Cancelled Flight? Here's Exactly What You're Entitled To

Entitlement 1 — Compensation

You're entitled to cash compensation unless the airline told you about the cancellation at least 14 days before departure.

If you were told 7–14 days before but offered a reroute arriving no more than 4 hours late, compensation may be reduced by 50%.

Entitlement 2 — Refund or Rebooking

• Full refund of your ticket within 7 days — including return flights you won't use
• Rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost
• Rebooking at a later date of your choice, subject to availability

The airline must offer you this choice. Don't let them push you into a single option without explaining the others.

Entitlement 3 — Right to Care

• Meals and refreshments proportionate to the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Transport between the airport and hotel
• Two phone calls, emails or faxes

If the airline doesn't provide these at the airport, you can purchase them yourself and claim reimbursement — keep all receipts.

What If the Cancellation Was Due to a Strike?

It depends. An airline staff strike (pilots, cabin crew) does NOT count as extraordinary circumstances — the European Court of Justice ruled on this in 2018. You're still owed compensation. An airport or ATC worker strike may count as extraordinary, meaning no compensation (but you still get a refund/rebook).