Airlines
Airline refunds and flight compensation
Short answer: if your flight is cancelled, you are usually entitled to a refund of the unused ticket. Fixed cash compensation exists in some places, including the EU, UK and Canada, but not in the United States.
A refund returns what you paid for a service you didn't get. Compensation is an extra amount for the inconvenience, and only some laws provide it. The refund vs compensation explainer covers the difference.
Which rules apply depends on where your flight departed and arrived, and on the airline. Use the flight compensation checker to see which frameworks may cover your flight.
Flight compensation at a glance
| Where | When it applies | Compensation per passenger |
|---|---|---|
| European UnionRegulation 261/2004 | Arrive 3+ hours late, short-notice cancellation, or denied boarding | €250 – €600 |
| United KingdomUK261 | Arrive 3+ hours late, short-notice cancellation, or denied boarding | £220 – £520 |
| CanadaAPPR | Arrive 3+ hours late for reasons within the airline's control | CA$125 – CA$1,000 (delays) |
| United StatesDOT, 14 CFR 260 | Cancellation or significant change: refund only | No fixed compensation |
Rules last checked against official sources on Oct 11, 2026. Compensation usually isn't due for extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather.
Delays, cancellations and baggage
- Explainer
Refund vs compensation: what's the difference?
A refund gives back what you paid. Compensation is an extra payment for the inconvenience, and only some laws provide it. Here's how to tell which you can claim.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 - GuideEuropean Union
EU261 flight compensation explained
Delayed 3+ hours, cancelled at short notice or bumped from a flight in Europe? EU Regulation 261/2004 may entitle you to €250–€600 plus a refund or re-routing.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 - GuideUnited Kingdom
UK flight delay compensation (UK261)
The UK kept EU-style passenger rights after Brexit. Here's how UK261 works, from £220 to £520 in compensation to your right to a refund.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 - GuideCanada
Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR): compensation guide
Flights to, from and within Canada are covered by the APPR. Compensation runs from CA$125 to CA$1,000 for delays and up to CA$2,400 for denied boarding.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 - GuideUnited States
US airline refund rules: when you're owed your money back
US airlines must refund you when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you don't accept the alternative. There's no federal compensation for delays.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 - Guide
Lost, delayed or damaged baggage: deadlines you must not miss
Airline baggage claims have strict written deadlines: 7 days for damage and 21 days for delayed bags on international trips. Here's what to do at the airport and after.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026
Airline directory
Grouped by where each airline is licensed. This affects which passenger-rights rules apply on flights into the EU and the UK.
Licensed in the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland
Licensed in the United Kingdom
Canadian airlines
US airlines
Indian airlines
Australian airlines
Passenger rights by country
Frequently asked questions
Is a flight refund the same as flight compensation?
No. A refund returns the price of the ticket you didn't use. Compensation is a fixed extra payment for the inconvenience. It exists under some laws, such as EU261, UK261 and Canada's APPR, and usually doesn't apply when the cause was outside the airline's control.
Do US airlines have to pay compensation for delays?
No federal rule requires US airlines to pay cash compensation for delays or cancellations. US DOT rules require refunds when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you don't accept the alternative.
How long do I have to claim flight compensation?
It depends on the law. Under Canada's APPR, you must submit your claim within one year. For EU261, the deadline is set by national law and varies by country. Claim as soon as you can and keep your booking documents.