Flight cancellation or delay: when are you entitled to a refund?

Flight cancellations and delays are unfortunately not uncommon in everyday travel. However, many passengers do not realise that they may be entitled to a refund or compensation in such cases. The EU Passenger Rights Regulation regulates the circumstances under which travellers can receive a refund or even claim compensation. In this blog post, you can find out when you are entitled to a refund in the event of flight cancellations or delays and how you can enforce your rights.

When are you entitled to a refund in the event of a flight cancellation?

If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to choose between two options: You can either demand a full refund of the ticket price or request an alternative flight. Most importantly, the airline is obliged to offer you this choice. If you decide in favour of a refund, the airline must refund the full ticket price within seven days.

However, there are exceptions: If the airline informs you of the cancellation at least 14 days before the departure date, you are not entitled to compensation. The airline can also invoke ‘extraordinary circumstances’, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes. In these cases, the ticket price will be refunded, but no additional compensation will be paid.

Your rights in the event of flight delays

You also have rights in the event of flight delays under certain conditions, e.g. if your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you are entitled to financial compensation under the EU Passenger Rights Regulation. This depends on the distance of the flight:

• EUR 250 for flights up to 1,500 km

• EUR 400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km and for flights over 3,500 km within the EU territory

EUR 600 for flights over 3,500 km

However, the delay must have been caused by the airline - technical failure or operational reasons are among them, but exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or political unrest, exempt the airline from the obligation to pay compensation.

Have you also had difficulties claiming your compensation directly from the airline? Let us help you! Submit your case to Captain Frank and we'll take care of the rest.

Support services in the event of delays and cancellations?

• In addition to reimbursement or compensation, you are also entitled to so-called assistance services if your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled. These include:
  
  - Free meals and refreshments.
  - Two phone calls, emails or fax messages.
  - Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary due to the delay.
  - Transport between the airport and hotel.

• The airline must provide these services from a delay of two hours, regardless of the compensation situation.

the conclusion:

Flight cancellations and delays don't always have to mean frustration - as a passenger, you are often entitled to a refund or even compensation. It is important that you know your rights and that you claim them. Whether you demand a refund of the ticket price or hope for compensation: If the airline does not cooperate, a specialised legal service provider such as Captain Frank can help you to successfully enforce your claims.

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