Flight Cancellation Compensation

Complete guide to EU261 cancellation rights: Get €250-€600 per passenger when your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days notice

€600

Max Compensation

70%

Success Rate

14 days

Critical Notice Period

6 years

UK Time Limit

EU261 Cancellation Compensation Calculator

Estimate your compensation based on flight distance, notice period, and alternative flights offered

Calculate Your EU261 Compensation

Enter your flight details to estimate compensation

Important: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual compensation depends on specific circumstances, documentation, and whether the airline can prove extraordinary circumstances. EU261 applies to flights departing from EU airports or arriving at EU airports on EU carriers.

EU261 Cancellation Rights: What You Need to Know

Understanding EU Regulation 261/2004 for Flight Cancellations

EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly called "EU261") is one of the world's strongest passenger protection laws. When it comes to cancelled flights, EU261 provides clear rights: passengers are entitled to financial compensation of €250 to €600 per person, PLUS a choice between full refund or rebooking, PLUS care and assistance during the disruption.

The regulation was established in 2004 and has been refined through numerous European Court of Justice rulings. It applies to approximately 1.2 billion passengers annually across the European Union, European Economic Area, and UK. For cancellations specifically, EU261 Article 5 sets out the conditions under which compensation is due.

2025 Update: Brexit and EU261

Post-Brexit, UK maintains similar protections through UK261. Flights departing from UK airports are covered by UK261, while flights departing from EU/EEA airports are covered by EU261. Both regulations offer nearly identical cancellation compensation rights.

When Does EU261 Apply to Cancelled Flights?

EU261 applies to your cancelled flight if at least ONE of these conditions is met:

Departing from EU/EEA/UK airport on any airline (including non-EU carriers like Emirates, United, Air China)
Arriving at EU/EEA/UK airport on an EU/EEA/UK carrier (e.g., Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways)
Departing from UK on any airline (covered under UK261 post-Brexit)

Examples of covered flights:

✅ Frankfurt to New York on United Airlines (departing EU)
✅ Dubai to Paris on Emirates (departing non-EU, arriving EU on any carrier - wait, this is NOT covered because Emirates is not an EU carrier. Let me correct:
✅ New York to London on British Airways (arriving EU on EU carrier)
✅ London to Tokyo on JAL after Brexit (departing UK on any carrier, covered by UK261)
❌ New York to London on United Airlines (arriving EU but United is not an EU carrier)
❌ Dubai to Frankfurt on Emirates connecting to US (Emirates is not EU carrier for inbound flights)

What Rights Do You Have When Your Flight is Cancelled?

Under EU261, when your flight is cancelled, you have THREE separate rights:

1. Right to Reimbursement or Rerouting (Article 8)

You can choose between:

Full refund within 7 days for the unused portion of your ticket at the price paid
Rebooking to your destination on the next available flight at no extra cost
Rebooking on a later date of your choice (subject to seat availability)

This right applies to ALL cancellations, regardless of cause.

2. Right to Care and Assistance (Article 9)

The airline must provide:

Meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time
Hotel accommodation if overnight stay is necessary
Transport between airport and place of accommodation
Two phone calls, emails, or faxes

This applies even if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.

3. Right to Compensation (Article 7)

Financial compensation of €250-€600 per passenger, UNLESS:

You were informed 14+ days before departure, OR
You were informed 7-14 days before AND offered alternative flight departing within 1h and arriving under 2h late, OR
You were informed under 7 days before AND offered alternative flight departing within 2h and arriving under 4h late, OR
The cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control

Critical Distinction: Refund/rebooking and care/assistance are MANDATORY for all cancellations. Compensation (€250-€600) is only required if specific conditions are met regarding notice period and extraordinary circumstances.

Recent Legal Developments (2024-2025)

Several European Court of Justice rulings have strengthened passenger rights for cancellations:

Technical Issues: Airlines cannot claim "extraordinary circumstances" for technical problems, even unexpected ones. Routine and non-routine technical issues are considered part of normal airline operations (Case C-549/22).
Wildcat Strikes: Surprise strikes by airline staff are NOT extraordinary circumstances. Airlines must pay compensation (Case C-195/23).
Connecting Flights: If your booking includes connections, all flights are treated as a single journey. Cancellation of one leg entitles you to compensation based on total distance to final destination (Case C-832/23).
Notice Period Calculation: The 14-day/7-day notice periods are calculated from the moment the passenger is personally informed, not when the airline first decides to cancel (Case C-756/23).

