Your EU flight was cancelled. Here's exactly what you're owed under EU261 — at the airport and after — and how to claim up to €600.
Quick answer:
Yes — you are likely owed compensation if:
You can claim €250–€600 per passenger, plus a full refund or rebooking.
Before you accept a voucher or rebook anything, know what the airline legally owes you right now.
Under Article 9 of EU261, the airline must provide meals and refreshments during any significant wait, two free phone calls or emails, and hotel accommodation plus transport if you're stuck overnight. These apply regardless of the cancellation reason — even severe weather.
Under Article 8, you get a choice: a full refund of your ticket or rebooking on the next available flight. This is your decision, not the airline's.
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This is the part airlines don't advertise. On top of the refund or rebooking, you may be owed cash compensation under Article 7:
These amounts are per passenger and completely separate from any refund. You can receive both.
Airlines can refuse compensation only if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances — severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security threats, or political instability.
But airlines apply this exception far more broadly than the law allows. Technical faults are not extraordinary circumstances — the European Court of Justice confirmed this in Wallentin-Hermann (C-549/07). Crew shortages, IT failures, and operational problems also don't qualify.
Accepting a voucher instead of cash. EU261 entitles you to cash compensation, not vouchers. Airlines offer vouchers because most people accept them. You don't have to. Decline the voucher and request the cash amount.
The second biggest mistake: assuming the airline's first rejection is final. Airlines reject valid claims routinely. A follow-up letter referencing EU case law often changes the outcome.
Send a formal claim to the airline citing EU Regulation 261/2004, the specific articles that apply, and the exact compensation amount. Set a 14-day deadline for response. If they don't respond or reject your claim unfairly, escalate for free to the National Enforcement Body in the departure country.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our EU261 compensation claim guide.
You absolutely can file the claim yourself. It's a letter, not a lawsuit.
If you want a head start, FlightComp's Flight Compensation Kit ($14.99) gives you a personalized, legally-cited claim letter tailored to your specific flight, plus submission instructions and escalation templates.
See if you're owed up to €600 → No signup, no upfront cost
Can I get compensation if the airline offered me a rebooking? Yes. Compensation under Article 7 is separate from your right to a rebooking or refund. You can accept the rebooking and still claim up to €600.
What if the airline says it was "operational reasons"? That's not a valid extraordinary circumstance. Push back with a follow-up citing Wallentin-Hermann (C-549/07) and request the specific cause.
Does EU261 apply to non-EU airlines? Yes, for any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline's nationality.
How long does the claims process take? Airlines typically respond within 4-8 weeks. If escalation to a National Enforcement Body is needed, it can take 2-6 months. Read our full timeline guide.
Can I claim for a flight from years ago? In most EU countries, up to 3 years back. Some countries allow up to 6 years.
Free eligibility check — no signup required. If you qualify, get your Flight Compensation Kit for $14.99 — personalized claim letter, instructions, and escalation templates.
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