Flight cancellations can turn an anticipated journey into a stressful ordeal. Yet, few UK travellers are aware of their compensation rights in such circumstances. This guide shines a light on UK flight cancellation compensation, a crucial but often overlooked area. We delve into the specifics of your rights, the processes, and what to expect when your flight doesn’t take off as planned.
Flight Cancellation Compensation in the UK
As a passenger on flights in the United Kingdom, you are protected by the best consumer regulations in the global air industry.
When the UK left the European Union, it copied EC261/2004, which gives airline passengers specific rights when their flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Under the new UK261 rule, the same rights apply as EC261. The only difference is that you’ll be paid in British sterling pounds instead of euros if you are compensated for flight cancellation.
It pays to know your rights when your travel plans are disrupted. Airlines aren’t required to inform you when they owe you a reimbursement, and it’s up to you to file a claim.
UK261 protects passengers who fly on UK airlines. You may also be covered under EC261 if you are flying on an EU airline.
Under UK261, airlines must give passengers flight compensation when their flights are cancelled. Compensation amounts depend on how long your flight is and how much notice you were given of the cancellation.
Flights That Are Covered Under UK261
UK261 covers flights in the United Kingdom, and EC261 covers flights in the European Union. If you fly from the UK to an EU country, you might have overlapping coverage. You should call your airline if you need to file a compensation claim.
Use this chart to determine if your flight is protected under UK261.
| Departing | Flight | Can Claim Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| From a UK airport on a UK airline | Arriving anywhere | Yes |
| From an airport in another country in the EU | Arriving in the UK | Yes |
| From an airport in another country outside of the UK and EU | Flying on a UK or EU airline | Yes |
| From an airport in another country outside of the UK and EU | Flying on an airline from a country outside the UK or EU | No |
Types of Flights
Flights are categorized according to distance and length of time.
- Type 1 flights are 932 miles or less and last approximately 1-2 hours.
- Type 2 flights are between 932 and 2175 miles and last approximately 2-4 hours.
- Type 3 flights are over 2175 miles and last longer than 4 hours.
You can calculate your flight distance bellow.
Notice of Cancellation of Flights
Airlines must notify passengers as soon as possible if flights are going to be cancelled.
The regulations state that as long as they provide notice 14 or more days before the flight is scheduled to depart, they can offer you a full refund or an alternate flight.
When flight cancellations happen less than 14 days before a scheduled departure, your airline may have to make other accommodations to get you to your destination as close to your original arrival time.
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Obligations of Airlines Under UK261
If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before you are scheduled to depart, your airline has specific responsibilities to get you to your destination on time.
Flight compensation is set at specific amounts depending on your scheduled flight type and how much notice you were given.
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Cancellations With 7-14 Days Notice
Your airline might be able to offer you an alternate flight to get you to your destination on time. If you are re-routed, and your flight departs earlier or arrives later than the original flight, you may be entitled to compensation for your inconvenience.
| Type of Flight | Depart Early or Arrive Late | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (932 miles or more and 1-2 hours) | Depart 2 or more hours earlier than original departure time | £110 |
| Type 1 (932 miles or more and 1-2 hours) | Arrive 4 or more hours later than original arrival time | £220 |
| Type 2 (932 to 2175 miles and 2-4 hours) | Depart 2 or more hours earlier than original departure time | £175 |
| Type 2 (932 to 2175 miles and 2-4 hours) | Arrive 4 or more hours later than original arrival time | £350 |
| Type 3 (More than 2175 miles and more than 4 hours) | Depart 2 or more hours earlier than original departure time | £260 |
| Type 3 (More than 2175 miles and more than 4 hours) | Arrive 4 or more hours later than original arrival time | £520 |
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Cancellations With Less Than 7 Days Notice
The guidelines are even more strict when you get less than 7 days notice of flight cancellation. When that happens, the amounts are set as follows:
| Type of Flight | Depart Early or Arrive Late | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (932 miles or more and 1-2 hours) | Depart 1 or more hours earlier than original departure time | £110 |
| Type 1 (932 miles or more and 1-2 hours) | Arrive 2 or more hours later than original arrival time | £220 |
| Type 2 (932 to 2175 miles and 2-4 hours) | Depart 1 or more hours earlier than original departure time | £175 |
| Type 2 (932 to 2175 miles and 2-4 hours) | Arrive 2-3 hours later than original arrival time | £175 |
| Type 2 (932 to 2175 miles and 2-4 hours) | Arrive 3 or more hours later than original arrival time | £350 |
| Type 3 (More than 2175 miles and more than 4 hours) | Depart 1 or more hours earlier than original departure time | £260 |
| Type 3 (More than 2175 miles and more than 4 hours) | Arrive 2-4 hours later than original arrival time | £260 |
| Type 3 (More than 2175 miles and more than 4 hours) | Arrive 4 or more hours later than original arrival time | £520 |
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Refreshments and Other Accommodations
If your flight is cancelled, you might be re-routed to another flight. When this happens, airlines have specific obligations to their passengers.
Airlines have a “duty of care” which obligates them to provide you with meals, refreshments, and communication. The refreshments and meals must be commensurate with the time you have to wait, and they are required to provide you with telephone calls, faxes, emails, or phone calls.
If your flight is cancelled, you may also be eligible to receive hotel accommodations, including transportation to and from the hotel.
Conclusion
Consumer regulations were passed almost twenty years ago by leaders in the EU to protect air passengers when they travel.
When the UK broke away from the EU, it kept EC261 because it was largely successful. UK261 and EC261 are necessary to protect passengers from unfair business practices by airline industries.
Whether your flight was cancelled or delayed, or you were denied boarding a plane due to overbooking, you have rights acknowledged and protected by UK261.
You are responsible for knowing your rights and exercising them by filing a compensation claim when you’ve been mistreated by an airline.
