of the arrival location.
The flight cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., strikes).
The flight cancellation was caused by extreme weather conditions.
What compensation can you receive for cancelled flights?
The amount of compensation awarded for a cancelled flight is established by law and depends exclusively on the flight distance, without considering the actual price paid for the ticket or the booking class. According to Art. 7 of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, the amounts are as follows:
€250
Compensation per passenger
Up to 1,500 km
€400
Compensation per passenger
Between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
€600
Compensation per passenger
Over 3,500 km
Right to Care and Services in Case of Flight Cancellation
In addition to the right to financial compensation, passengers affected by a flight cancellation benefit from material assistance measures from the airline. These measures are legally mandatory and include:
Free Meals and Drinks
Free provision of meals and refreshments, proportional to the waiting time until rerouting.
Access to Communication
The right to make two free phone calls or, alternatively, send emails or faxes free of charge.
Hotel Accommodation
Free hotel accommodation if rerouting involves an overnight stay.
Airport-Hotel Transport
Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation, with costs fully covered by the airline.
It is important to note that these forms of assistance must be offered regardless of whether the cancellation is considered financially compensable or not. In other words, even in case of extraordinary circumstances, the airline has the obligation to ensure passengers decent waiting or transit conditions.
Procedure for Claiming Compensation for a Cancelled Flight
To initiate the compensation claim procedure, it is essential for the passenger to keep a series of supporting documents, which will be necessary when submitting the claim to the airline. These include:
Flight ticket or electronic booking confirmation;
Boarding pass, if already issued;
Any official communication regarding the flight cancellation (email, SMS, in-app notification).
Check Eligibility
Enter the flight details to confirm if you meet the conditions.
Complete the Claim Form
Ensure you include supporting documents such as the flight ticket, boarding pass, and any proof of cancellation.
Submit the Claim
You can send the request directly to the airline or use specialized services, like ClaimBee, to manage the process for you.
Receive Compensation
After the claim is approved, the money is transferred directly to your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compensation for Cancelled Flights
The average processing time for claims varies between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the airline's promptness and the complexity of the case.
Yes. The ticket price does not affect the right to compensation, as the compensation is legally established based on the flight distance.
If the claim is unjustifiably rejected, you can file a complaint with the national aviation authority or initiate legal proceedings to recover the amount owed.
Yes, in most cases, technical defects are not considered 'extraordinary circumstances,' and therefore, the airline is responsible. You are entitled to compensation, provided the cancellation notice was given less than 14 days before departure.
Yes. If the cancelled flight is part of a single booking with a connection, and the total delay at the final destination exceeds 3 hours or the flight is cancelled, you are entitled to compensation. However, it matters if the operator is the same and if the flights are contractually linked.
If you accept a voucher, you must ensure you were clearly informed about the legal option to receive a cash refund. Accepting a voucher may lead to voluntarily waiving certain rights, including additional compensation.
Yes. Lack of crew is generally considered an internal issue of the airline, and it cannot invoke exemption from liability. Therefore, you are entitled to compensation.
Yes. The statute of limitations differs from one member state to another. In Romania, the general term is 3 years from the date of the cancelled flight. It is recommended to submit the claim as quickly as possible to avoid procedural refusals. Note: The statute of limitations varies by EU country.
You still have the right to compensation, but the travel agency may mediate communication with the airline. The compensation provided by Regulation (EC) 261/2004 is separate from any potential refunds for unused travel services.
It depends. If it's a strike by the airline's staff, it is not considered an extraordinary circumstance, and the airline may be obliged to pay compensation. If the strike affects air traffic control or airport staff, it is considered an external cause.
Yes, if the flight is operated by an EU airline and departs from or lands in a member state. For flights operated by non-EU airlines, the right to compensation is only recognized if the flight departs from an EU airport.
No. Severe weather conditions fall under 'extraordinary circumstances' and exclude the obligation for financial compensation. However, the airline must still offer accommodation, meals, and rerouting.
You can submit the claim even without the boarding pass, as long as you can provide proof of reservation and other relevant documents (confirmation emails, invoice, proof of payment, etc.).
Yes. Every passenger with an individual ticket, including minors, is entitled to compensation, regardless of age, provided they had a valid reservation.
Regulation (EC) 261/2004 exclusively regulates standard financial compensation. For other damages, including moral damages, you must address the civil court, but the chances of success are limited without clear and quantifiable evidence.
The airline is obliged to cover all costs related to accommodation and transport between the hotel and the airport, regardless of whether the cancellation is eligible for compensation or not. These expenses should not be borne by the passenger.
It is recommended to include: the flight ticket, booking confirmation, proof of payment, boarding pass (if issued), cancellation notifications, and any relevant correspondence with the airline.
The notification must be clear and sent at least 14 days in advance. If any explanation or rerouting option was missing, the obligation for compensation might still exist, even if you were formally informed.