FLIGHT CANCELLATION; TICKET REFUND
Check your compensation claim online in just 2 minutes
Fast &
Easy:
No success –
no costs
Satisfied customers speak for us
Safe and confidential
What rights do I have in the event of a flight cancellation?
Passengers are entitled to:
- refund or replacement flight: passengers can choose to be refunded the ticket price or be rebooked on another flight.
- compensation: If the flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure and there are no extraordinary circumstances, passengers are entitled to compensation.
The amount of compensation depends on the flight route:
- For flights up to 1,500 km: 250 euros
- For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: 400 euros
- For flights over 3,500 km: 600 euros.
The compensation can be reduced if the airline offers an alternative flight that does not arrive significantly later.
- care: In the event of long waiting times, passengers are entitled to meals, hotel accommodation and transportation to the hotel In exceptional circumstances, such as bad weather, strikes or security risks, there is no entitlement to compensation.
What rights do I have in the event of a flight time change?
In the event of a flight time change, passengers in the EU have the following rights in accordance with the Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC Regulation 261/2004):
- compensation: If the flight time is delayed by more than five hours or brought forward by more than one hour, passengers are entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance and is between 250 and 600 euros
- refund or replacement flight: In the event of significant flight time changes, passengers have the right to cancel the flight and have the ticket price refunded or request a replacement flight.
- assistance: In the event of long waiting times, passengers are entitled to assistance, e.g. in the form of meals, hotel accommodation or transportation to the hotel.
- travel price reduction: In the case of package tours, a significant flight time change may allow a reduction in the travel price or even cancellation of the entire package.
In addition, passengers should insist on written confirmations from the airline for flight time changes and collect receipts for expenses.
The following table shows passengers’ compensation claims for flight time changes based on the pre-departure notification and the alternative flight:
Check here free of charge and without obligation whether you are entitled to compensation
Check your compensation claim online in just 2 minutes
When can I get a ticket refund?
The right to a ticket refund is regulated in the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC Regulation 261/2004). Passengers can request a refund of the ticket price if:
- the flight is canceled: If the airline cancels the flight and does not offer a replacement flight or rebooking, passengers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price.
- the flight is significantly delayed: If the flight is delayed by more than five hours, passengers have the right to withdraw from the trip and demand a refund of the ticket price.
- the flight cancellation is not the fault of the airline:
If the flight is canceled for reasons beyond the airline’s control and no replacement flight is offered, passengers are also entitled to a refund.
- no timely notification: If the airline does not inform the passengers of the cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled departure, they are also entitled to a refund.
The refund includes both the price of the flight and additional costs such as seat reservations and baggage. Passengers have the right to insist on a refund of the ticket price instead of accepting a voucher. If you have booked a flight through an agent, you can either contact the airline directly or the agent.
What claims do I have in the event of long waiting times?
From 2 hours departure delay on a short-haul flight, i.e. up to 1,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 3 hours departure delay for a medium-haul flight, i.e. up to 3,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 4 hours departure delay on a long-haul flight, i.e. over 3,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 5 hours departure delay (for all routes, i.e. short, medium and long-haul flights)
| Passenger can cancel the flight against reimbursement of the ticket costs
|
Departure only on the next day
| Entitlement to hotel accommodation (3-star) and transportation to the hotel and back to the airport |
Are there deadlines within which I must apply for compensation in the event of a flight cancellation?
In the EU, there is no set deadline by which you must apply for compensation in the event of a flight cancellation. In Germany, however, the limitation period is based on the German Civil Code (BGB), which means that you have three years to assert your claims. This period begins at the end of the year in which the delay occurred.
What should you do if your flight is canceled?
Here are some important tips to follow if your flight is canceled or delayed:
- get written confirmation of the reason:
Ask the airline to confirm in writing why your flight has been canceled or delayed. This confirmation can be helpful later when applying for compensation or refunds.
- collect receipts:
Keep all receipts for expenses you incurred as a result of the flight cancellation or delay. These could be costs for food, drinks or accommodation, for example.
- request care services:
If the waiting time is long, insist on utility benefits to which you are entitled. Depending on the length of the wait, this may include food, drink or even accommodation.