Flight Cancellation Compensation in USA & EU
Air travel occasionally encounters turbulence, and unforeseen flight cancellations can disrupt your plans. However, you may still be entitled to receive substantial compensation, potentially up to $650, for flight cancellations under EU regulations. This compensation applies even when the airline has arranged an alternative flight for you.
US law does not mandate monetary compensation for canceled flights. However, many airlines offer forms of compensation such as meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, ground transportation to and from the hotel, and in some cases, travel vouchers.
In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of canceled flight compensation, helping you understand your rights and the steps you can take to claim your well-deserved reimbursement. Discover everything you need to know about securing your flight cancellation compensation.
Flight Cancellation Compensation US
No regulations require airlines to financially compensate passengers for domestic flights in the US that are canceled or delayed. However, airlines do provide certain services to mitigate the inconvenience. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a list of airlines that offer such services. Below, we will detail what you are entitled to in case of a canceled flight.
What Are You Entitled to When Your Flight Is Canceled?
The document published by the DOT includes the top ten US airlines, which together cover about 96% of domestic air traffic. The ten airlines included in the document are, in alphabetical order: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United.
In case of a controllable cancellation, here is what you can expect from all ten major US airlines:
Rebooking on the next available flight of the same airline at no additional cost.
Meals or meal cash/vouchers when the flight cancellation results in a wait of at least three hours.
No cash compensation.
There are additional forms of compensation and assistance guaranteed by most airlines. They include hotel accommodations for overnight cancellations, ground transportation to the hotel, and rebooking on partner airlines, as shown in the table below:
| Airline | Rebook on partner airline | Hotel for overnight cancellations | Ground transport to the hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Allegiant | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| American | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Delta | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Frontier | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hawaiian | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Jet Blue | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Southwest | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Spirit | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| United | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
There are a few airlines that offer extra compensation in case of a canceled flight:
Credit/travel voucher when a delay results in a passenger waiting 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time — offered only by Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest.
Frequent flyer miles when a delay results in a passenger waiting 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time — offered only by Alaska Airlines.
What Is a Controllable Flight Cancellation?
An airline cancellation is considered controllable when it is caused by the airline. Examples include:
Crew shortages or scheduling errors
Aircraft maintenance issues
Administrative problems, such as paperwork or processing delays
Lack of necessary equipment for the flight
Technical faults with the aircraft not related to weather
Uncontrollable factors include severe weather conditions, air traffic control decisions, security concerns, etc.
Right to a Refund
If a flight has experienced a cancellation, passengers are entitled to a ticket refund if they choose not to fly. This applies regardless of the cause of the cancellation—whether it is controllable or uncontrollable.
Upcoming Changes
In April 2024, a new rule was announced that will require airlines to provide automatic refunds for passengers on canceled flights. Airlines have been given six months to adapt to this new regulation, meaning the existing rules will remain in effect until then.
Other Possible Flight Cancellation Compensations for US Passengers
No matter where you live, if you’re flying from a European airport, or flying into Europe on a European airline, you can claim flight cancellation compensation under EC 261. This law can also protect the rights of US passengers, for example:
Flights from Europe to the United States;
Flights departing from US airports to Europe, operated by European airlines.
This chart makes it clear:
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✔️ Covered | ✔️ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✔️ Covered | ✔️ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✔️ Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
Canceled Flight Claim - EU Airline Compensation
When it comes to air travel to and from Europe, passengers are entitled to specific rights under the EC 261 law. In the event of a flight cancellation, you could file a claim and receive a substantial payout, potentially up to $650, in EU flight cancellation compensation.
However, understanding your eligibility can be a somewhat intricate process, as certain conditions must align. To provide clarity and help you determine if you qualify for this valuable canceled flight compensation, let's delve into the key factors at play:
Your flight was going to take off in the EU (flights to the EU also qualify in some cases).
The airline notified you of the cancellation less than 14 days before the flight was due to depart.
If you took a replacement flight, your new arrival time was significantly different to your original flight (exact times below).
The cancellation occurred within the last three years.
You had a confirmed flight reservation - shown by a booking confirmation complete with information like the flight number and name of passengers.
