Cancelled flight:which expenses can be reimbursed?
Where the airline fails to provide the required care or rerouting, necessary, reasonable and appropriate expenses may be claimed with supporting receipts.
This guide provides general information. Eligibility always depends on the precise facts and the rules applicable to the case.
The expense should be necessary, reasonable and linked to the disruption
Meals, refreshments, hotel and transport between the airport and accommodation may be covered where the airline does not arrange care.
A replacement ticket may also be considered where appropriate rerouting is not offered, but the cost should be limited and every step documented.
Compensation of up to €600 may apply
Where the applicable conditions are met, the fixed amount mainly depends on the flight distance.
These amounts are never automatic: notice, rerouting, cause and supporting evidence must all be checked.
The expense should be necessary, reasonable and linked to the disruption
Request care first
Make yourself known to the airline before incurring costs.
No suitable help
Keep proof that an appropriate solution was not provided.
Proportionate price
Choose a reasonable option without unjustified luxury or upgrades.
Itemised receipt
Evidence should show the date, amount and nature of the expense.
Expenses commonly examined
Meals and drinks
Reasonable purchases may be reimbursed during the wait.
Hotel
A necessary overnight stay before the new flight may be covered.
Transfers
Reasonable transport between airport and hotel may qualify.
Replacement ticket
Consider cautiously if the airline fails to reroute properly.
Expense reimbursement is separate from fixed compensation
Documented expenses may be claimed even when €250, €400 or €600 compensation is excluded because of extraordinary circumstances.
Expenses that are often difficult to recover
Luxury purchases
Disproportionate hotels or meals may be challenged.
Indirect losses
Lost wages or missed activities are not automatically part of care rights.
Costs without receipts
Without evidence and a timeline, the claim is weaker.
Documents you should keep
Booking confirmation
Keep the ticket, flight number and complete itinerary.
Cancellation or delay notice
Save emails, text messages and notifications with their date.
Option offered
Capture the rerouting, refund or refusal communicated by the airline.
Actual times
Record departure and arrival times for any replacement journey.
Precise reason
Request a written explanation and evidence that can be checked.
Itemised receipts
Keep proof of necessary and reasonable expenses.
Your claim in four steps
Enter the flight
Add the flight number, date and complete itinerary.
Describe the disruption
State the times, notice period and reason given.
Attach evidence
Provide messages, booking documents and useful receipts.
Check your rights
The case is assessed before any action is taken.
Related pages to read
Frequently asked questions — Reimbursable expenses after a cancelled flight
Are meals reimbursable?
Yes, where necessary, reasonable and not provided by the airline.
Can I book a hotel?
Yes if an overnight stay is necessary and suitable accommodation is not provided.
Can a taxi be reimbursed?
Reasonable airport-to-accommodation transport may qualify.
Can I buy another ticket myself?
Proceed cautiously: request rerouting first and document the lack of a solution.
Are expenses due in bad weather?
Care may remain due even where fixed compensation is excluded.
Is a bank statement enough?
An itemised receipt is preferable to prove the exact nature of the expense.
Could your flight qualify for compensation?
Enter your journey details for an initial assessment with no upfront fee.