If you have had a flight cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. The amount of compensation you are entitled to depend on the distance of your flight and the reason for the cancellation.
In the European Union (EU), if your flight is cancelled, you have the right to choose between a full refund or a re-routing to your final destination. If the airline does not offer either of these options, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the distance of your flight and the length of the delay:
- For flights of 1,500 km or less, you are entitled to compensation of 250 euros.
- For flights within the EU of more than 1,500 km, and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, you are entitled to compensation of 400 euros.
- For flights outside the EU of more than 3,500 km, you are entitled to compensation of 600 euros.
If the airline can prove that the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances (such as severe weather or a strike), then they are not required to pay compensation.
To apply for compensation, you will need to contact the airline and provide them with your booking confirmation and any other relevant documents (such as receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation). If the airline does not offer you a satisfactory resolution, you can file a complaint with the national aviation authority in the country where the flight was scheduled to depart from. You can also contact airline compensation service providers like AirHelp and Compensair who will help you to claim compensation from the airline.
It is also a good idea to keep all documents related to your flight, including receipts for any expenses you incurred as a result of the cancellation. These documents will be useful in supporting your claim for compensation.
If you are having difficulty obtaining compensation from the airline, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance. A lawyer with experience in consumer rights and air travel can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in negotiations with the airline.
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