Flight cancellations are more frequent than you’d think, and if you recently had a flight cancelled in the UK or to it, then you may be eligible for compensation.
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UK Flight Cancelled? You Can Get Compensated
Not many travelers or plane visitors know it, but experiencing a cancelled flight within the EU can lead to several compensation benefits.
The EU 261/2004 regulation states that flight passengers who’ve had their trips severely disrupted may have the right to be compensated. Otherwise known as the ‘Flight Cancellation Compensation’ program, the regulation covers overbooking, flight cancellations, flight delays and denied booking.
Under EU 261/2004 you can get monetary compensation anywhere between €250 and
€600, access to complimentary airport food and drinks, and the power to reschedule your flight without having to pay extra. If the experience requires you to stay overnight, then you can gain access to a hotel room and the internet.
How to Determine Flight Cancellation Compensation Eligibility
The EU 261/2004 regulation applies to travelers whose flights are departing from an EU or UK airport, arriving in an EU or UK airline to a UK airport or arriving in a UK airline to an EU location.
Furthermore, you will need a confirmed flight reservation and get a cancelled flight notification within 14 days before your original date of departure.
Exceptions to the EU 261/2004 Regulation
It’s worth noting that the ‘Flight Cancellation Compensation’ program has several exceptions, including the following:
The reason why the airline cancelled is beyond their control. Cancellations can happen due to several reasons, but if it was cancelled due to an earthquake or hurricane, for example, then you won’t get compensated.
Checking in less than 45 minutes to departure. This is considered ‘late’ and not a part of the regulation.
The plane ticket you have is discounted or free and not available to the general public.
In any case, you may also need to get a lawyer or an agency to get compensated for any inconvenience a cancelled flight has cost you.
