Flight Cancellation Compensation Calculator

Flight Cancellation Compensation Calculator (EU261)

Use this calculator to estimate the compensation you might be entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004 for a cancelled flight. This tool provides an estimate based on common interpretations of the regulation and assumes the cancellation was due to the airline's fault, not 'extraordinary circumstances'.

Understanding Flight Cancellation Compensation (EU261)

Flight cancellations can be incredibly disruptive, leading to missed connections, lost vacation time, and unexpected expenses. Fortunately, passengers flying within, to, or from the European Union (EU) may be protected by EU Regulation 261/2004, which mandates compensation for certain cancelled flights.

Key Conditions for Compensation

To be eligible for compensation under EU261, several conditions must typically be met:

1. Flight Origin/Destination: The flight must depart from an EU airport, or arrive at an EU airport from a non-EU country (if operated by an EU-based airline).
2. Cancellation Reason: The cancellation must be due to the airline's fault. "Extraordinary circumstances" (e.g., severe weather, political instability, air traffic control strikes, unforeseen safety deficiencies) typically exempt airlines from paying compensation, though they must still offer assistance.
3. Notification Time: When you were informed about the cancellation significantly impacts your eligibility.
4. Arrival Delay: If you were offered an alternative flight, the delay of your actual arrival compared to your original scheduled arrival is crucial.

Compensation Tiers Based on Flight Distance

The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the distance of your flight:

• €250: For flights up to 1,500 kilometers.
• €400: For flights between 1,501 and 3,500 kilometers, or all intra-EU flights over 1,500 kilometers.
• €600: For flights over 3,500 kilometers (outside the EU).

Impact of Notification Time and Arrival Delay

The rules become more nuanced based on when the airline notified you of the cancellation and how late your alternative flight arrived:

• Notified More Than 14 Days Before Departure: You are generally not entitled to compensation, regardless of the delay of your alternative flight.
• Notified 7 to 14 Days Before Departure: You are entitled to compensation UNLESS the airline offered you an alternative flight that allowed you to:
  • Depart no more than 2 hours before your original scheduled departure, AND
  • Arrive no more than 4 hours after your original scheduled arrival.
• Notified Less Than 7 Days Before Departure: You are entitled to compensation UNLESS the airline offered you an alternative flight that allowed you to:
  • Depart no more than 1 hour before your original scheduled departure, AND
  • Arrive no more than 2 hours after your original scheduled arrival.

Reduction in Compensation

For long-haul flights (over 3,500 km), the compensation amount of €600 can be reduced by 50% if the alternative flight arrives between 3 and 4 hours after the original scheduled arrival time.

Important Considerations

• Extraordinary Circumstances: Airlines are not liable for compensation if the cancellation was due to circumstances beyond their control. However, they must still provide care (meals, accommodation if necessary).
• Right to Care: Even if you're not eligible for monetary compensation, the airline must offer you assistance (meals, refreshments, communication, and accommodation if an overnight stay is required) if your flight is cancelled and you have to wait for an alternative.
• Reimbursement or Re-routing: In case of cancellation, you always have the right to choose between a full refund of your ticket or an alternative flight to your final destination.

Examples:

Let's look at a few scenarios:

1. Short-haul, Late Notification, Significant Delay:
   • Original Departure: July 15, 10:00 AM
   • Notification: July 10, 10:00 AM (5 days before)
   • Original Arrival: July 15, 12:00 PM
   • Actual Arrival: July 15, 4:30 PM (4.5 hours late)
   • Flight Distance: 1,000 km
   • Result: €250 compensation. (Notified less than 7 days, arrived more than 2 hours late).
2. Medium-haul, Mid Notification, Moderate Delay:
   • Original Departure: July 15, 10:00 AM
   • Notification: July 05, 10:00 AM (10 days before)
   • Original Arrival: July 15, 2:00 PM
   • Actual Arrival: July 15, 6:30 PM (4.5 hours late)
   • Flight Distance: 2,500 km
   • Result: €400 compensation. (Notified 7-14 days, arrived more than 4 hours late).
3. Long-haul, Early Notification:
   • Original Departure: July 15, 10:00 AM
   • Notification: June 20, 10:00 AM (25 days before)
   • Original Arrival: July 15, 8:00 PM
   • Actual Arrival: July 16, 1:00 AM (5 hours late)
   • Flight Distance: 6,000 km
   • Result: €0 compensation. (Notified more than 14 days before).
4. Long-haul, Late Notification, 3.5 Hour Delay:
   • Original Departure: July 15, 10:00 AM
   • Notification: July 12, 10:00 AM (3 days before)
   • Original Arrival: July 15, 8:00 PM
   • Actual Arrival: July 15, 11:30 PM (3.5 hours late)
   • Flight Distance: 6,000 km
   • Result: €300 compensation. (Notified less than 7 days, arrived more than 2 hours late, but 50% reduction for long-haul 3-4 hour delay).

This calculator provides an estimate. For a definitive claim, it's always best to consult with a legal expert or a specialized flight compensation company.

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Notification Period:

Arrival Delay: