Am I entitled to compensation if my flight is canceled?

Cancelled Flight? You Might Be Entitled to Compensation. Don’t Get Left High and Dry.

Flight cancellations are frustrating, disruptive, and frankly, unacceptable. But what are your rights as a passenger when your carefully planned trip is thrown into disarray? The good news is, you’re likely entitled to more than just a mumbled apology. Specifically, you are often entitled to a full refund, even if you booked a non-refundable ticket.

Many assume that a “non-refundable” ticket means exactly that – no money back under any circumstances. This is a common misconception. While the term “non-refundable” may suggest a lack of flexibility, it does not absolve the airline of its responsibility to compensate you for a cancelled flight.

Under most circumstances, if your flight is cancelled (and not simply delayed), airlines are obligated to provide a prompt refund for the unused portion of your ticket. This is true regardless of whether the cancellation is due to factors within the airline’s control (mechanical issues, crew shortages) or outside its control (severe weather). The crucial element is that the airline cancelled the flight, not the passenger.

This right to a full refund is often reinforced by consumer protection laws and international agreements like the Montreal Convention (for international flights) and various national regulations. These laws are designed to protect passengers from significant financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.

However, airlines will often try to offer alternative options, such as rebooking on a later flight or providing a voucher for future travel. While these options might be convenient, you are not obligated to accept them. If you choose to decline these alternatives and instead request a refund, the airline is legally bound to provide it.

What to do if your flight is cancelled:

1. Contact the airline immediately: Document the cancellation with the airline, ideally obtaining written confirmation of the cancellation and your right to a refund.
2. Review your ticket terms and conditions: While the “non-refundable” clause doesn’t negate your right to a refund in case of cancellation, familiarizing yourself with the specifics is always advisable.
3. Assert your right to a refund: Clearly state your desire for a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
4. Keep records: Maintain copies of all communication with the airline, including emails, booking confirmations, and any documentation relating to the refund.
5. Consider further action: If the airline refuses to provide a refund, you may need to escalate the issue through consumer protection agencies or legal channels in your jurisdiction.

In short, a cancelled flight doesn’t mean you’re automatically out of luck. Know your rights, be assertive, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance if the airline is unresponsive. You deserve to be compensated for a disruption that was not of your making.