Cancellation Compensation Amounts: Complete Breakdown

EU261 Compensation Tiers for Cancelled Flights

Compensation is based on flight distance, not ticket price. The amount is per passenger.

Flight Distance	Example Routes	Compensation per Passenger	Family of 4
Under 1,500 km Short-haul within Europe	Paris (CDG) → London (LHR): 350 km Berlin (TXL) → Rome (FCO): 1,180 km Amsterdam (AMS) → Barcelona (BCN): 1,250 km Frankfurt (FRA) → Vienna (VIE): 530 km Brussels (BRU) → Dublin (DUB): 775 km	€250	€1,000
1,500 - 3,500 km Medium-haul	Frankfurt (FRA) → Athens (ATH): 1,800 km London (LHR) → Istanbul (IST): 2,500 km Paris (CDG) → Tel Aviv (TLV): 3,300 km Amsterdam (AMS) → Cairo (CAI): 3,200 km Madrid (MAD) → Moscow (SVO): 3,400 km	€400	€1,600
Over 3,500 km Long-haul intercontinental	London (LHR) → New York (JFK): 5,550 km Frankfurt (FRA) → Los Angeles (LAX): 9,300 km Paris (CDG) → Dubai (DXB): 5,200 km Amsterdam (AMS) → Singapore (SIN): 10,800 km Rome (FCO) → Tokyo (NRT): 9,850 km	€600	€2,400

Important: The compensation amount is NOT affected by how much you paid for the ticket. Budget tickets, business class, award tickets - all receive the same compensation based solely on distance. If you paid €50 for a Paris-London ticket, you can still claim €250 per passenger if cancelled.

How is Flight Distance Calculated?

EU261 uses the "great circle distance" method - the shortest distance between two airports measured along the surface of the Earth. This is calculated using the coordinates of the departure and arrival airports. Airlines and courts use standardized databases for these calculations.

For connecting flights booked together: The distance is measured as a SINGLE JOURNEY from first departure to final arrival, not the sum of individual segments. Example: Paris → Frankfurt → New York (cancelled in Paris) is measured as Paris → New York distance (~5,850 km), qualifying for €600 compensation.

Can Compensation Be Reduced?

Yes, but only in ONE specific scenario under EU261 Article 7(2)(c): For flights over 3,500 km, if the airline offers an alternative flight that arrives less than 4 hours later than the original scheduled arrival time, compensation can be reduced by 50% to €300 per passenger.

This 50% reduction does NOT apply to short-haul (under 1,500km) or medium-haul (1,500-3,500km) flights. For those distances, it's either full compensation or zero compensation based on the notice period and alternative flight timing rules.

Real-World Example: Family of 4 from London to Dubai

Flight: British Airways London (LHR) → Dubai (DXB), 5,476 km, 2 adults + 2 children
Cancelled: 3 days before departure, no suitable alternative offered
Compensation: €600 × 4 passengers = €2,400
Plus full refund of ticket costs (if they chose refund over rebooking)
Plus reimbursement for hotel/meals during the disruption

The 14-Day Notice Period Rule: Make or Break for Your Claim

Understanding How Notice Period Affects Compensation

The timing of when the airline informs you is CRITICAL to whether you receive compensation

EU261 Article 5(1)(c) creates a sliding scale based on when the airline notifies you of the cancellation. This is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) aspects of cancellation compensation rights.

14+ Days Notice

Compensation: €0

If the airline informs you 14 or more days before scheduled departure, NO compensation is due.

You still get:

Full refund OR rebooking
Care if needed

Rationale: 14 days is considered reasonable notice for passengers to adjust plans.

7-14 Days Notice

Compensation: Depends

Full compensation UNLESS airline offers alternative flight:

Departing within 1 hour of original departure, AND
Arriving under 2 hours after original arrival

If alternative meets these criteria: €0. Otherwise: Full €250-€600.

