Cancelled flight compensation: your rights under EU261
When your flight is cancelled you always get a choice between a refund and a new flight. If you were told less than 14 days before departure, you’re often owed cash compensation on top.
When a cancellation gives compensation
- Told 14 days or more before: no compensation.
- Told less than 14 days before: usually compensation, unless the airline rebooked you on a flight with very similar times.
- Rebooked and arrived fairly soon after your original flight: the amount can be halved.
How much you can get
| Flight distance | EU261 | UK261 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | £220 |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km (and longer flights within the EU) | €400 | £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 | £520 |
Per passenger. The exact amount depends on your route and how late you arrived. The free check works it out for you.
What if the airline gives a reason?
Airlines only escape paying for truly extraordinary events. Technical problems and strikes by the airline’s own staff usually don’t count, even if that’s the reason they give. The free check tells you how strong your case is.
Claim it without the hassle
- Check your flight for free and see how much you’re owed.
- Get your claim kit for a flat €29: a ready claim letter written for your case, exactly where to send it, and an escalation letter if the airline says no.
- Get paid by the airline. You keep all of it. If neither the claim nor the escalation works, we refund €24, so you only pay a €5 handling fee.
Find out what you’re owed
Answer a few questions and see straight away if you can claim, and how much.
Check your flight for freePaidForDelay is not affiliated with any airline. Airline names are used only to describe which flights this guide is about. This is general information, not legal advice.