Cancelled Flight: Refund, Re-Routing and Compensation
A cancellation gives you two separate rights: the right to get where you're going (or your money back), and — if you were told late — the right to compensation on top. Airlines often mention the first and stay quiet about the second.
The short answer
If your flight is cancelled you can always choose a full refund OR re-routing to your destination — your choice, not the airline's. On top of that, EU261/UK261 pay €250–€600 / £220–£520 if you were told less than 14 days before departure and the cancellation was the airline's fault. The U.S. owes an automatic cash refund; Canada's APPR pays CA$400–CA$1,000 for airline-controlled cancellations.
Refund or re-routing — always
Whatever the cause, a cancellation entitles you to choose between a full refund of the unused ticket and an alternative flight to your destination at the earliest opportunity. The airline cannot force a voucher on you in place of a cash refund.
The 14-day rule for compensation
Under EU261/UK261, cancellation compensation is only payable when the airline told you less than 14 days before departure. With 14+ days' notice, you keep the refund/re-routing right but no fixed compensation is due.
Re-routed and still late?
If you accept a re-route and still arrive hours late, the delay rules can apply to your arrival time — so a late re-route can itself generate a compensation claim.
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Check my compensationFrequently asked questions
Can the airline give me a voucher instead of a refund?
Not if you want cash. For a cancelled flight you didn't take, you're entitled to a refund in your original payment method across the EU, UK, US, and Canada. A voucher is optional — only accept one if it genuinely suits you.
Do I get compensation for any cancelled flight?
No — under EU261/UK261 only when you were told less than 14 days ahead and the cancellation was within the airline's control. You always keep the refund or re-routing right regardless of notice or cause.