Cancelled flight compensation: could you be entitled?
If your flight was cancelled, you may have the right to compensation, in addition to a refund or an alternative flight. Whether compensation applies depends on when you were informed of the cancellation, the alternative travel offered, and the reason for the disruption. Register your case with Airlate and we'll assess your eligibility, pursue your claim, and handle the entire process on your behalf.
How flight cancellation compensation works
If your flight is cancelled, you may have several rights. In many cases, you can choose between a refund of your unused ticket or an alternative flight to your destination. While you wait, the airline may also be required to provide meals, refreshments and, where necessary, hotel accommodation.
You may also be entitled to financial compensation. This is separate from a refund or rebooking, meaning you can qualify for both. Whether compensation applies depends on when you were informed of the cancellation, the reason for the disruption, your flight route, and other details of your journey.
When were you informed?
The date on which you were notified of the cancellation is one of the key factors in determining your right to compensation. This depends on how much advance notice you received and, where applicable, whether the alternative flight offered by the airline met certain timing requirements relative to your original journey.
- 14 days or more before departure: Compensation is generally not payable.
- Between 7 and 14 days before departure: Compensation may be payable, unless the airline offered an alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before the original departure time and arriving less than 4 hours after the original arrival time.
- Less than 7 days before departure: Compensation may be payable, unless the airline offered an alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before the original departure time and arriving less than 2 hours after the original arrival time.
Determining whether compensation is due is not always straightforward. Airlate assesses your eligibility, pursues your claim on your behalf, and handles the entire process: from the initial claim through correspondence and negotiations. You only pay if we successfully recover your compensation.
How much could I be entitled to?
Compensation is primarily based on the distance of your flight, although the amount may be reduced if you accepted an alternative flight that arrived close to your original schedule. The compensation levels below are provided as a general guide. Your entitlement always depends on the specific circumstances of your journey.
€250
€400
€600
Flights up to 1,500 km
1,500–3,500 km (and longer intra-EU flights)
Flights over 3,500 km
Per passenger · These are the fixed compensation amounts in the regulation. Which amount applies in your case depends on the details of your flight disruption (for example, a reduction by half under Article 7(2)). Submit your case and we'll assess your eligibility.
Don't let the airline have the final word
Airlines can reject claims by referring to extraordinary circumstances. That does not automatically mean the rejection is correct. Airlate assesses what actually happened, challenges unsupported rejections, and pursues your claim if you are entitled to compensation.
- Cancelled with less than 14 days' notice
- Technical fault on the aircraft usually counts as the airline's own responsibility
- Staff shortages or a strike by the airline's own personnel
- No reasonable alternative offered, or re-routing that deviated significantly from your original times
- You were told 14 days or more before departure
- Severe weather conditions
- Air traffic control strikes or airspace decisions
- Security risks or civil unrest
- Free check
- See your assessment before you submit
- No win, no fee: you only pay if compensation is recovered
- Your details handled securely
Was your flight cancelled? Check what you may be entitled to.
Answer a few questions about your journey and we will give you a preliminary assessment under the applicable rules.