Flight Cancelled? Possible compensation of up to EUR600 under EU261

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to EUR 250-600 compensation for a cancelled flight if the airline informed them less than 14 days before the scheduled departure. Additionally, passengers have the right to a full ticket refund or rebooking -- regardless of the cancellation reason.

Compensation amounts by flight distance

EU261 compensation table for flight cancellations
Flight DistanceCompensationExample Route
Up to 1,500 km250 EURHamburg - Zurich, Vienna - Rome
1.500 - 3.500 km400 EURMunich - Antalya, Berlin - Lisbon
Over 3,500 km600 EURFrankfurt - Bangkok, Dusseldorf - Miami

The 14-Day Rule

The key factor is when the airline informed you about the cancellation. If you were notified more than 14 days before departure, no compensation claim applies. For 7-14 days, compensation may be reduced depending on the alternative flight offered. For less than 7 days, passengers may be entitled to full compensation.

4 steps to your compensation

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Verify that you were informed less than 14 days before departure and that no extraordinary circumstances applied.

  2. 2

    Enter flight data

    Enter your flight number, date, and the affected airports. We automatically calculate your compensation amount.

  3. 3

    Generate complaint letter

    Our AI generates a personalized complaint letter with all EU261 references and your specific case details from EUR 10.

  4. 4

    Send to airline

    Download the letter as a PDF and send it to the airline. If no response within 6 weeks: contact the arbitration body or court.

Conditions and exceptions

When does the claim apply?

  • Informed about cancellation less than 14 days before departure
  • Flight departs from or arrives in the EU on an EU airline
  • No suitable alternative flight offered (or declined)

When is the claim invalid?

  • Airline informed you more than 14 days before departure
  • Extraordinary circumstances (e.g. volcanic ash, pandemic)
  • Suitable alternative flight with minimal delay offered and accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

When am I entitled to compensation for a cancelled flight?
You may be entitled to compensation if the airline informed you less than 14 days before the scheduled departure. The amount depends on the flight distance: EUR250, EUR400, or EUR600.
What happens if the airline offers me an alternative flight?
If the airline offers an alternative flight that arrives within 2-4 hours (depending on distance) of the original arrival time, the compensation may be reduced by 50%. If you decline the alternative, you retain the full claim.
Does the airline also have to provide care and assistance?
Yes, regardless of compensation, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, and if necessary hotel accommodation when a flight is cancelled. You also have the right to a full refund or rebooking.
What about cancellation due to bad weather?
Extreme weather can be considered an extraordinary circumstance, which may invalidate the compensation claim. However, the airline must prove the cancellation was directly caused by the weather. Passengers are still entitled to care and assistance.
Am I also entitled to a ticket refund?
Yes. In case of cancellation, you always have the right to a full refund within 7 days OR rebooking on an alternative flight. This right exists in addition to the compensation.
What is the difference between cancellation and delay?
A cancellation means the flight does not take place and you are rebooked on another flight. A delay means the same flight with the same flight number is operated late. The compensation requirements differ between the two.
Can I claim compensation for a package holiday flight?
Yes. Even for package holidays, you can claim EU261 compensation directly from the airline. The claim is independent of the tour operator. Additionally, you may be able to claim a price reduction from the tour operator under package travel law.

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The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. No liability is accepted for accuracy or completeness. For complex cases, we recommend consulting a lawyer.