How much can you claim on a cancelled flight?

Your Rights and Compensation When Your Flight is Canceled

Flight cancellations can be a major inconvenience, leaving passengers stranded and out-of-pocket. However, passengers have certain rights and entitlements when their flight is canceled.

Full Refund or Rescheduled Flight

By law, airlines are required to offer passengers a full refund or a rescheduled flight if their flight is canceled. The passenger can choose whichever option they prefer.

• Full Refund: The passenger is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price, including any taxes and fees. This refund should be processed without penalty or deductions.
• Rescheduled Flight: The airline must arrange for a rescheduled flight as soon as possible. The new flight should be comparable to the original flight in terms of schedule, route, and fare.

Post-Cancellation Care and Assistance

In addition to the above rights, passengers are also entitled to care and assistance from the airline after their flight has been canceled. This includes:

• Meals and Refreshments: The airline must provide food and beverages to passengers while they are delayed or stranded due to the cancellation.
• Accommodation: If the new flight is not scheduled to depart within a reasonable time frame, the airline must provide overnight accommodations for stranded passengers.
• Ground Transportation: The airline must provide ground transportation to and from the airport if the new flight departs from a different airport or at a different time.

Time Limits and Exceptions

Passengers should be aware that there may be time limits for claiming a refund or compensation. It is important to contact the airline as soon as possible after the cancellation.

There may also be certain exceptions to these rights. For example, if the flight is canceled due to reasons beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather or a security incident, the airline may not be required to provide a full refund or care and assistance.

How to Claim Compensation

To claim compensation for a canceled flight, passengers should contact the airline directly. They can submit a claim online, by phone, or in person at the airport.

Passengers should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Confirmation number or ticket number
• Date and time of the canceled flight
• Reason for the cancellation
• Requested compensation or assistance

The airline will review the claim and respond within a reasonable time frame. If the claim is approved, the compensation will be processed according to the airline’s policies.