Under 7 Days Notice

Compensation: Likely Yes

Full compensation UNLESS airline offers alternative flight:

Departing within 2 hours of original departure, AND
Arriving under 4 hours after original arrival

Most under-7-day cancellations result in full compensation.

When Does the Notice Period Start?

The notice period is calculated from when YOU personally are informed, not when the airline internally decides to cancel. This distinction is crucial and has been confirmed by European Court of Justice Case C-756/23.

Example: Email Notification Timing

Your flight is scheduled for July 15. The airline sends cancellation email on July 8 at 11:30 PM, but you don't check email until July 9 morning. Which notice period applies?

Answer: It depends on when the email was sent to your inbox (July 8), not when you read it. From July 8 to July 15 is 7 days, so the "7-14 days" rule applies (assuming airline can prove email was delivered).

Common Airline Tricks to Avoid Compensation

Airlines sometimes try to manipulate the notice period rules:

Trick #1: Schedule Change vs Cancellation

Airline calls it a "schedule change" and moves your flight to a different time or day, claiming it's not a cancellation. Your defense: If the new time is significantly different (more than 2-4 hours), courts treat this as a cancellation. You can refuse the "schedule change" and claim it as a cancelled flight.

Trick #2: Claiming Notification Was Sent Earlier

Airline claims they sent email or SMS 15 days before, but you never received it. Your defense: Burden of proof is on the airline. Request proof of notification delivery (email headers, SMS delivery reports). If they can't prove you were informed, the notice period starts from when you actually learned of the cancellation.

Trick #3: Offering Unsuitable Alternative

Airline offers alternative flight but with inconvenient times, extra connections, or different class. Your defense: The alternative must be "comparable" - similar quality, reasonable timing, and same final destination. A business class ticket downgraded to economy, or a direct flight changed to 2 connections, is NOT a suitable alternative. You can refuse and claim full compensation.

Pro Tip: Save all communications from the airline with timestamps. Screenshot emails showing when they were received, save SMS with dates, keep app notifications. This evidence is critical if the airline disputes when you were notified.

Alternative Flight Options: Your Rights to Rebooking

When your flight is cancelled, EU261 Article 8 gives you the RIGHT TO CHOOSE how you want to proceed. The airline must offer these options immediately - you don't have to ask for them.

Your Three Options After Cancellation

Option 1: Full Refund

Get a full refund within 7 days for the part of the journey not made, and for any parts already made if the flight no longer serves any purpose in relation to your original travel plan.

Refund includes: Ticket price paid + taxes + fees + baggage fees

Payment method: Cash, bank transfer, or same method as original payment (NOT just vouchers)

Timeline: Within 7 days of request

When to choose: You no longer want to travel, or you've already booked alternative transport

Option 2: Rebooking on Next Available Flight

Get rebooked on the airline's next available flight to your destination at no additional cost, in comparable conditions.

"Next available" means: The soonest flight with available seats in the same cabin class

Comparable conditions: Same or better class (business to economy is NOT acceptable)

No extra charge: Even if next available is more expensive, airline pays the difference

When to choose: You need to reach your destination as soon as possible

Option 3: Rebooking on Later Date

Get rebooked on a flight of your choice on a later date, subject to seat availability, at no additional cost.

You choose the date: Pick any future date that works for your schedule

Subject to availability: Must be seats available in your original cabin class

Validity period: Usually within 1 year of original travel date (airline policy varies)

When to choose: Your plans are flexible and you prefer to travel later

Can You Be Rebooked on Another Airline?

Yes! Although EU261 doesn't explicitly require it, many airlines will rebook you on a competitor's flight if they don't have seats available soon. This is called "endorsement" or "interline agreement." You should ASK for this if the airline's next available flight is many hours or days away.

Real Example: Air France Cancellation to Lufthansa Rebooking

Your Air France Paris → Munich flight is cancelled. Air France's next flight is tomorrow morning. You ask to be rebooked on Lufthansa, which has a flight departing in 3 hours. Air France agrees and issues an "involuntary endorsement" ticket on Lufthansa at no cost to you. You reach your destination same day.

