You had plans. The airline had other ideas. If your flight was cancelled with little warning, you are not powerless. EU regulation EC 261/2004 may entitle you to cash compensation of up to €600 per passenger, separate from any refund or alternative flight the airline offers.
When does a cancellation qualify for compensation?
The general rule: if the airline cancels less than 14 days before departure and cannot prove extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, air-traffic control shutdowns, security emergencies), compensation is due. The amount depends on distance, not ticket price:
- Up to 1,500 km → €250 per passenger
- 1,500–3,500 km → €400 per passenger
- Over 3,500 km → €600 per passenger
Tip: A €29 Ryanair fare carries the same compensation rights as a business-class ticket on the same route.
What the airline must offer on the day
Compensation is only part of the picture. While you wait, the carrier must provide care, meals, drinks, two free calls or emails, and hotel accommodation plus airport transfers if an overnight stay is unavoidable. You can also choose between a full refund and the earliest re-routing to your destination.
Why airlines reject valid cancellation claims
Carriers often cite "extraordinary circumstances" without evidence, or offer vouchers instead of the cash you are legally owed. Rejection letters are frequently template responses designed to discourage passengers from pursuing their rights.
- Save every email, SMS, and push notification about the cancellation
- Keep boarding passes and booking confirmations
- Note the exact time you were informed. The 14-day window matters
- Do not sign away rights in exchange for a voucher without reading the terms
How to check your claim in minutes
Upload your boarding pass to Compensall and our assistant checks your cancellation against EC 261/2004. If you have a valid claim, our human team handles the airline on your behalf, on a no win, no fee basis.
