Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation: A Global Guide for Travelers

If you’re reading this while sitting in an airport — refreshing a departure board, juggling rebooking options, or trying to figure out whether the airline actually owes you anything — you’re not alone. When a flight is delayed or canceled, the rules are rarely explained clearly, and airlines often default to offering the bare minimum.

This guide is here to help you make sense of what’s happening right now. It explains how flight delays and cancellations are handled in different parts of the world, what airlines are legally required to do, and when passengers may be entitled to refunds or compensation. Even if you don’t know which rules apply to your situation yet, this page will help you understand where to start — and what questions to ask next.

If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled Right Now, Start Here

If your flight has just been delayed or canceled and you’re not sure what to do, take a breath and work through these steps first. You don’t need to know all the rules yet — this will help you protect your options.

Step 1: Confirm Whether Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled

• A delay means the flight is still operating, just later
• A cancellation means the original flight will not operate at all

This distinction affects your refund and compensation rights.

---

Step 2: Do Not Accept a Voucher Immediately

Airlines often offer vouchers by default. Once accepted, you may be giving up the right to a cash refund or future compensation.

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to wait.

---

Step 3: Keep All Travel Documents

Save:

• Boarding passes
• Booking confirmations
• Delay notifications
• Receipts for meals, hotels, or transportation

These documents may be required later.

---

Step 4: Check Where Your Flight Was Operating

Passenger rights depend heavily on geography:

• Flights involving Europe may qualify for cash compensation
• US domestic flights follow different rules
• Other international flights may fall under global treaties

---

Step 5: Ask the Airline About Rebooking and Care

Even when compensation is not required, airlines may still owe:

• Rebooking on the next available flight
• Meals or hotel accommodations (depending on location)

Policies vary, but it’s always worth asking.

---

Step 6: Don’t Assume You’re Not Eligible

Many passengers assume nothing can be done — and that’s often incorrect, especially for international flights.

If you’re unsure whether compensation applies, you can check eligibility after the trip once you have all the details.

AirHelp Review & How It Works

---

Delay vs Cancellation (They’re Treated Very Differently)

Even though they feel similar when you’re stuck at the airport, airlines and regulators treat delays and cancellations very differently.

Flight Delay

A delay means the flight still operated but arrived later than scheduled. Compensation rules usually depend on:

• Length of the delay
• Cause of the delay
• Where the flight was operating

Flight Cancellation

A cancellation means the original flight never operated. Cancellations often trigger stronger passenger rights, including refunds or mandatory rebooking.

If you’re unsure which category your situation falls into, this distinction matters.

---

The Most Important Factor: Where You’re Flying

Flight compensation is governed by laws and treaties, not airline goodwill. The same delay can result in cash compensation in one country and nothing in another.

---

Flight Delay Compensation in Europe (EU & UK)

Europe has the strongest passenger protections in the world.

Under EU261 and UK261, passengers may be entitled to cash compensation of up to €600 per person when flights are significantly delayed or canceled due to airline-controlled issues.

This applies to:

• Flights departing from the EU or UK
• Certain flights arriving in the EU or UK on EU-based airlines

The rules are defined by the European Commission’s official air passenger rights guidance and, for UK flights, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s air passenger rights guidance.

---

Flight Delays and Cancellations in the United States

The United States takes a very different approach.

In general:

• There is no cash compensation required for flight delays
• Refunds are required for cancellations if you choose not to travel
• Non-refundable tickets must still be refunded when flights are canceled

These rules are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s airline passenger protections.

---

International Flights Outside Europe and the US

For many international flights, passenger rights fall under an international treaty called the Montreal Convention.

Under the Montreal Convention, airlines may be liable for:

• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Delay-related costs
• Documented financial losses

However:

• There is no automatic cash compensation
• Claims usually require documentation
• The burden of proof is higher

The framework is outlined in the Montreal Convention on airline liability.

---

When Airlines Do NOT Owe Compensation

Even in regions with strong passenger protections, airlines are not required to pay compensation when disruptions are caused by extraordinary circumstances.

These typically include:

• Severe weather
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Airport security or safety issues

These situations are often the most disputed part of compensation claims.

---

Missed Connections and Overnight Delays

Delays don’t always end at the gate — sometimes they cause missed connections or force overnight stays.

Depending on the jurisdiction:

• Airlines may owe hotel accommodation
• Meals and ground transportation may be required
• Compensation may still apply if arrival is delayed significantly

[INTERNAL LINK → Missed Connection Due to Delay]

---

Refunds vs Vouchers: Know Your Rights

Airlines often default to offering vouchers, but that doesn’t always mean you have to accept one.

In many cases:

• Cash refunds are legally required
• Vouchers are optional, not mandatory
• Accepting a voucher may waive future rights

Understanding this distinction is especially important during cancellations.

---

How to Claim Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

You generally have two options.

File a Claim Yourself

You can submit a claim directly with the airline. This can work, but:

• Responses may take months
• Valid claims are sometimes denied
• Legal escalation can be complex

Use a Compensation Service

Some travelers prefer using a service to handle the process, especially for international flights or older claims. These services typically work on a no-win, no-fee basis and handle legal escalation if needed.

AirHelp Review & How It Works

---

Airline Policies Still Matter

In addition to laws and treaties, airlines publish their own rules in documents known as contracts of carriage.

For example, this airline contract of carriage explains how delays, cancellations, and refunds are handled under that airline’s policies.

These documents are legally binding, but they vary significantly by airline.

---

How Far Back Can You Claim Compensation?

Many passengers don’t realize that compensation claims can often be filed years after a disruption.

Depending on the country:

• Claims may be valid for 2 to 6 years
• Older flights may still qualify if eligibility rules are met

This is especially relevant for European flights.

---

Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation: Final Thoughts

Airline disruptions are frustrating, but passengers often have more rights than they realize. The challenge is knowing which rules apply — and that depends entirely on where you’re flying and why the delay or cancellation happened.

Starting with a global view makes it much easier to understand when it’s worth pushing back, filing a claim, or simply taking a refund and moving on.

---

Related Guides

To go deeper, you may find these helpful:

• US Airline Flight Delay Rules
• Global Flight Delay Compensation Rules
• EU Flight Delay Rules and Compensation (EC261 Guide)
• AirHelp Flight Compensation Review & How It Works