When Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Cancelled Flight ?
You can claim compensation if all of the following conditions are met:
- Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure
- The airline did not offer you an equivalent replacement flight
- The flight was departing from the EU or arriving in the EU with a European airline
- The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances
Tip: You can be compensated even if you have already been refunded for your ticket.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive ?
Compensation is fixed, regardless of the ticket price. It depends only on flight distance and arrival delay:
- €250: flights under 1,500 km with a delay of 3 hours or more
- €400: flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km with a delay of 3 hours or more
- €600: flights over 3,500 km (outside the EU) with a delay of 4 hours or more
Examples:Lyon → Barcelona (800 km), delayed 3h20 = €250
Paris → New York, delayed 5h = €600
What If a Replacement Flight Is Offered ?
The airline may reduce or cancel your right to compensation if:
- You were informed more than 14 days in advance
- The replacement flight has a schedule very close to the original flight
Some guidelines:
- Arriving less than 2 hours late on a short flight → no compensation
- Arriving 3–4 hours late on a long-haul flight → partial compensation possible
Fly Claim automatically calculates your exact compensation based on your situation.
When Is Compensation Not Due ?
Vous ne pouvez pas être indemnisé si l’annulation est liée à une circonstance exceptionnelle, comme :
● Conditions météorologiques dangereuses
● Grève du personnel de l’aéroport (hors compagnie)
● Risques sécuritaires, troubles politiques
● Fermeture de l’espace aérien, épidémies
⚠ Certaines compagnies utilisent abusivement ce motif. Fly Claim vérifie chaque dossier pour contester les refus injustifiés.
Are You Entitled to a Refund in Addition to Compensation?
Yes. In the event of a cancellation, you can choose:
-A full refund of the unused ticket
- Re-routing to your final destination➡ This does not prevent you from receiving compensation if conditions are met.
Important: If you refuse the replacement flight, you are still entitled to a ticket refund.
What About Additional Expenses (Hotel, Rental, Taxi…)?
If you had to book a hotel, car, or buy new tickets due to the cancellation:
- Keep all receipts (hotel, transport, meals)
These costs are not covered by EC 261, but they can be:
- Claimed via travel insurance or premium credit cards
- Submitted to the airline as a supplementary claim
💡 Fly Claim helps you get your main compensation, which strengthens your chances in a parallel claim.
What Should I Do If My Flight Is Cancelled?
● Request a written reason for the cancellation from the airline
● Keep all documents (ticket, emails, boarding pass, proof of delay)
● Use Fly Claim to check your eligibility for free
Why Use Fly-Claim?
Filing a claim directly with the airline is often time-consuming and frustrating: automatic refusals, silence, vague responses…
With Fly-Claim:
- Free flight verification
- No paperwork
- Legal follow-up if necessary
- No upfront fees — we only get paid if you receive your compensation
- Faster processing times
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the deadline to claim compensation?
In France, you have up to 5 years from the date of the flight.
Can I be compensated if I booked through an agency or third-party website?
Yes. The airline (not the intermediary) is responsible for your rights.
What if I accepted a voucher instead of a refund?
You often lose your rights. Do not sign anything too quickly. Fly Claim can analyze your case to see if compensation is still possible.
