Your flight has just been cancelled. Don't panic. Here's your complete action plan to get where you need to go and claim the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Don't Accept the First Offer

Airlines will often try to rebook you on a much later flight or offer vouchers. You have the right to choose between:

A full refund (within 7 days)
An alternative flight at the earliest opportunity
An alternative flight at a later date of your convenience

Step 2: Document Everything

Keep all documentation:

Boarding passes and booking confirmations
Screenshots of the cancellation notification
Receipts for any expenses (meals, transport, hotel)
The reason given by the airline for the cancellation

Step 3: Know Your Rights to Care

If you're stuck at the airport, the airline must provide:

Meals and refreshments
Hotel accommodation (if overnight stay is needed)
Transport between the airport and hotel
Two phone calls, emails, or faxes

Step 4: Claim Your Compensation

Under EU Regulation EC 261, you're entitled to €250–€600 if:

The flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure
The cancellation was within the airline's control

→ File your claim easily with AirHelp

Step 5: Check Your Travel Insurance

Your travel insurance may cover additional expenses that the airline won't. Check your policy for:

Trip interruption coverage
Accommodation costs
Alternative transport expenses

Step 6: Consider Alternative Routes

Use flight comparison tools to find alternative routes. Sometimes booking a separate flight yourself and claiming the cost back is faster than waiting for the airline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Accepting vouchers instead of cash — you're entitled to monetary compensation
Not keeping receipts — document every expense
Giving up too easily — airlines often reject valid claims initially
Missing the deadline — you have up to 3 years to claim in most EU countries

Why Use AirHelp?

Airlines reject about 30% of valid claims hoping passengers will give up. AirHelp has legal experts who know exactly how to handle rejected claims and will even take airlines to court if necessary.

→ Check your cancelled flight with AirHelp — it's free

Cancelled Flight? What to Do & Claim Compensation