The reason for the cancellation was within the airline's control (e.g. operational circumstances, technical difficulties, or airline staff strikes).
Canceled Flight Compensation: Definition of flight cancellation
A flight is officially considered canceled by an airline when it never takes off from the tarmac. According to the EC 261 regulation, a canceled flight is defined as follows:
"The non-operation of a flight which was previously planned and on which at least one seat was reserved."
When an airline cancels your flight, you may be entitled to receive flight cancellation compensation for the inconvenience caused. Under EU regulation EC 261, passengers have the right to claim compensation from airlines for canceled flights, which can amount to as much as $650 per flight cancellation, provided specific criteria are met. In the following sections, we will delve into the details of how much flight cancellation compensation you might be eligible for based on your circumstances. To quickly find out if you qualify for compensation, use our eligibility checker now.
EC 261: What Are You Entitled To If Your Flight Is Canceled?
When your flight is canceled, the airline must offer you a choice between two options: either they can provide you with an alternative flight or offer a refund.
If your flight gets canceled within 14 days of its originally scheduled departure, you may have an additional entitlement – compensation for the canceled flight. We'll provide a detailed breakdown of all these entitlements in the sections below, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your rights in case of flight cancellations.
Flight Canceled: Compensation, Flight Refund, or Re-routing
When it comes to flight cancellations, EC 261 makes it clear that the airline must offer the passenger the following three choices:
A full or partial refund of your original ticket - and a return flight to your original point of departure if needed.
The earliest possible alternative transport to your final destination.
A new ticket to your final destination at a later date of your choosing, subject to availability.
Let’s break down what your choices are here.
Refund
This is a simple choice if you have not taken any portion of your flight. You will be refunded the full cost of your ticket.
If you have already departed it’s a little more complex. You can get a refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
If you have used part of your ticket, but the canceled flight disrupts your original travel plan, you can get a refund for that used portion of the ticket too.
Whenever relevant, the airline must also provide you with a return flight to the first point of departure, and at the earliest opportunity.
Either way, EC 261 says you must be reimbursed within 7 days.
Earliest possible alternative
Under this choice, your airline must provide you with a new means of getting to your final destination as soon as they can. EC 261 specifies it must be under comparable transport conditions too.
How Much EU Flight Compensation Should You Get?
When the airline informs you of a flight cancellation with less than 14 days' notice before your scheduled departure, you may be eligible for flight cancellation compensation. EC 261 outlines specific compensation amounts for canceled flights, which can reach as high as $650 (€600) per passenger.
However, the precise compensation figure is contingent on several factors, including:
Travel Distance: The distance of your intended journey.
Flight Location: Whether your flight falls within the European Union or not.
Length of Delay: This is determined by how much later the alternate flight would arrive at your final destination.
These variables can be a bit complex to navigate, which is why we've prepared a comprehensive chart that provides a clear breakdown of compensation amounts for flight disruptions in euros (€) for your reference. This chart simplifies the process and ensures you a better understanding of the potential compensation for flight delays you may be entitled to.
Compensation based on the length of delay (alternate flight vs. original flight):
| Under 2 hours | 2 - 3 hours | 3 – 4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km - 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Under EC 261, all canceled flights qualify for compensation when the airline has given you less than 14 days’ notice, with one exception.
If the airline offers to re-route you, it can avoid paying cancellation compensation if the following criteria are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Are You Entitled to EU Compensation for a Cancelled Flight?
Where EC 261 Applies
EC 261's regulations extend their protective umbrella over flight routes and airlines, without regard to the passengers' country of origin. This means that U.S. citizens, for example, enjoy the same entitlements to flight cancellation compensation as their European counterparts.
Additionally, the scope of Europe extends further than one might initially assume. The regulations encompass what are known as "outermost regions," which include the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores, French Guiana and Martinique, Mayotte, Guadeloupe and La Réunion, as well as Saint-Martin. Furthermore, the regulations encompass European nations that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Even if your flight was initially scheduled to depart from a location outside of Europe, as long as your final destination was within Europe and you were flying with a European carrier, you remain eligible for these protections. To simplify this complex web of coverage, we have prepared a helpful chart for your reference, making it easier to discern whether your specific situation qualifies for flight cancellation compensation.
