How Much Compensation Can You Claim for a Cancelled Flight?
Was your flight cancelled unexpectedly? You may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation! The amount depends on factors like the airline, route, and regulations. The process can be confusing, but we’ll simplify it for you.
Table of Contents
In this article, we look at the details of different scenarios where your flight has been cancelled and examine what kind of compensation airlines typically provide. We’ll explore some practical tips on how to maximize the amount of money you get in return. So strap yourself in and prepare for a big dose of consumer rights know-how!
What is Cancelled Flight Compensation
Cancelled flight compensation is a set of laws set up to protect air passengers if their flight ends up being cancelled, either due to airline or airport issues. According to EU law, airlines must provide fair compensation depending on the circumstances that led to the flight cancellation.
If your flight has been cancelled or delayed more than three hours, here are the types of compensation you can claim:
- Reimbursement of a full refund for the ticket
- Flight rebooking at no extra cost
- Meal vouchers during long delays
- Hotel accommodation during long delays (if required)
- Compensation for other expenses arising from the disruption
It is important to remember that some airlines may give more generous compensation than others, so it’s a good idea to read through the airline’s policies before purchasing tickets. Knowing what type of compensation you’re entitled to can help you decide which airline is best for your flight needs.
The Eligibility Criteria for Cancelled Flight Compensation
So, what kind of flights are eligible for compensation? If your flight was cancelled within 14 days before the scheduled departure time, you could be entitled to Cancelled flight compensation. Generally, if you were on a disrupted flight in any way, you should know that the airline will provide you with information about your rights and the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
The amount of flight compensation will depend on where the flight was going, how long the delay or cancellation was, and what airline you were flying with. Let’s take a look at some of the criteria for eligibility:
Location
Whether you’re entitled to receive a refund or compensation will largely depend on where your cancelled flight is departing from or arriving. In general, all flights over 1,500 km from an EU airport to a non-EU airport are typically eligible for this type of compensation. Other flights between EU countries may also be eligible depending on their location and distance travelled.
Delayed Flights
If your flight is delayed more than 3 hours for reasons within an Airline’s control (not due to air traffic control strikes/involuntary rerouting/etc), then depending on how long your delay was and how far you flew, you may be eligible for up to 600€ in compensation.
Cancelled Flights
If your flight is cancelled because it’s overbooked or due to technical issues and other reasons within the Airline’s control, then depending on how far your destination is (EU or non-EU) and your original arrival time, you could be entitled to up to 600€ in passenger rights under EU regulations.
The Rights of Passengers: Compensation, Refund or Re-routing
Did you know that, as an international traveller from a European country, you have rights when your flight is cancelled? Depending on the circumstances of your flight cancellation, you may be eligible for compensation, refund or even re-routing.
Compensation
If your flight was cancelled, and it was the airline’s fault (not due to safety reasons), then you might be eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 per person. This may not always come in the form of a cash payment, but also a voucher or other form of reimbursement.
Refunds
If your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days advance notice, then the airline must offer customers a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket. You have the right to choose between either a refund or re-routing to your original destination.
Re-routing
If you accept re-routing, then the airline must take responsibility for offering you alternative arrangements, such as a replacement flight that arrives within a reasonable time and at no extra cost. The airline should also offer you meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary (for example if the new arrival time is more than two hours later than originally planned).
How Much Compensation for a Cancelled Flight
So, how much compensation do you get if your flight is cancelled? Well, it depends on where you’re flying from and the circumstances of your flight. For example, if your flight is cancelled due to reasons within an airline’s control (e.g. mechanical faults), you may be entitled to up to €600 per passenger in compensation, depending on the distance of the flight.
For flights departing from European airports, the amount of compensation is set by the European Union’s 261/2004 Regulation, which states that for any cancelled or delayed flight (if not caused by extraordinary circumstances):
Distance Between Point of Origin and Destination:
- Flights under 1500 km: €250
- Flights between 1500 km and 3500 km: €400
- Flights over 3500 km: €600
Delay Length:
- 3 hours delay for flights under 1500km: €250
- 3–4 hours delay for flights between 1500km and 3500km: €400
- 4+ hours delay for flights over 3500km: €600
Once you figure out how much compensation you could be entitled to, ClaimFlights makes this process a lot easier—simply fill in a few details about your cancelled flight and let us do all the hard work! We take care of everything related to filing a claim with the airline so that all you have to do is wait for your refund.
