We know how frustrating a flight cancellation can be. Navigating a last-minute disruption to your travel plans can be tricky. From rebooking, refunds and flight cancellation compensation to finding the right airline contact details. Here are your next steps.
Start planning your next hassle-free adventure:
1. Ask if your airline can rebook you for another flight
If you’d like to continue your trip despite a flight cancellation, your airline might be able to offer you an alternative. A replacement flight option is often available along with refunds and vouchers for you to pick from.
Whenever possible, airlines let you choose between flying ASAP or at a later time. In some cases, you might be able to book onto an alternative transport — like a train or a similar flight with a different airline. You’ll need to discuss this directly with your airline.
2. Explore your refund and flight cancellation compensation options
If you’re flying from an Irish or other EU airport, or if your airline is EU based, then depending on the reason for your cancellation or delay, you could be entitled to a refund, flight cancellation compensation or an alternative flight. You could also be entitled to food, phone calls and accommodation costs together with flight cancellation compensation. You have the option to receive the refund either in cash or as a voucher that you can redeem against a future booking.
If you have booked with a travel agent, they can claim refunds or flight cancellation compensation on your behalf or put you in contact with the airline directly. If you’re travelling with a non-EU based airline from a non-EU destination, the airline may not have the same duty. So, it’s always important that you read the terms and conditions before booking a flight. Then you’ll know exactly which parts of your booking are protected and to what extent. It’s worth remembering that if a flight is cancelled, your refund, re-routing and flight cancellation compensation rights relate only to the cancelled flight — not the overall journey (e.g. return legs).
3. Find out if you’re eligible for flight cancellation compensation
If the airline gives less than two weeks’ notice, you might be able to claim flight cancellation compensation in addition to a refund or re-routing. This only applies if the flight cancellation is within the airline’s control — not, for example, because of bad weather, air traffic control strikes or pandemics.
To be eligible for flight compensation, the cancelled flight must be either within the EU and operated by an EU or non-EU airline, arrive from outside the EU and be operated by an EU airline, or depart from the EU and be operated by an EU or non-EU airline. The amount you can claim will depend on the length of your cancelled flight, the length of the disruption and how much notice the airline gives.
4. Contact your airline or travel agent
While your rights are protected under EU law, every airline and OTA has its own approach. Visit the airline’s or travel agency’s official website and read through their cancellation policy. It’s usually either on the ‘contact’ or ‘FAQ’ page. Most of them will include information about rebooking, refunds and flight cancellation compensation when they email to tell you about the flight cancellation, so check your inbox.
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