Compensation for a cancelled flight - what should you know?

A flight cancellation can effectively spoil our holiday or business plans. Unfortunately, a cancelled flight is often a consequence of negligance on the part of the airline. It is worth remembering that in the event of a flight cancellation due to the fault of the carrier, you are entitled to a significant amount of compensation.

Below we explain in which cases you can claim compensation and what steps you need to take to obtain compensation for your cancelled flight.

Flight cancellation - air passengers' rights

The legal basis for obtaining flight cancellation compensation is the provisions of civil law and the law of the European Union. Compensation for a cancelled flight is awarded on the basis of Regulation (EC) 261/2004. It contains Community rules on the carriers' liability for a delayed flight, a cancelled flight, or a flight departing ahead of schedule, as well as being denied boarding due to overbooking of seats.

What is the amount of compensation for a cancelled flight?

The amount of compensation for a cancelled flight depends on the location of the destination (the flight length). For example, in the case of cancellation of a flight within the European Union with a distance of more than 1500kms, you are entitled to 400 euro in compensation. Detailed amounts of compensation are presented in the table below:

In what cases are you entitled to compensation for a canceled flight?

Airlines are obliged to pay flight cancellation compensation if the following conditions are met:

The reason for the flight cancellation lies with the airline and is not related to the occurrence of extra-ordinary circumstances.

The airline informed passengers about the flight cancellation less than 14 days before the scheduled flight date.

When can you claim flight cancellation compensation from airlines?

It is worth remembering that you are entitled to compensation for a cancelled flight only in a situation where the flight cancellation is a direct consequence of the negligence of the carrier. Then the airlines are required to pay compensation to passengers who have been affected as a result of the situation.

In which circumstances can you not claim compensation for a cancelled flight?

There are cases where claiming compensation for a cancelled flight is not possible.

What are the obligations of airlines in thw case of a cancelled flight?

Regardless of whether we have a cancelled or delayed flight, airlines have certain obligations towards passengers that they should fulfill. In the event of a flight cancellation, this includes:

• Informing passengers at the airport about the planned flight cancellation;
• Allowing you to use the telephone or send an email;
• Providing tickets for a replacement flight, which should take place as soon as possible;
• Arranging meals and accommodation, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.

It is worth knowing that the rights of air passengers stipulate that in a situation where the air carrier does not comply with these obligations, passengers can claim reimbursement of additional costs. Therefore, if your flight is cancelled and you incur your own costs, keep all receipts for a refund.

What should I do if my flight is cancelled?

A situation in which you find out about a flight cancellation is never comfortable and always brings extra stress. However, it is important to know your rights and know when the airline is obliged to pay compensation, as well as what actions you can take to be able to successfully claim them. Here are the steps you should take at the airport.

• Try to obtain the information about why the flight was cancelled.
• Do not sign any documents the airline gives you. You could lose your rights to receive compensation.
• Collect information that may constitute the evidence of the flight cancellation (photographs of the flight boards, correspondence from the carrier, etc.)
• Keep all receipts that can be used as proof of the extra costs you incurred due to the canceled flight.

The necessary documents for making your claim due to a cancelled flight

In order to obtain compensation for a cancelled flight, it is necessary to have the relevant information and documents to pursue a claim. Among these, the most important are:

• Flight number;
• The names of the departure and arrival airports;
• One of the following documents: boarding pass, ticket, or if possible, confirmation of your reservation by email.

How do I claim compensation for a cancelled flight with the help of AirCashBack?

By entrusting us with claiming compensation for a canceled flight, you save your time and money. Our many years of experience in the aviation compensation market means that you receive the best support in obtaining compensation. All you have to do is fill out the claim form available on our website and we'll take care of the rest!