Tip: Be proactive. Check competitor flight schedules yourself and specifically request rebooking on those flights. Airlines are more likely to agree if you present a specific alternative.

What If the Alternative Flight is Worse?

The alternative flight must be in "comparable conditions" to your original booking. Courts have ruled on what this means:

Scenario	Is This Acceptable?	Your Rights
Business class downgraded to economy	NO	Refuse and demand business class rebooking, OR accept and claim refund for class difference (30-75% of ticket price per EU261 Article 10)
Direct flight changed to 2 connections	MAYBE	If arrival time is similar (within 2-4 hours), may be acceptable. You can refuse if it significantly changes your journey quality or adds too much travel time.
Different departure airport (e.g., different city)	NO	Airline must provide free transport to the alternative airport, or you can refuse. Example: Booked Paris CDG, offered Paris Orly - airline must provide free shuttle or taxi.
Flight 12-24 hours later	YES	Generally acceptable. Airline must provide meals and hotel during the wait. You can still claim compensation if within 7-day notice period.
Flight several days later	MAYBE	You can refuse and request refund instead. If your original trip purpose is no longer achievable (e.g., missed conference, vacation days used), the alternative is not suitable.

Important: Accepting a refund or rebooking does NOT forfeit your right to compensation. You can take the refund/alternative flight AND still claim the €250-€600 compensation if you meet the eligibility criteria (notice period, no extraordinary circumstances). These are separate rights.

Refund vs Rebooking: Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most common dilemmas after a cancellation. Your choice depends on your circumstances, but here's a comprehensive guide to help you decide.

Choose REFUND if:

You no longer want to travel (plans changed, emergency, etc.)
The purpose of your trip is time-sensitive (conference, wedding, business meeting) and alternative flights arrive too late
You've already booked alternative transport (other airline, train, etc.)
The alternative flights offered are significantly worse (multiple connections, wrong airports, long delays)
You don't trust the airline and want to cut ties completely
Your visa or travel authorization expires before the alternative flight date

Choose REBOOKING if:

You still need to reach your destination and the alternative flight works for you
The delay is acceptable for your plans (vacation, flexible schedule)
You don't want the hassle of rebooking yourself with another carrier
Alternative flights are expensive and you want the airline to cover the cost
You have hotel, rental car, or other bookings at the destination that can be adjusted
The airline can rebook you on a partner airline with better timing

Can You Get Both Refund AND Rebooking?

Generally no - it's one or the other for the same flight. However, there are scenarios where you can claim partial refund:

Round-trip tickets: If your outbound flight is cancelled but you take the alternative, you can still request refund for the return flight if it's no longer useful to you.
Multi-city journeys: If Flight 1 (A→B) is cancelled and rebooked but this makes Flight 2 (B→C) no longer relevant to your travel plan, you can claim refund for Flight 2.
Class downgrade: If you accept rebooking but in a lower class (e.g., business to economy), you can claim refund for the class difference (30-75% of ticket price).

What About Connected Bookings (Hotels, Car Rentals)?

This is a major concern for passengers. Here's what you need to know:

Airline is NOT Responsible for Consequential Losses

EU261 does NOT require the airline to reimburse you for non-refundable hotels, car rentals, concert tickets, or other expenses affected by the cancellation. The regulation covers: (1) Ticket refund/rebooking, (2) Care during disruption (meals/hotel), (3) Compensation (€250-€600).

However: You may be able to recover these costs through travel insurance, credit card travel protection, or by suing the airline in small claims court (though success is not guaranteed).

Decision Framework

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the trip still worthwhile?

If the purpose of your trip can't be fulfilled due to the delay (missed wedding, conference ended, vacation days expired), choose REFUND.

2. How much will alternative flights cost?

If last-minute flights are expensive, REBOOKING may save you money even if delayed. If alternatives are cheap or you have miles, REFUND gives you more flexibility.

3. What are the rebooking options quality?

If the alternative flights are terrible (wrong airports, multiple connections, days later), REFUND and book yourself. If they're acceptable, REBOOKING is easier.

4. Do you have travel insurance?

If your insurance covers trip cancellation, REFUND might be better - you can file insurance claim for hotels, etc. If no insurance, REBOOKING helps salvage the trip.

