✈️ Cancelled flight: what to do, when you are entitled to a refund, and how to claim compensation
A cancelled flight can disrupt your plans: whether you’re going on holiday or heading back home, the inconvenience is always frustrating. But here’s the good news: if your flight has been cancelled, you may be entitled to a refund and even to compensation, including monetary reimbursement.
Let’s go through what to do immediately, what your rights are according to EU Regulation 261/2004, and how to claim them without complications.
What to do as soon as you find out your flight has been cancelled
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Ask the airline for explanations: always request the official reason for the cancellation and whether an alternative solution will be offered.
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Don’t throw anything away: keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and receipts for any extra expenses (hotel, food, transport).
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Check the options offered: rebooking on another flight, refund, or voucher — you can choose, you’re not obliged to accept the first proposal.
When you are entitled to a refund
If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you one of the following options free of charge:
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Full ticket refund within 7 days;
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Rebooking on an alternative flight, as soon as possible or on a date of your choice;
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Voucher, but only if you voluntarily accept (they cannot force you).
If you decide not to fly anymore, the refund is mandatory, regardless of the ticket price.
When you can claim compensation
In addition to a refund, you are entitled to financial compensation if:
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You were informed of the cancellation with less than 14 days’ notice;
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And the cause is not exceptional (e.g. technical problems, internal strikes, operational errors).
Compensation amounts:
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€250 for flights up to 1,500 km
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€400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
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€600 for flights over 3,500 km (EU → non-EU country and vice versa)
No compensation is due if the airline informed you in advance and offered a suitable alternative with similar timings, or if the reason was beyond its control (e.g. extreme weather, airspace closure, health emergencies).
How to request a refund and compensation
Option 1 – Direct request to the airline
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Fill out the complaint form on the official website.
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Attach documents and a detailed explanation of the event.
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If you don’t receive an answer or get an unjustified refusal, you can escalate to ENAC or other competent authorities.
Option 2 – Rely on a claim company
DelayFlight24 offers a free service for all its customers. In just 2 minutes you can complete their online form and, thanks to the Claim Calculator, find out the exact amount of your compensation.
Bonus tip
You can use your flight number and date to check for free if you’re eligible for compensation with an automatic calculator. Just enter: airline, flight, and date → the system will immediately tell you if you’re entitled to compensation.
In summary, if your flight is cancelled:
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You always have the right to choose between refund, rebooking, or voucher;
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If you were informed late and the issue is the airline’s fault, you can get up to €600 in compensation;
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You have up to 2 years to file your claim, so keep all documentation.
Taking action is easier than it seems, especially with the help of claim companies, which guide you throughout the process.
