What to Do When Your Flight Is Cancelled: Your Rights, Next Steps, and How to Claim Compensation

Flight cancellations can derail even the best-planned trips, whether you’re travelling for work, heading home, or finally taking that long-awaited holiday. When the departure board suddenly switches to “Cancelled,” stress levels rise quickly—but understanding your rights can make all the difference. UK and EU air passenger laws provide strong protections, and many travellers are entitled to compensation without realising it.

This guide explains what to do immediately, what airlines must provide, and how to check if you’re owed money.

Understanding Your Passenger Rights Under UK261 and EU261

If your flight departs from the UK or EU—or is operated by a UK/EU airline—you are protected by regulations known as UK261 and EU261. These rules outline the assistance and compensation airlines owe when a flight is cancelled, delayed, or overbooked.

Under these regulations, passengers may be entitled to:

• A full refund or rebooking on the next available flight

• Meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if required

• Access to communication, such as emails or phone calls

• Financial compensation is often awarded in many cases where the airline is at fault

Many travellers miss out on money they are legally owed because airlines often cite “operational issues” or “technical problems,” which can sound unavoidable but frequently do not count as extraordinary circumstances.

Are You Eligible for Flight Cancellation Compensation?

A key part of navigating any cancellation is understanding whether you can claim compensation. Factors that typically determine eligibility include:

• Reason for the cancellation

• How much notice did the airline provide

• Whether the airline could have prevented the issue

• The distance of your flight

To get a clearer sense of what you may be entitled to, passengers can explore resources such as AirHelp’s detailed breakdown. You can review your rights using this helpful guide: compensation for cancelled flight.

What To Do Immediately After a Flight Cancellation

1. Speak to the Airline About Rebooking or a Refund

Airlines must offer either:

• A refund, or

• Rebooking on the next available flight (including flights with other airlines, depending on availability)

Don’t feel pressured to choose immediately—ask questions and weigh your options.

2. Keep Every Receipt and Screenshot

Document everything, including:

• Boarding passes

• Booking confirmations

• Screenshots from the airline’s app

• Email or SMS notifications

• Any expenses incurred

This will strengthen your claim later.

3. Ask for the Reason in Writing

Airline staff may not always provide written confirmation, but asking politely is worthwhile. Even a note in the app or a displayed message at the airport is valuable evidence.

4. Know What Support You’re Entitled To

If the cancellation forces an unexpected overnight stay, the airline must cover:

• Hotel accommodation

• Meals

• Transportation to and from the airport

Keep receipts in case you need to claim reimbursement.

The Bottom Line

A cancelled flight is never convenient, but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless. By understanding your rights, documenting the disruption, and using trusted resources, you can ensure you don’t miss out on compensation you’re legally owed. Knowing what steps to take not only reduces stress but can put money back in your pocket when your journey doesn’t go as planned.