Flight delayed or cancelled: your next steps

Understand the offer

A refund ends the transport arrangement you are refunding. Rerouting is a way to continue travelling. Before accepting either, ask what happens to any connecting or return flights on the same booking. Do not assume an independently booked replacement will automatically be repaid.

Check the rules for your flight

EU air passenger rules cover departures from the EU on any airline and arrivals from outside the EU on an EU airline, subject to the conditions in the official guidance. Related arrangements apply to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Other journeys can have different rules.

Ask about help while you wait

Meals, accommodation, a replacement journey and compensation have different conditions. The length of the wait, the route and the cause of the disruption can matter. Use the official flight-specific guidance below; a delay alone does not establish a fixed payment.

Build a useful claim

• Keep the ticket and booking confirmation, including all legs on the reservation.
• Record the actual arrival time and save the airline’s stated reason.
• Keep itemised receipts for necessary spending and any written approval.
• Submit the claim through the airline’s official channel and keep its reference.