Every year, millions of passengers face cancelled flights — yet many are still unaware of the protections UK and EU law provides.
If your flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation of up to £520 per passenger, depending on:

• the distance of your flight,

• how much notice the airline gave you,

• and whether the cancellation was within the airline’s control.

Importantly, these rights apply regardless of your ticket type or fare class.
What to do if your flight is cancelled
If you experience a cancellation, make sure you:

1. Get written confirmation from the airline explaining the cause.

2. Keep your travel documents — boarding pass, booking confirmation, and receipts.

3. Request re-routing or a full refund — the choice is yours.

4. Claim care & assistance — meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation when required.

5. Track extra expenses — keep receipts in case reimbursement is possible.

6. Submit a claim — with ClaimBeacon, you can check if you’re entitled to up to £520.

Your rights under UK & EU law
Under UK/EU Regulation 261/2004 (also called “UK261” or “EU261”):

• Full refund or re-routing – if your flight is cancelled, you can request a refund or an alternative flight to your destination.

• Compensation – if cancellation notice was less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to between £220 and £520, unless extraordinary circumstances (e.g. severe weather, security risks) apply.

• Care and assistance – airlines must provide meals, drinks, and accommodation where necessary.

Compensation amounts for cancellations
The compensation depends mainly on flight distance:
Flight distanceCompensationExample route
Up to 1,500 km£220Glasgow – Paris
1,500–3,500 km£350Manchester – Athens
Over 3,500 km£520London – New York
Connecting flights & cancellations
If your cancellation affects a connecting journey booked under one reservation, your eligibility depends on your final arrival delay:

• 3+ hour delay to final destination → compensation applies.

• Separate tickets → each leg is treated independently.

Example:

• Manchester → Frankfurt → Tokyo (single booking, second leg cancelled) → Compensation likely.

• London → Doha (separate booking to Sydney, cancelled) → Not covered.

When airlines don’t have to pay compensation
Airlines are not responsible for compensation if the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances, including:

• Severe weather (snowstorms, hurricanes)

• Air traffic control or airport staff strikes

• Political unrest or security risks

• Natural disasters (e.g., volcanic eruptions)

However, your right to care (meals, accommodation, re-routing or refund) still applies, even in extraordinary circumstances.
Why choose ClaimBeacon?
Unlike struggling alone with airline bureaucracy, ClaimBeacon makes the process fast and simple. We review your case, handle the legal steps, and make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to — on a no win, no fee basis.