Guides / Flight refunds

Flight canceled or delayed? How to get a refund or compensation

US and EU rules work very differently. US rules give you a refund when the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you don’t travel. EU rules can also give you fixed cash compensation for long delays and cancellations.

1. Figure out which rules apply

US Department of Transportation refund rules cover flights to, from, or within the United States. EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) covers flights departing an EU airport, and flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline. Some trips are covered by both.

2. US flights: know your refund rights

Under DOT rules (14 CFR § 260.6), if the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change (for example, a domestic flight departing 3+ hours early or arriving 3+ hours late, 6+ hours for international, a different airport, or more connections) and you don’t accept the new flight, rebooking, voucher, or credit, you are entitled to a full refund, including taxes and fees. US rules do not require cash compensation for delays themselves.

3. EU flights: claim compensation

Under EU261, if you arrive 3 or more hours late, or your flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, you may be owed €250, €400, or €600 depending on distance, unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances like severe weather. For cancellations you can also choose a refund or re-routing. See the EU’s official air passenger rights page.

4. Write to the airline

Send a written claim with your booking reference, flight number, date, what happened, and what you are asking for (a refund, EU261 compensation, or both). Keep screenshots of delay notices and receipts.

5. Escalate if they refuse

For US flights, you can file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation’s aviation consumer protection office. For EU flights, you can go to the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened. Paying by credit card also gives you the option of a card dispute.

What your letter should include

• Your name, booking reference, and flight number
• Date and route of the flight
• What happened (cancellation, change, delay length)
• Which rules apply (US DOT or EU261)
• Exactly what you are claiming (refund amount or € compensation)
• Copies of your ticket and any airline notices

Keep a copy of everything you send, and note the date you sent it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get compensation for a delayed US domestic flight?

US law does not require cash compensation for delays. If the delay is significant and you choose not to travel, you can get a refund. Some airlines voluntarily offer meals, hotels, or credits.

Does EU261 apply to US airlines?

It applies to any airline departing an EU airport. For flights into the EU, it applies only when the airline is an EU carrier.

What counts as extraordinary circumstances under EU261?

Events outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, or security risks. Routine technical problems are generally not enough.