Compensation for canceled flight

In any trip, you may face unforeseen situations that can disrupt your plans. Among these, delayed and canceled flights can be the most frustrating. In the first case, the plane takes off later than scheduled. Inconvenient, but in the end, you still reach your destination. However, a canceled flight is a whole different story. The plane doesn’t take off at all on the scheduled day, leaving you stranded at the airport, with luggage and frayed nerves.

In the case of canceled flights, there are two possible scenarios:

1. The plane is rescheduled for the following day.
2. The flight is completely removed from the schedule. In any case, it is important to know that you have rights and that there are regulations in place to protect you.

How can you claim compensation for a canceled flight?

The first step to getting compensation for a canceled flight is determining if you're eligible. According to EC Regulation 261/2004, your flight must have been canceled without at least 14 days' notice, and the airline was unable to provide a reasonable alternative, or the alternative led to a significant delay.

Example: If your flight was canceled just a day before and the airline could not offer an alternative that wouldn’t be delayed by more than 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation for the canceled flight.

European passengers' rights for a canceled flight

As a European passenger, you have specific rights that support you in such situations. Have you heard of Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004? Under this regulation, you have the following rights in case of a canceled flight:

Right to an alternative flight

The alternative flight is a solution offered by the airline when your scheduled flight can no longer take place. In most cases, this replacement flight can be scheduled for the same day or the next day, depending on availability and circumstances. The airline has a series of obligations toward you in such situations:

• To ensure that you will arrive at your initial destination. If the alternative flight lands at a nearby airport, the company is obliged to provide transportation to your originally planned location.
• To provide a written explanation of the reason for the cancellation.
• To offer meals and refreshments depending on the waiting time.
• To offer you means of communication (calls, email, or fax).
• To provide one night’s accommodation at a hotel.
• To arrange transportation to and from the hotel and the airport.

Right to a refund

Stress levels can peak when your flight is canceled, especially if you are in a foreign country or have well-established plans. However, you should know that you have the right to a refund. Under European legislation, if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before the scheduled date, you are entitled to a full refund of your airline ticket. To request this refund, you must fill out a form on the airline's website and attach a copy of the ticket and a statement explaining the reasons for the request. Given that it is a bureaucratic process, it’s important to remain patient.

Note! If the alternative flight offered by the airline is too late or is no longer relevant to your journey, you can request a refund for the entire trip.

Right to compensation for the canceled flight

When your flight is canceled, regardless of whether you’re flying with Wizz Air or another airline, you are entitled to compensation. The compensation depends on several factors such as flight distance, the notice given before the cancellation, and the global position of the arrival airport. For instance, in the case of compensation for a canceled Wizz Air flight, if you were notified less than 14 days before the flight date, you may receive compensation of up to 600 euros, depending on the flight distance.

Here is a table with the specific compensation amounts you may be entitled to based on the flight distance:

Important! You are entitled to compensation even if your flight departs from a non-European country to the European Union or vice versa, as long as the flight is operated by a European airline.

Do you have the right to compensation for a canceled flight in the USA?

If you find yourself in a situation where your flight from the USA is canceled, it’s important to know the compensation policy of American airlines. In contrast to European regulations, they are not legally obligated to compensate passengers for delayed or canceled flights. Instead, each airline sets its own policy in this regard. Most US airlines offer certain services in the event of a canceled flight. These include an alternative flight to the final destination when available, reimbursement for the unused flight segment, and quick rescheduling of another flight. Although these offers may be helpful, they do not always replace the original flight’s value. You may also be offered a voucher for future flights as an alternative to your initial trip. Before accepting this voucher, make sure to read the airline’s documents carefully! These should include details about possible delay dates, booking requirements, and seat availability limits.

When am I not entitled to compensation for a canceled flight?

You cannot receive compensation for a canceled flight in exceptional circumstances. These are situations that make operating the flight impossible and are beyond the airline’s control. They include:

• Extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or severe storms;
• Political or military instability in the destination country;
• Security threats or strikes affecting airport operations. In such cases, airlines cannot be forced to pay compensation for canceled flights.

Note! Even if you cannot apply for a refund due to a canceled flight, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, and possibly accommodation, depending on the delay duration.

What should you do if the airline cancels flights?

There are several documents you will need to claim compensation for canceled flights. These include:

• Written proof of the reason for cancellation;
• Any communication from the airline;
• Plane tickets;
• Boarding passes;
• Invoices;
• Receipts for goods and services purchased due to the flight cancellation. Some airlines may try to offer you vouchers in exchange for waiving your right to claim compensation. It’s important to carefully read any document received from the airline staff before signing. Do not rush to accept an offer that seems too good to be true.

How to submit a claim for a canceled flight?

1. Check eligibility. Use our free online calculator to check your eligibility for compensation! All you need to do is enter your flight details, and our tool will tell you if you are entitled to compensation for the canceled flight.
   
2. Submit your claim. If you are eligible for compensation, submit your claim using our simple online form. The more details you provide, the higher the chance of obtaining compensation.
3. We handle the rest. After submitting your claim, our team of experts will take care of it. We will contact the airline, represent you in all communications, and fight for your rights.
4. Receive compensation for the canceled flight. If your claim is accepted, you will receive the compensation directly into your bank account. At AirClaim, we work on a "No Win, No Fee" basis, meaning you only pay a fee if we successfully claim your compensation.

What is the deadline for filing a claim for a canceled flight?

Under Directive 261, you have up to 3 years from the date of the canceled flight to file a claim. This period may seem generous, but we encourage you to act as soon as possible. Why? Airlines may delay responding or attempt to complicate the process. Their goal may be to discourage you from pursuing your claim or to resolve administrative issues. Delaying the submission of the claim can also lead to a delay in the compensation process or even the loss of the right to be compensated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canceled Flights and Compensation

Can I get anything else besides compensation for a canceled flight?
Yes! You can request both compensation for the canceled flight and a refund for the unused portion of your ticket or flight segment due to the inconvenience.

Can I find out if my flight was canceled today?
Yes, all you need to do is visit the airline’s official website. Most airlines have a dedicated "Departures" section where you can enter your flight number or destination to check the current status of your flight. Make sure you have all the necessary information at hand and review the details carefully.

How long will it take to get a refund for my canceled flight ticket?
By law, the airline is required to refund the amount paid for the canceled flight tickets within 7 days of your request.

In what other situations can I receive compensation from airlines?
You may also be compensated for delayed flights, denied boarding, missed connecting flights, and lost or damaged baggage.

How much does it cost to file a claim for a canceled flight with AirClaim?
AirClaim operates on a "No win, no fee" basis. However, if we successfully secure compensation for your canceled flight, we will deduct a commission of 29% + VAT from the compensation amount.

Can I file a compensation claim for a canceled flight on behalf of someone else?
Yes. Before filing the claim, it is essential to obtain permission from the person on whose behalf you are filing. Without this permission, your claim may be rejected by the airline.

My connecting flight was canceled. Can I be compensated for the entire journey?
Yes. However, you need to ensure that the flights are booked together.