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✔️ Covered | ✔️ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✔️ Covered | ✔️ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✔️ Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
Extraordinary Circumstances Are Not Covered
One way airlines avoid paying flight cancellation compensation is by showing the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances. This means that the reason behind the cancellation was something outside of their control. Typically, situations like lightning strikes, medical emergencies, serious adverse weather conditions, acts of sabotage, or terrorism all fall under this exclusion.
Often airlines cite reasons like “technical difficulties” or “operational circumstances” as the cause of a cancellation. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has repeatedly stated that these do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances.” In April 2018, the European Court of Justice also ruled that strikes by flight staff are not “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning that passengers should receive compensation for flight cancellations resulting from airline staff strikes.
Connecting Flights and Cancellation Compensation
Determining what you're entitled to when a connecting flight is canceled is a nuanced matter, with no one-size-fits-all response. Generally speaking, if all the flights in your itinerary were purchased as a unified booking, then the regulations outlined in EC 261 will typically apply.
For instance, if your entire journey, which includes a connecting flight, was initiated in Europe or was set to land in Europe while being operated by an EU carrier, the comprehensive protection of these regulations should extend across your entire itinerary. Consequently, the amount of flight cancellation compensation you may be entitled to would be calculated based on the entirety of your journey.
For more in-depth information on how EC 261 applies to connecting flights, we recommend visiting our dedicated page on missed connection compensation. However, the quickest way to determine your eligibility is by entering your flight details in the box below. This will provide you with a swift and precise assessment of your entitlements in the event of a canceled connecting flight.
How to File a Claim for Flight Cancellation Compensation
What To Do If Your Flight Is Canceled
If you’re traveling to or from the European Union, here’s what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don’t sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
How AirHelp Can Help You Claim
If you’re going to file a compensation claim under EC 261, you can expect some pushback from the airline. Just because the law is on your side doesn’t mean they are going to be enthusiastic – or swift – about paying you.
That’s where AirHelp can come in. We can handle all the negotiations with the airline on your behalf.
AirHelp is the leading flight compensation company in the world, helping passengers understand their rights and get compensation for delayed or canceled flights, and in instances of denied boarding.
AirHelp is the best-rated flight compensation company in the world with a 9.2 score on Trustpilot.
We have already helped more than 16 million passengers.
You can avoid the burden of time and navigating the complex legal system.
Airlines may deny your initial claim or ignore your claim request entirely, our team tackle bureaucratic hurdles to get you the money you deserve.
AirHelp will get no fee unless you get compensated. For the processing of claims, we used fixed fees that depend on the type of claim. The fixed fee frequently corresponds to around 35% of the potential compensation. For more information on our fee structure, check our price list.
If you would prefer to claim your flight cancellation compensation yourself, please still make use of our tools. Our leading edge claim eligibility check and air passenger rights education services will tell you what you are entitled to. All are completely free.
Flight Cancellation Compensation: Other Entitlements Under EC 261
Right to Care
If your flight cancellation leaves you stuck waiting at an airport, the carrier must provide you with meals and refreshments during the delay. They must also offer you access to communications, including two telephone calls, telefax or fax messages, and emails.
If you need overnight accommodation, they must provide you with a hotel room and transport to and from the airport.
Upgrading and downgrading
If you’re offered an alternative flight and are lucky enough to be placed in a higher class than the one you booked, the carrier cannot charge you any additional payment.
On the other hand, if the class of the alternative flight is lower, you can get a reimbursement of between 30-75% of the price you originally paid.
Obligation to inform passengers about flight cancellation compensation
You have the right to be informed about the content of EC 261. Every airline must display information on passengers’ rights at their check-in counters at every airport in which they operate.
Further compensation
Your right to compensation under EC 261 does not affect your right to request further compensation. However, this rule does not apply if you have voluntarily given up your reservation. Note that if you do claim further compensation, the amount you are entitled to under EC 261 may be deducted from whatever additional compensation you receive.
If you’d like to know more about your rights, we have further explanations on our Air Passenger Rights page. You can read the text of EC 261 here.
Common questions about flight cancellation compensation
Know more about your rights
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