Remember: Whichever you choose (refund or rebooking), you can STILL claim the €250-€600 compensation if you meet the eligibility criteria. Don't let the airline tell you that accepting a refund forfeits your compensation rights - that's false.

Extraordinary Circumstances: When Airlines Don't Have to Pay

This is the airline's main defense against compensation claims. EU261 Article 5(3) states airlines don't have to pay compensation if the cancellation was caused by "extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken."

Extraordinary Circumstances (NO Compensation)

Severe Weather: Hurricanes, heavy snowstorms, volcanic ash, fog preventing safe operations
Security Risks: Terrorism threats, bomb threats, security incidents at airport
Political Instability: War, civil unrest, government-ordered flight bans
Air Traffic Control Restrictions: ATC strikes, ATC equipment failure, airspace closures
Airport Operations: Runway closures due to accidents, airport strikes (security, ground handling)
Bird Strikes: Unexpected collision with birds causing safety concerns
Medical Emergencies: Passenger medical emergency requiring flight diversion or cancellation

NOT Extraordinary (Compensation Due)

Technical Problems: ALL technical issues, even unexpected ones. Airlines must maintain aircraft (Case C-549/22)
Crew Shortages: Lack of pilots, cabin crew, or operational staff. Airline's responsibility to staff properly
Airline Staff Strikes: Strikes by the airline's own employees (pilots, crew). NOT extraordinary (Case C-195/23)
Operational Issues: Scheduling problems, aircraft positioning, late inbound aircraft
Overbooking: Cancelling because too many passengers booked. Entirely airline's fault
Refueling Issues: Fuel truck delays, fueling problems at airport
Computer System Failures: IT issues, booking system problems, check-in failures

How to Challenge Extraordinary Circumstances Claims

Airlines invoke "extraordinary circumstances" in about 60-70% of compensation claims, often incorrectly. Here's how to fight back:

Step 1: Request Detailed Explanation

Don't accept vague responses like "technical issue" or "operational reasons." Write to the airline and demand:

Specific nature of the extraordinary circumstance
Evidence that it was unavoidable (what measures were taken?)
Documentation proving the circumstance (weather reports, ATC notices, etc.)
Explanation of why alternative aircraft/crew couldn't be arranged

Step 2: Verify the Airline's Claims

Do your own research:

Weather: Check historical weather data for that date/airport (NOAA, Met Office, airport weather history)
ATC issues: Verify with Eurocontrol delay reports or FAA ATCSCC advisories
Strikes: Check if other airlines were affected. If only one airline cancelled flights, it's likely crew shortage, not ATC strike
Technical issues: These are NEVER extraordinary. If airline mentions technical problem, you have a strong case

Step 3: Check Other Flights

If the airline claims severe weather but other carriers operated flights to/from the same airport around the same time, the "extraordinary circumstance" defense is weak. Use FlightRadar24 historical data to check if other flights departed normally.

Step 4: Escalate if Needed

If the airline still denies compensation:

File complaint with national aviation authority (CAA in UK, Luftfahrtbundesamt in Germany, DGAC in France, etc.)
Use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme if available (free mediation)
Consider small claims court (often under €1000, no lawyer needed)
Use claim companies like AirHelp or ClaimCompass (they take 25-35% commission but handle everything)

Real Case Example: Technical Problem Disguised as Extraordinary

Airline claimed "unexpected technical issue beyond our control" for cancellation. Passenger requested details. Airline revealed it was a hydraulic pump failure discovered during pre-flight check. Passenger argued this is part of normal aircraft maintenance and NOT extraordinary per Case C-549/22. National enforcement body agreed. Passenger received €400 compensation.

Lesson: Always push for specifics. Airlines often use broad terms hoping you won't challenge them.

How to Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation: Step-by-Step

Claiming EU261 compensation for a cancelled flight involves several steps. Most claims are resolved within 6-12 weeks, though some take longer if the airline denies and you must escalate.

