What Happens When Your Flight Gets Cancelled in the UK?

By: Stefan_Paulo

Flight cancellation happens for various reasons; it could be due to security, bad weather, lack of passengers, crew out of time, lack of aircraft or crew, or mechanical issues, among others. If you are a frequent traveller, you’ve probably have had to deal with flight cancellations at some point. But what happens after that? If you are travelling from the UK or intend to land in the UK, what do you do in the event that your flight gets cancelled? This article seeks to address the most important things following a flight cancellation. 

Can You Get Compensated for a Cancelled Flight?

No one ever wants to deal with a cancelled flight but it happens and nothing prepares you for the disappointment that follows. If you have ever wondered if you could get compensated for the disappointment and disruptions in your flight itinerary, the answer is yes. The EU 261 law passed in 2004 protects passengers against severe flight disruptions. Since these disruptions could cause a form of inconvenience to you as a passenger, you should be compensated. 

Are You Eligible?

The regulation applies to you if your flight is:

• Departing from a UK or an EU airport regardless of the airline. 

• Arriving at a UK airport with a UK or EU airline.

• Arriving in the EU with a UK airline.

This is provided that:

• You have a confirmed reservation on the flight.

• You were not notified at least 14 days prior to the departure date of the flight cancellation.

• You arrived in time for check-in as communicated to you by the airline, which is usually at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. This does not apply if the flight was cancelled before you reached the airport.

How Much Are You Entitled to?

How much you are entitled to depends on several factors. This includes when the flight was cancelled, the flight distance, and the departure/arrival times of the rescheduled flight. You could be entitled to €250 – €600 (per passenger) according to the distance of the flight.

The Flight Compensation Regulation differentiates between three types of flights:

• Short distance: Flights of less than 1,500 km (930 mi) in distance.

• Medium distance: Flights of greater than 1,500 km (930 mi) but less than 3,500 km (2,200 mi) in distance.

• Long distance: Flights of greater than 3,500 km (2,200 mi) in distance.

In addition to the compensation fee, you may also be entitled to the following: 

• A ticket refund or a flight replacement.

• Food and drinks provided by the airline after a two hours delay.

Are There Any Exceptions?

In order to claim compensation for a cancelled flight, you must meet the criteria aforementioned. Also, the airline has to be responsible for the cause of the cancellation. The regulation does not apply if the flight cancellation was beyond the airline’s control. This is why one of the first questions you must ask the airline is the reason behind the cancellation. 

Bottom Line

You can always file a compensation claim for a cancelled flight operated in the last six years, as long as you meet the criteria.

By Stefan Paulo

© 2022 Copyright Stefan Paulo - All Rights Reserved

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