A cancelled flight is every traveler's worst-case scenario — but the good news is that when a flight is cancelled, the law is firmly on your side. Under Europe's EU-261 regulation the airline must offer you a choice — a full refund or an alternative flight — and in many cases you're also owed cash compensation of up to $650 (€600). In this guide we'll walk step by step through your rights, what to do in the first half hour and how to claim your compensation.
🛂 When EU-261 applies and what you're owed
EU-261 covers every flight departing from an EU airport (regardless of airline) and flights into the EU operated by European carriers. For travelers from Georgia this means: a cancelled return flight out of Europe is almost always protected, and an outbound flight to Europe is protected when you fly with a European airline.
- A full refund within 7 days — including unused segments of your ticket
- Rerouting at the earliest opportunity — on the same or another airline
- Rerouting on a later date that suits you
- Care while you wait: meals, communication and a hotel if needed
💶 Cash compensation — when and how much
On top of the refund or rerouting, cash compensation is due if the airline notified you less than 14 days before departure and the cause isn't an 'extraordinary circumstance' (severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, an airport strike). Technical faults and crew problems generally count as the airline's responsibility.
- Up to 1,500 km — $270 (€250)
- 1,500-3,500 km — $430 (€400)
- Over 3,500 km — $650 (€600)
- No compensation: notice 14+ days in advance, or genuine extraordinary circumstances
⚡ The first 30 minutes: an action plan
- Open the airline's app — after a cancellation a free rebooking is often offered right there
- Join the airline's transfer desk queue at the same time — two channels in parallel saves hours
- Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation reason — you'll need it for your claim
- Keep every receipt: meals, transport, hotel
- Don't accept a voucher if you'd rather have cash — accepting one often waives your refund
While standing in a long queue, also call the airline's hotline — a phone agent can often rebook you faster than the desk.
🏨 The duty of care while you wait
If you're waiting for an alternative flight, the airline must provide meals and drinks proportional to the delay, and a hotel plus transfers if an overnight stay is needed. This obligation stands even during extraordinary circumstances.
If the airline offers nothing on the spot, pay for reasonable expenses yourself and keep the receipts — you have the right to be reimbursed.
📋 How to claim compensation
You claim via the airline's website using its claim form — include your booking reference, the flight date and the legal grounds. A reply usually takes 2-6 weeks.
If refused, escalate to the national aviation enforcement body of the relevant country, or use a claim company — they work on a success fee of 25-35% of the payout.
Travel insurance often covers losses EU-261 doesn't — a missed hotel night or event tickets. See our travel insurance guide.
If your flight was delayed rather than cancelled, the rules differ slightly — see the flight delay compensation guide. If you missed a flight through your own fault, our missed flight guide will help. And to find a new ticket at the best price, use Travel365's price calendar.
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