How to claim a refund or compensation for a cancelled flight
Know your rights when your flight is cancelled: choose a refund or a new flight, get food and a hotel if you're stuck, and claim compensation if you were told at short notice.
- Time
- 20 minutes to claim
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Booking reference and flight details
- The cancellation email or text (showing when you were told)
- Receipts for any costs you paid
Safety first
- Don't book an expensive replacement flight with another airline without first asking your airline to re-route you – you may not get it back.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check the flight is covered
UK rules (UK261) cover flights departing UK airports on any airline, and flights into the UK on UK or EU airlines.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Choose a refund or a new flight
You're entitled to choose either a full refund for the unused parts of your ticket, or re-routing on an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity or at a later date that suits you. Don't accept a voucher unless you want one.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Get care while you wait
If you're waiting for a replacement flight, the airline must provide reasonable food and drink (often vouchers), a way to communicate, and a hotel plus transfers if you have to stay overnight. If they don't, pay for reasonable costs yourself – nothing luxurious – and keep receipts to claim back.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Check if compensation is due
If you were told about the cancellation less than 14 days before departure, you may also get compensation – the amount depends on flight distance and how late the replacement flight gets you there. For example, with less than 7 days' notice it can be £220 (under 1,500km), £350 (1,500–3,500km) or £520 (over 3,500km) per person. Check the CAA's cancellations page for the exact rules.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Exceptions
No compensation is due if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather or air traffic control strikes – but you still get the refund/re-routing choice and care.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Claim from the airline, then escalate
Claim directly through the airline's website. If they refuse or don't reply within 8 weeks, go to the airline's ADR scheme or, if it doesn't have one, the CAA.
Tips
- Package holiday cancelled? Contact your tour operator – you have separate rights under package travel rules, and ATOL protection may apply.
- Screenshot the cancellation message showing the date and time you were notified.
Questions people ask
How quickly should a refund arrive?
Ask the airline when to expect it and chase if it's slow; escalate to ADR or the CAA if needed.
Can I get compensation and a refund?
Yes, if the cancellation was within 14 days and not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
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