EU flight cancellation compensation: Step-by-step guide

Oct 29 2024 MFR travel team

Airline flight cancellations can really mess up your travel arrangements. Leave you feeling annoyed and inconvenienced, at best! If you happen to be taking a flight within the European Union region (EU) there's EU Regulation 261/2004 that looks out for air travellers like yourself, by laying down rules for compensation in case your flight gets cancelled unexpectedly. The regulation makes sure that passengers are fairly compensated in situations where cancellations fall under conditions — unless there are some exceptional circumstances at play. This handy guide will guide you step by step through the process of seeking compensation for flight cancellations, within the European Union.

Understand your rights under EU 261/2004

The EU regulation 261 / 2004 offers protection, for travellers flying from airports within the EU or using airlines based in the EU region. According to this legislation passengers receive compensation and other entitlements, like refunds or alternative flights when their flight gets cancelled. Nonetheless there are circumstances where these rights may not apply. If the airline lets you know about the cancellation more than two weeks before the flight or if it’s caused by extraordinary situations, like weather or airport strikes, for instance; then they don’t receive any compensation according to the rules.

Know your options after a flight cancellation

In the event of a flight cancellation, by the airline company you have the option to get booked onto an alternative flight to your destination without any extra charges involved. If the new flight leaves later than planned, you will be provided with meals and drinks. If needed the airline also provides a place to stay overnight. You can also ask for a reimbursement of your ticket cost if the flight cancellation messes up your travel arrangements and you no longer want to go on with your trip. Airlines might provide travel vouchers, in such situations; however you are not required to take them up the offer if you prefer cash refund or reimbursement through your payment method.

Check if you qualify for flight compensation

Compensation varies based on the timing of the airlines notification regarding the cancellation and the duration of the delay resulting from the flight. If the airline informs you about the flight cancellation more than two weeks before your trip starts and it wasn't caused by special circumstances, you might be eligible for compensation. If the airline offers a re-routing option, the compensation amount will depend on how closely the new flight aligns with your original travel schedule.

How much is the compensation amount?

The compensation you're entitled to varies based on how far you were flying and the duration of the delay, and any re-routing that occurred.

• 250 € for flights up to 1 500 km.
• 400 € for flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km.
• 600 € for flights over 3 500 km.

If you are rebooked and the delay upon arrival at your destination is less than two to four hours (depending on the flight distance), the airline may reduce the compensation by 50%.

For example:

A flight cancellation on a 1,200 km route would entitle you to €250.

If the new flight on the same route gets you to your destination less than two hours after your original arrival time, the compensation may be halved to €125.

Gather the necessary documentation

To request compensation, for a flight that got cancelled; make sure to collect paperwork to back up your claim. Remember to hold onto your booking confirmation email or boarding pass when you travel by plane.

Please make a note of the date and time you received the cancellation notification whether it was, through an email or a text message, from the airline. Remember to hold onto your receipts, for expenses in case the airline doesn't offer meals or lodging during the delay caused by the cancellation. Make sure you have all your documents prepared to make the compensation claim process smoother and more efficient.

Submit your compensation claim

Once you have gathered all necessary documents, you are ready to submit your claim. Follow these steps:

Contact the airline: You can do this through their website or customer service channels. Make sure to reference EU 261/2004 when submitting your claim.

Provide flight details: Include your flight number, route, date, and the details of the cancellation.

Explain your claim: Clearly state the compensation amount you are claiming based on the flight distance and cancellation notice timeline. Attach all relevant documentation, including boarding passes, cancellation notices, and receipts for additional expenses. Most airlines are required to respond within a few weeks. However, some cases may take longer to resolve.

What to do if the airline refuses your claim

Airlines might decline compensation at times due, to circumstances they mention frequently. If you think their denial is unfair you do have a number of choices to you. If the airline fails to address your concerns or rejects your claim regarding EU Regulation 261⁄2004 compliance issues, in any EU country you're in; you can take the matter up in your own hands, hire a lawyer. Though this route might be time consuming consulting with a professional could potentially boost the likelihood of achieving an outcome. The other option is to check if you’re eligible for compensation and file your case with us. We, at MYFLYRIGHT, are always happy to help!

Claim up to 3 years retroactively

If you missed claiming compensation in the past, you might still be eligible. Passengers in most EU countries can file claims for up to three years after the cancellation occurred. Be sure to check the specific statute of limitations in the country where your flight was canceled.

How MYFLYRIGHT can help you

Seeking compensation, for cancelled flights can be quite a task especially when airlines are slow in paying up or outright refuse to do. MYFLYRIGHT specializes in assisting passengers in navigating through challenges, within the guidelines of EU 261/2004. We manage the entire claim procedure for you to ensure that you receive the compensation smoothly. Whether it involves handling an airline’s rejection or calculating the reimbursement amount MFLYRIGHT simplifies the process for you. Let our team of experts advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.