No one likes to hear that their flight has been cancelled, especially when they’re already packed, checked in, and ready to go. If your flight departs from the UK or EU and gets cancelled, knowing your flight cancellation rights can help reduce the stress of a frustrating situation.
A flight cancellation is when a scheduled flight does not operate as planned, either due to a decision by the airline or external circumstances (exceptions apply), and passengers are not transported to their intended destination.
Here’s the simplest explanation of your flight cancellation rights and benefits:
1. Rebooking or Refund
When your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or a rebooking. The airline should offer to rebook you on the next available flight to your destination or allow you to choose a later date that works for you. This gives you the flexibility to decide what’s best depending on your travel plans.
Regardless of when your flight is cancelled after booking, you are always entitled to choose between rebooking or receiving a refund.
2. Right to Care
If you at the airport and choose to be rebooked on a later flight, you have the right to care while you wait. This means the airline must provide you with meals and refreshments, and if necessary, hotel accommodation along with transport to and from the hotel.
3. Compensation
You may be entitled to financial compensation for the inconvenience, depending on when you were informed about the cancellation. If you were told less than 14 days before departure and the airline cannot offer an alternative flight with similar timing, compensation could range from €250 to €600. The amount depends on the distance of the flight and how much later you arrive at your destination compared to the original schedule.
Compensation is dependent on when your flight was cancelled:
- More than 14 days before departure: No compensation is owed.
- 7 to 14 days before departure: Compensation applies if the airline cannot offer you an alternative flight that:
- Departs no more than 2 hours before the original departure time, and
- Arrives less than 4 hours after the original arrival time.
- Less than 7 days before departure: Compensation applies if the airline cannot offer you an alternative flight that:
- Departs no more than 1 hour before the original departure time, and
- Arrives less than 2 hours after the original arrival time.
4. Exceptions
Compensation won’t apply if the airline can prove that the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control – like severe weather or air traffic control strikes. However, your other rights, such as rebooking and care, still apply.
5. All Departing Airlines Must Comply
These rules apply to all airlines, including those from countries outside the EU and UK, but with specific conditions. Here’s how it works:
- Flights departing from the UK or EU: The regulations apply to all flights departing from the UK or EU, regardless of the airline’s country of origin. This means even if you are flying with a non-EU/UK airline (e.g., Emirates or American Airlines), you are still protected by these rules if your flight departs from the UK or EU.
- Flights arriving in the UK or EU: For flights arriving in the UK or EU, the rules only apply if you are flying with an EU or UK-based airline. Non-EU/UK airlines are not required to follow these regulations for flights landing in the UK or EU from other countries.
In summary, non-EU/UK airlines must follow these rules for cancelled departures from the UK or EU.
BG1 Verdict
Flight cancellations are never ideal, but understanding your flight cancellation rights can ensure you get the care and compensation you’re entitled to. Always ask the airline for clear information about your options, and don’t hesitate to request assistance while you wait.
Knowing your rights in advance can help turn a frustrating experience into something more manageable! While you’re here, why not take a look at our other travel tips & guides.
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