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.

Am I entitled to compensation for a cancelled flight?

If your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to EUR 250-600 compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, depending on flight distance: EUR 250 up to 1,500 km, EUR 400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and all other flights up to 3,500 km, EUR 600 for all other flights. This comes on top of your right to choose between a full ticket refund and rebooking to your destination. The regulation covers all flights departing EU/EEA airports and EU-airline flights into the EU. No compensation is due if the airline informed you more than 14 days ahead, or if it offered a replacement flight arriving close to your original schedule (Art. 5(1)(c)). The airline can also invoke genuinely extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather — but it carries the burden of proof, and most operational reasons fail that test. You can claim yourself, free of charge, directly with the airline; ClaimEU261 drafts the legally referenced complaint letter for a one-time flat fee.

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How much compensation can you claim for a cancelled flight?

EU261 compensation table for flight cancellations
Flight DistanceCompensationExample Route
Up to 1,500 km250 EURHamburg - Zurich, Vienna - Rome
1,500 to 3,500 km, plus all flights within the EU over 1,500 km400 EURMunich - Antalya, Berlin - Lisbon
All other flights (between the EU and a non-EU country, over 3,500 km)600 EURFrankfurt - Bangkok, Dusseldorf - Miami

Flights to the EU's outermost regions — such as the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores or Réunion — count as flights within the EU. The Regulation therefore provides 400 euros for them, even where the distance exceeds 3,500 km.

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.

How do you claim cancellation compensation yourself?

  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.

When are you entitled to compensation — and when not?

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

EU261 reform 2026: The EU has adopted new air passenger rights rules, but they only start applying around the second half of 2027. Flights today are governed by the current rules described on this page.

To the reform tracker: what changes — and what applies today

Airline rejected your claim or gone silent?

What you can reply — with CJEU citations

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.