Comparing Flight Compensation Companies for Estimated Payouts
Payouts can vary depending on the flight claim company’s commission structure, VAT policies, and whether legal action is required. The table below provides an estimate of the total payout after deducting applicable service and legal fees based on publicly available information.
Your payout* (as Flight Delay Compensation) |
|||
---|---|---|---|
for less than 1500 km | for 1501 to 3500 km | for more than 3500 km | |
ClaimFlights | €187.50 | €300 | €450 |
Myflyright | €150.62 | €241 | €362 |
Flightright | €125.75 | €201.20 | €301.80 |
AirHelp | €125 | €200 | €300 |
SkyRefund | €125 | €200 | €300 |
* Note: These estimates assume that legal action was required. All companies listed above operate independently and have different pricing models.
Source: Price comparison of flight claim companies as of January 2025.
How to Claim Your Flight Cancellation Compensation
So, you know how much flight compensation you’re entitled to, but how do you go about claiming it? Thankfully, ClaimFlights makes the whole process easier than ever.
Here’s an overview of how it works:
Step 1: Enter Your Flight Details
Using our flight cancellation compensation calculator, you can enter details about your flight such as the airline carrier and flight number. Don’t worry, we’ll keep all your information secure.
Step 2: We Handle Everything Else
Once you’ve entered your details, ClaimFlights takes over. Our team of legal professionals will review your case for free and determine if you’re entitled to compensation or other benefits according to EU Regulation 261/2004.
Step 3: Collect Your Compensation
If we determine that you are eligible for compensation or other benefits based on EU Regulation 261/2004, we’ll take care of it all. That means no more hassling with the airlines—ClaimFlights will handle every aspect of your claim until the very end and get what is rightfully yours!
Strategies for Maintaining Your Rights
When a flight gets cancelled or delayed, knowing your rights and what type of compensation you’re entitled to be key to maintaining your rights as a traveller. Knowing the law is important and ClaimFlights is here to help!
It’s always good to do the research beforehand so you know exactly what you’ll be entitled to if a flight does get cancelled. You can also gather evidence that could be useful in any claims you may have, like taking photos of the airline staff at check-in, for example.
Make sure you:
- Note down your flight details including the times and dates of the original booking, and any other flight details relevant including any special assistance requirements.
- Ask for an explanation of why your flight has been cancelled or delayed.
- Get proof (such as an original boarding pass) to help with any compensation claims, later on, should they be needed.
- Keep track of all receipts incurred due to changes with your trip — such as hotel costs while waiting overnight, additional travel costs such as taxis, meals, and all other out-of-pocket expenses associated with the disruption in service provided by the airline.
- Ask for evidence that your complaint was received when making an official complaint – this could be by email or letter — keep copies for yourself so you have proof when making official claims later on down the line if needed.
- Reach out to ClaimFlights early so we can help make sure that you are getting the full amount of money back from cancelled flights that you’re entitled to under European Law EC Regulation 261.
How ClaimFlights Can Help You Claim
When your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to certain compensations, but you need to know what that is and how to claim it. That’s where ClaimFlights comes in.
Their team has over 9 years of experience and has an almost 100% success rate in court. Plus, the process is automated, so you don’t have to do any legal paperwork yourself.
Instant verification
ClaimFlights check your flight details instantly against their database to determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation from the airline.
Claims lodged quickly
Once verified and assessed as valid, your claim will be lodged with the airline within 24 hours.
No hidden fees
Their service fee is taken out of your compensation amount instead of being an upfront payment—so that if no compensation is due, you don’t pay anything at all.
With ClaimFlights on your side, getting the rightful compensation for a cancelled flight doesn’t have to be a hassle—you can now focus more on getting back on track with your plans!
Conclusion
In the end, the amount of compensation you’re entitled to for a cancelled flight depends on where you’re flying to and from, the airline you’re flying with, the length of your flight, and the notice you were given.
No matter what the reason is behind your flight delay or cancellation, if your flight was cancelled, delayed, or overbooked, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. Knowing what your rights are and how to claim your compensation can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
With the right information and resources, you can quickly and easily determine the amount of compensation you’re entitled to and start the process of getting compensated for your flight cancellation. With ClaimFlights, you can make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
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