Your Flight is Cancelled in Europe: Immediate Steps to Rebooking, Rights & Refunds

Immediate Action Steps

1. Verify the cancellation: Check airport screens, airline apps (like Ryanair, Lufthansa or easyJet), or ask at the gate. Don’t rely solely on email/SMS notifications which may be delayed.
2. Document everything: Take photos of departure boards, save cancellation notices, and record conversations with staff (EU law permits this).
3. Prioritize rebooking:
   • Approach the airline’s help desk immediately (queues form fast)
   • Use self-service kiosks if available
   • Call the airline’s EU customer service number (+44 for UK, +32 for Belgium, etc.)
4. Alternative transportation: For intra-Europe flights, consider trains (Eurostar, Thalys) or buses (FlixBus) which may honor airline tickets during major disruptions.

EU Passenger Rights (EC 261/2004)

You’re entitled to:
✔ Care: Meals/refreshments, hotel accommodation if overnight delay, two free phone calls/emails
✔ Rebooking/Refund: Choice between next available flight or full ticket refund
✔ Compensation: €250-600 depending on flight distance and delay length, unless caused by “extraordinary circumstances” like extreme weather

Compensation Breakdown:

• ≤1,500km: €250
• 1,500-3,500km: €400
• 3,500km: €600

Smart Refund Strategies

1. Credit card claims: If the airline refuses compensation, contact your card issuer under Section 75 (UK) or Chargeback rights (EU).
2. Airline vouchers: Often offered first—only accept if terms are favorable (typically 12+ month validity).
3. Third-party bookings: If booked through Expedia/Kiwi, they’re legally responsible for assisting—but direct airline contact is faster.

Pro Tips

• App alternatives: Apps like AirHelp or ClaimCompass can automate compensation claims (they take 25-35% of recovered amounts)
• Airport know-how: Major hubs like London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt have dedicated passenger rights desks
• Hidden costs: Airlines must cover taxi transfers if they rebook you to a different arrival airport

When to Escalate

File formal complaints with:

• National Enforcement Body (list on Europa.eu)
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes like AviationADR (UK) or SÖP (Germany)
• Small claims court for stubborn cases (no lawyer needed for claims under €5,000 in most EU states)

Example Case: A cancelled Paris-Barcelona flight (1,050km) with 8-hour delay due to technical issues qualifies for €250 compensation + meal vouchers + hotel if needed.