Flight Cancellation Compensation in USA & EU
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Air travel can occasionally encounter turbulence, and unforeseen flight cancellations can disrupt your plans. However, you may be entitled to substantial compensation, potentially up to €600, for flight cancellations in accordance with EU regulations.
In this guide we cover the key rules on canceled flight compensation, who is eligible, how much you can get, and how to file your claim.
For flights within the US, there is generally no law that requires airlines to pay cash compensation for cancellations. Airlines must still provide refunds or rebooking options depending on your situation, and you may be covered by other regional rules if your trip involves international routes.
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📋What are the rules on compensation for canceled flights?
When it comes to air travel to and from Europe, passengers are entitled to specific rights in cases of flight cancellations. EC 261 is the main regulation and, if the airline cancels your flight, you may be able to file a claim and receive up to €600.
In general, you may qualify if:
- ✓Your flight was going to take off in the EU (flights to the EU also qualify in some cases).
- ✓The airline notified you of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
- ✓If you took a replacement flight, your new arrival time was significantly different to your original flight (see exact times below).
- ✓The cancellation occurred within the last 3 years.
- ✓You had a confirmed reservation (booking confirmation with flight number and passenger names).
- ✓The reason for the cancellation was within the airline's control (e.g. operational circumstances, technical difficulties, or airline staff strikes).
When was your flight canceled?
🎯Canceled Flight Compensation: What Are You Entitled To If Your Flight Is Canceled?
When your flight is canceled, the airline must offer you a choice: an alternative flight (re-routing) or a refund. If the cancellation happens within 14 days of departure, you may also be entitled to compensation.
Full Refund
If you haven't taken any portion of your flight, you get a full refund.
Re-routing
Your airline must provide a new way to reach your final destination as soon as possible, under comparable transport conditions.
Right to Care
When you’re stuck waiting for the airline to get you back on track, you’re entitled to necessary assistance from the airline depending on your situation.
Accommodation
If you need overnight accommodation, a hotel room plus transport to and from the airport.
Flight Canceled: Compensation, Flight Refund, or Re-routing
EC 261 requires the airline to offer three choices:
- A full or partial refund of your original ticket — and a return flight to your original point of departure if needed.
- The earliest possible alternative transport to your final destination.
- A new ticket to your final destination at a later date of your choosing, subject to availability.
Flight Cancellation Compensation: Other Entitlements Under EC 261
Right to care
When you’re stuck waiting for the airline to get you back on track, you’re entitled to necessary assistance from the airline depending on your situation.
Upgrading and downgrading
If you are placed in a higher class on an alternative flight, the carrier cannot charge you any extra payment.
Obligation to inform passengers
You have the right to be informed about the content of EC 261. Airlines must display information on passengers’ rights at their check-in counters at every airport where they operate.
💰How Much EU Flight Compensation Should You Get?
If the airline informs you of a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount depends on distance, whether the route is internal EU, and how late the alternative flight arrives compared to the original.
Compensation by distance
Compensation based on the length of delay (alternate flight vs. original flight):
Detailed Compensation Table
| Under 2 hours | 2 – 3 hours | 3 – 4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km – 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
The compensation amount is sometimes half depending on how long the re-routed arrival delay is.
✅Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Canceled Flight?
Canceled Flight Compensation: Definition of flight cancellation
A flight is officially considered canceled when it never takes off. EC 261 defines a canceled flight as “the non-operation of a flight which was previously planned and on which at least one seat was reserved.”
Extraordinary circumstances are not covered
Airlines do not owe compensation if they can show the cancellation was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” outside their control. Examples include lightning strikes, medical emergencies, serious adverse weather, acts of sabotage or terrorism.
The European Court of Justice has repeatedly stated that “technical difficulties” and “operational circumstances” don't qualify as extraordinary circumstances. Strikes by flight staff are generally not considered extraordinary.
Connecting flights and cancellation compensation
Eligibility for connecting-flight cancellations depends on your itinerary, airline, which segment was canceled, and whether everything was booked under one reservation. In general, if the itinerary was one booking and your journey began in Europe (or arrived in Europe on an EU carrier), EC 261 protections may apply to the whole trip.
🗺️Where EC 261 Applies
EC 261 applies based on route and carrier, not your nationality. The scope includes EU countries, EEA countries (Iceland, Norway), Switzerland, and outermost regions (Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, and more).
| ✈️Itinerary | 🇪🇺EU air carrier | 🌍Non-EU air carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✔ Covered | ✔ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✔ Covered | ✔ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✔ Covered | ✖ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ✖ Not covered | ✖ Not covered |
📝How to File a Claim for Flight Cancellation Compensation
What to do if your flight is canceled
- 1Collect proof your flight was canceled (boarding pass, vouchers, travel docs).
- 2Ask the airline for written confirmation of the cancellation and reason.
- 3Request an alternate flight to your destination — or a refund.
- 4Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
- 5Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
- 6Don't sign anything or accept offers that may waive your rights.
- 7Ask for a hotel room if needed.
- 8Keep receipts if the cancellation costs you extra money.
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If your flight was delayed, canceled or overbooked within the last 3 years, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation.