Know Your Flight Rights
Your rights depend on where your flight departs, your airline, and where you booked.
Applies to: All flights departing from an EU airport, AND flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU carrier.
Compensation tiers:
- €250 — flights under 1,500 km
- €400 — flights between 1,500-3,500 km
- €600 — flights over 3,500 km
Airlines must always provide (even if force majeure):
- Meals and refreshments
- Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
- Two phone calls or emails
- Choice between full refund or rebooking
Applies to: Flights departing from a UK airport, AND flights arriving in the UK operated by a UK carrier.
Similar rules to EU261 with UK-equivalent compensation amounts. File complaints with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Applies to: Flights to, from, or within the United States.
Airlines must offer a full refund for cancelled flights. No fixed compensation amounts like EU261, but airlines may provide hotel vouchers and meals at their discretion. File complaints with the DOT.
About Force Majeure
War and military conflict generally qualify as "extraordinary circumstances" under EU261, meaning airlines may be exempt from cash compensation. However, airlines are still legally required to provide care (meals, accommodation) and offer either a refund or rebooking. Do not accept a voucher if you want a cash refund — you have the right to choose.