Your flight just got cancelled. Whether it was weather, mechanical issues, or crew shortages, the immediate question is: what now? Here's your step-by-step action plan and what you're legally entitled to.
Your Rights When a Flight Is Cancelled
Your entitlements depend heavily on where you're flying and the reason for the cancellation:
- EU flights (EC 261/2004): If your flight departs from an EU airport or arrives in the EU on an EU carrier, you're entitled to rebooking or a full refund, plus compensation of €250–€600 depending on distance — unless the cancellation was due to "extraordinary circumstances" like severe weather
- US flights: Airlines must offer either rebooking on the next available flight or a full cash refund. As of 2024, the DOT requires automatic refunds for cancelled flights. There's no mandatory compensation beyond the refund, but airlines often provide vouchers, meals, and hotel accommodation voluntarily
- Other countries: Rules vary. Many countries follow the Montreal Convention, which provides some protections for international flights
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Now
- Step 1: Check your airline's app immediately. Many airlines will automatically rebook you. Check if the new flight works for you
- Step 2: If you're at the airport, get in the rebooking line AND call the airline simultaneously. Phone agents often have more flexibility than counter staff
- Step 3: Ask about alternative routing. If your airline can't get you there today, ask about partner airlines or even a different arrival airport nearby
- Step 4: Request meal vouchers and hotel accommodation if you're stuck overnight. Airlines typically provide this for cancellations within their control
- Step 5: Keep all receipts. If the airline doesn't provide meals or accommodation directly, you may be able to claim reasonable expenses later
- Step 6: Document everything — screenshots of the cancellation notice, boarding passes, receipts, and any communication from the airline
Refund vs. Rebooking
When your flight is cancelled, you typically have two choices:
- Full refund: You get your money back in the original form of payment. Under new US DOT rules, airlines must process this automatically within 7 business days for credit cards, 20 days for cash
- Rebooking: The airline puts you on the next available flight. If the next flight is the following day, the airline should cover hotel and meals for cancellations they caused
Never accept a travel voucher if you'd rather have cash. Airlines sometimes push vouchers because it keeps the money with them, but you're entitled to a cash refund for cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover cancellations, including additional expenses like hotels and meals. However, read the fine print — some policies only cover cancellations for specific reasons (illness, death in family, natural disasters).
Can I claim compensation months after a cancelled flight?
Yes. In the EU, you have up to 3–6 years to file a claim depending on the country. In the US, there's no specific deadline, but filing sooner improves your chances. Many third-party claim services handle this for a percentage of the payout.
What if the airline blames weather but other airlines are still flying?
Airlines sometimes overuse the "weather" excuse. If other carriers are operating on the same route at the same time, the cancellation may not qualify as an "extraordinary circumstance." This is worth pushing back on, especially for EU compensation claims.
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