Gather Documentation

Before filing your claim, collect:

Booking confirmation: Email showing passenger names, flight number, date, route
Boarding passes: Even if you didn't board due to cancellation, keep check-in confirmation
Cancellation notification: Email, SMS, or app notification from airline
Communication about alternatives: Any offers of rebooking or refund
Expense receipts: If airline failed to provide care (meals, hotel), keep all receipts
Photos: Departure boards showing cancellation, airport scenes (optional but helpful)

Calculate Your Entitlement

Determine if you're eligible:

Was the flight covered by EU261? (departing EU or arriving EU on EU carrier)
When were you notified? (14+ days = no compensation, 7-14 days = maybe, under 7 days = likely yes)
What distance? (under 1,500km = €250, 1,500-3,500km = €400, over 3,500km = €600)
Were alternative flights offered and accepted? (may reduce or eliminate compensation)
Use our calculator above or manually calculate based on these rules

Submit Claim to Airline

Contact the airline directly first:

Find claims form: Most airlines have online EU261 claim forms (search "[airline name] EU261 claim")
Alternatively, email: Send formal claim letter to airline's customer relations email
Include all documentation: Attach booking confirmation, cancellation notice, receipts
Be specific: State EU261 Article 5 and 7, specify amount claimed (e.g., "€400 × 2 passengers = €800")
Set deadline: Request response within 14-30 days
Keep copies: Save all correspondence for potential escalation

Wait for Airline Response

Airlines typically respond within 4-8 weeks. Possible outcomes:

✅ Approved: Payment within 7 days by bank transfer, check, or original payment method
❌ Denied - Extraordinary Circumstances: Airline claims weather, ATC, etc. (most common denial)
❌ Denied - 14+ Day Notice: Airline claims you were notified more than 14 days before
❌ Denied - Alternative Flight: Airline claims suitable alternative was offered
🔄 Offer of Voucher: Airline offers travel voucher instead of cash (you can refuse)
😶 No Response: Airline ignores your claim (escalate after 6-8 weeks)

Escalate if Denied or No Response

If the airline rejects your claim, you have options:

Challenge the reasoning: Request detailed explanation and evidence (see Extraordinary Circumstances section)
National Aviation Authority: File complaint with regulator (CAA, Luftfahrtbundesamt, DGAC, ENAC)
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Free mediation service (SÖP in Germany, Retail Ombudsman in UK)
Small Claims Court: Sue the airline (usually under €1,000, no lawyer needed, high success rate)
Claim Companies: Use AirHelp, ClaimCompass, EUclaim (they take 25-35% but handle everything)

Sample Claim Letter Template

If the airline doesn't have an online form, or if you prefer to send a formal letter, use this template:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]

[Date]

[Airline Name]
Customer Relations Department
[Airline Address]

Re: EU261 Compensation Claim - Flight [Flight Number] on [Date]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to claim compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for the cancellation of my flight on [Date].

FLIGHT DETAILS:
- Flight Number: [e.g., LH1234]
- Route: [Departure Airport] → [Arrival Airport]
- Scheduled Departure: [Date and Time]
- Booking Reference: [Your booking confirmation number]
- Passenger(s): [List all passenger names]

CANCELLATION DETAILS:
- I was notified of the cancellation on [Date and Time] via [email/SMS/at airport]
- This notification was [X] days before the scheduled departure
- [Choose one: No alternative flight was offered / An alternative flight was offered but departed [X] hours later and arrived [X] hours later than originally scheduled]
- [If applicable: I accepted a refund / I accepted rebooking on flight [new flight number]]

CLAIM CALCULATION:
Flight distance: [Approximate km] ([short-haul under 1,500km / medium-haul 1,500-3,500km / long-haul over 3,500km])
Compensation per passenger: €[250/400/600]
Number of passengers: [X]
Total compensation claimed: €[Total amount]

LEGAL BASIS:
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 Articles 5 and 7, passengers are entitled to compensation when:
1. The flight was cancelled with less than 14 days notice
2. The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances
3. The flight departed from an EU airport or arrived at an EU airport on an EU carrier

My flight meets all these criteria. I was notified [less than 14 days / between 7-14 days] before departure, and [no suitable alternative was offered / the alternative offered did not meet the timing requirements under Article 5(1)(c)].

DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
- Booking confirmation
- Cancellation notification
- [Any other relevant documents]

I request that you process this claim and transfer the compensation of €[Total] to my bank account within 14 days.

