Article Title: How Much Should I Get If My Flight Is Cancelled?
What to Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to compensation under certain circumstances. The amount you should get if your flight is cancelled depends on various factors such as the distance of the flight, the length of the delay, and the airline you are traveling with.
When your flight is cancelled, the first thing you should do is to contact the airline to find out the reason for the cancellation and to inquire about the compensation you are entitled to. In general, if your flight is cancelled due to circumstances within the airline’s control, such as crew shortages or mechanical issues, you are entitled to compensation. However, if the flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes, you may not be eligible for compensation.
FAQs About Flight Cancellation Compensation
1. What are extraordinary circumstances when it comes to flight cancellations?
Extraordinary circumstances refer to situations that are beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, political instability, and security risks. In these cases, the airline is not obligated to provide compensation for the cancelled flight.
2. How much compensation am I entitled to if my short-haul flight is cancelled?
For short-haul flights within the EU, you are entitled to €250 if the flight is cancelled and you are not offered an alternative flight. If you are offered an alternative flight that departs no more than two hours before the original flight’s scheduled departure time, the compensation is reduced to €125.
3. What compensation can I expect for a medium-haul flight cancellation?
For medium-haul flights within the EU, you are entitled to €400 if the flight is cancelled and you are not offered an alternative flight. If you are offered an alternative flight that departs no more than three hours before the original flight’s scheduled departure time, the compensation is reduced to €200.
4. When will the airline not provide compensation for a cancelled flight?
The airline is not obligated to provide compensation if the flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
5. How can I claim compensation for a cancelled flight?
To claim compensation for a cancelled flight, you should first contact the airline and request the compensation you are entitled to under the EU Regulation 261/2004. If the airline denies your claim or fails to respond within a reasonable period of time, you can escalate your claim to a national enforcement body or seek legal assistance.
6. What if my flight is cancelled and I am given the option to rebook or receive a refund?
If your flight is cancelled, the airline should offer you the choice of either rebooking on an alternative flight or receiving a full refund of the ticket price. If you choose to rebook, you are still entitled to compensation unless the alternative flight departs no more than one hour before the original flight’s scheduled departure time.
7. Can I get compensation for a cancelled flight if I am flying with a non-EU airline from an EU airport?
Yes, you are entitled to compensation for a cancelled flight even if you are flying with a non-EU airline from an EU airport, as long as the cancellation occurred within the EU Regulation 261/2004.
8. How do I know if my flight cancellation is covered by the EU Regulation 261/2004?
The EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, as well as flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline. It also covers flights departing from the EU on a non-EU airline, as long as the flight’s destination is within the EU zone.
9. Is there a time limit for claiming compensation for a cancelled flight?
Yes, there is a time limit for claiming compensation for a cancelled flight. In most EU countries, the limitation period for filing a claim for flight cancellation compensation is two to three years from the date of the cancelled flight.
10. What if I incurred additional expenses due to the flight cancellation?
If you incurred additional expenses as a result of the flight cancellation, such as accommodation, meals, or transportation, you can also claim compensation for these expenses from the airline, in addition to the compensation for the cancelled flight itself. It’s important to keep all receipts and documentation to support your claim.
