All you need to know about cancelled flights

Dealing with cancelled flights can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be.

With our guide to cancelled flights, you’ll know who to call, what to do and the flight compensation you may or may not be entitled to. Here’s what you need to know about cancelled flights.

Plan your next hassle-free adventure

Navigating cancelled flights

We all know how frustrating it is when your flight is cancelled. One minute you’re all geared up ready to head to far-flung shores. The next, you’re scrambling to figure out when you’ll get on that plane. From rebooking and refunds to finding the right airline contact details and navigating compensation for cancelled flights, these are your next steps.

A man sat on the floor in an airport next to his luggage

What to do if your flight is cancelled

Five essential steps

If your flight has been cancelled, make sure you do the following. You may be able to hop on another flight or get your money back.

1. Ask if your airline can rebook you on another flight

Your airline must be able to offer you alternative travel

Choose between flying ASAP, flying later, or using alternative transport – for example, a train or a flight with a different airline. Discuss this with your airline directly at the airport, call the airline’s customer service, or use online rebooking tools.

2. Make sure you keep records of all costs incurred

Your airline is legally obliged to support you

If you choose an alternative flight, your airline must provide food and drinks, phone calls, and accommodation costs whilst you wait for the new flight. Keep all receipts for any costs incurred to file your claim with the airline.

woman using a mobile phone

3. Explore your money back options

If you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund

All airlines process refunds differently so contact the airline or travel agent directly for advice on your refund entitlements. Be ready to provide all flight details and booking reference numbers. The flight refund can be given as cash or as a flight booking voucher.

4. Check advice for non-UK/EU destinations and airlines

Your entitlement will vary outside of the UK and EU

If you’re travelling with a non-UK/EU based airline from a non-UK/EU destination, the airline may not have the same duty for cancelled flights. Refer to the terms and conditions of your booking. Learn more about the refund process and where to find our partner contact details.

5. Check what your rights are

Cancellation policies vary for every airline and travel agent

While your rights are protected under UK law, airlines and travel agents manage flight delay claims differently. Visit their official websites to find cancellation policies. Your airline should also notify you on how to claim compensation for a delayed flight.

a woman jotting down plans in her notebook, perfectly balanced atop a suitcase.

Find out if you’re eligible for compensation

You may be entitled to compensation for any disruption caused

Flight compensation eligibility will vary based on multiple factors

Flight delay compensation varies based on whether the airline gives less than two weeks’ notice, the cancellation is within the airline’s control (for example, not because of extreme weather), the length of your cancelled flight, and the length of disruption.

For flights of 1,500km or less

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, you could be entitled to £220 (€250) compensation for flights 1,500km or less (like Glasgow to Amsterdam). This will be reduced by 50% if the arrival time of the replacement flight doesn’t exceed the time of the original flight by two hours.

View of a parked airplane through a rain-speckled airport window, ready for boarding.

For all other flights

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, you could be entitled to £520 (€600) compensation for all other flights (like London to New York). This will be reduced by 50% if the arrival time of the replacement flight doesn’t exceed the time of the original flight by four hours.

Cancelled flight FAQs

You are entitled to a full refund or the airline must book you on an alternative flight, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made.

If your airline is UK or EU-based, you may be eligible for compensation if the cancellation came with less than two weeks’ notice. If not, you’ll need to check your airline’s T&Cs. Flight compensation eligibility will also depend on the length of your cancelled flight, the length of the disruption, and how much notice the airline gives.

If an airline refuses compensation, contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

In some circumstances, yes. If you’re stuck at an airport or abroad because of a cancellation, airlines must provide you with food and drinks, free accommodation and travel to a hotel. If your airline is unable to arrange assistance, you have the right to organise this and claim back the cost at a later date. But ensure you keep all receipts.

Given that weather is so changeable and at times, unpredictable, cancellations due to extreme weather can happen at any time and can be very last minute. And as frustrating as this can be, it is out of an airline’s control.

Although most airlines will book you onto another of their flights to the same destination, if an alternative airline is flying there sooner or other suitable modes of transport are available then you have the right to be booked onto that alternative transport instead.

Booking flights soon? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.

Travellers and cabin class

Latest articles

Spending abroad never felt like Monzo

Cheap beach holidays: 10 budget-friendly destinations for sun

Catch every flight deal with ‘Price Alerts’ and ‘Saved’

Find the best time to book flights with Skyscanner’s Savings Generator