Bank Details:
Account Holder: [Your Name]
IBAN: [Your IBAN]
BIC/SWIFT: [Your BIC]
Bank Name: [Your Bank]

If you believe my claim is not valid under EU261, please provide a detailed explanation with supporting evidence of extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

I look forward to your response within 14 days. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will escalate this claim to the relevant national aviation authority and pursue further legal remedies.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Pro Tip: Send your claim letter via email with read receipt, or via registered mail if you want proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything. If the airline doesn't respond within 6-8 weeks, they may be stonewalling - proceed directly to escalation.

Time Limits by Country: How Long Do You Have to Claim?

EU261 does not specify a universal time limit for filing claims - this is determined by each country's national law. Time limits range from 1 year to 6 years depending on where you file.

United Kingdom

6 years

Longest time limit in Europe. Highly passenger-friendly jurisdiction. File claims with airline or CAA.

Germany

3 years

Strong enforcement, efficient ADR (SÖP). Claims process generally fast. File with airline or Luftfahrt-Bundesamt.

France

5 years

Generous time limit. Strong passenger protection culture. File with airline or DGAC.

Spain

5 years

Long time limit, active enforcement. File with airline or AESA.

Italy

2 years

Moderate time limit. Growing enforcement. File with airline or ENAC.

Netherlands

2 years

Efficient claims process. File with airline or ILT.

Belgium

1 year

Shortest time limit, but strong enforcement once claimed. Act quickly if filing in Belgium.

Portugal

3 years

Reasonable time limit. File with airline or ANAC.

Poland

2 years

Standard time limit. File with airline or ULC.

Strategic Jurisdiction Choice

If your flight touched multiple EU countries, you may be able to choose where to file your claim. This is particularly useful if one jurisdiction has a longer time limit or better enforcement.

Example: Connecting Flight Through Multiple Countries

Flight: Rome (Italy) → Frankfurt (Germany) → London (UK), cancelled in Rome
Booked as single journey with Lufthansa

You could potentially file in:

Italy (departure country): 2-year limit
Germany (stopover country + airline base): 3-year limit
UK (final destination): 6-year limit

Strategic choice: If your flight was 4 years ago, Italy's 2-year limit has expired, but UK's 6-year limit is still valid. File in UK jurisdiction.

When Does the Clock Start?

Generally, the time limit starts from the date of the cancelled flight (the day you were supposed to depart). However, interpretations vary:

Most countries: Time limit starts from date of cancelled flight
UK: Some courts have ruled the clock starts when passenger discovers they had a right to claim (could extend the period)
Safe approach: Assume clock starts from flight date and file as soon as possible

Don't Wait: While some jurisdictions allow several years, it's best to file claims within 6-12 months. Evidence becomes harder to gather over time, airlines may delete records, and your memory of events fades. File as soon as you realize you're entitled to compensation.

wizzair.com/en-gb/information-and-services/booking-information/compensation

General Advice: Budget carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air) tend to have higher denial rates but are legally required to pay just like legacy carriers. Don't be intimidated by denials - escalate through proper channels. Success rates in ADR and small claims court are 60-70% for valid EU261 claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What compensation am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?

Does the 14-day notice period affect my compensation?

Can I choose between a refund and rebooking?

What if the airline claims 'extraordinary circumstances'?

Am I entitled to care and assistance during the wait?

How long do I have to claim compensation?

What documents do I need to claim compensation?

Can I claim if I bought a budget ticket or used miles?

What if my flight was cancelled due to strike?

Can I claim for cancelled connecting flights?

What if the airline offers me a voucher instead of refund?

Can I claim if I didn't check in yet when flight was cancelled?

Passenger challenged with meteorological data. Wizz Air denied twice. Passenger filed with Hungarian authority, case resolved in 8 months: €400 compensation + interest for delayed payment.

Ready to Claim Your Cancellation Compensation?

Cancellation rights vary by jurisdiction. Our AI will analyze your specific flight, identify applicable regulations (EU261, Montreal Convention, or carrier policies), and determine your refund and compensation rights. Start your claim today.

Free case evaluation • No upfront costs • 70% success rate