Flight Delayed or Cancelled? Your Rights in the US, EU and UK

United States

Refunds: under DOT rules, a cancelled or significantly changed flight (large schedule change, downgrade, added connection) entitles you to an automatic cash refund if you choose not to travel — not a voucher. Baggage fees are refundable if bags are significantly delayed.

Care: the DOT customer-service dashboard shows what each airline commits to for controllable delays (mechanical, crew, IT): most large carriers promise meals after three hours and hotels for overnight stranding. Weather and ATC are not controllable, so nothing is owed beyond rebooking.

Compensation: no federal requirement. Some airlines offer vouchers voluntarily — ask.

European Union and United Kingdom (EU261 / UK261)

Applies to: flights departing an EU/UK airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU/UK on an EU/UK airline.

Rights: rebooking or refund; care (meals, two phone calls, hotel and transfers if overnight) while you wait, regardless of cause; and compensation of €250/€400/€600 (UK: £220/£350/£520) for arrival delays of three hours or more, cancellations with under 14 days’ notice, and denied boarding — unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, ATC strikes, security). Technical faults and crew shortages generally do not count as extraordinary.

Claim: use the airline’s EU261 form, state the flight, delay reason and amount, attach boarding passes. If refused, escalate to the national enforcement body (CAA in the UK) or an alternative dispute scheme; claims companies take a percentage.

Elsewhere

Canada’s APPR, Brazil, Turkey, India and others have their own rules — usually refund plus care, sometimes compensation. The airline’s conditions of carriage and the destination regulator are the sources.

Do this when it happens

1. Screenshot the delay and get the reason in writing (app, text, or ask the desk).
2. Rebook via the app first — the fastest queue — then the desk or phone.
3. Keep receipts for meals, hotels, transport.
4. Know the rule for your region before you argue; quote it calmly.
5. Claim after the trip; write it down while it’s fresh.

Frequently asked

Does the airline have to pay for my hotel if my flight is cancelled?

In the EU/UK, yes, if you're stranded overnight waiting for rebooking, regardless of cause. In the US, most major airlines commit to hotels for controllable cancellations only; check the DOT dashboard for your airline.

Can I get a refund instead of a voucher?

Yes. In the US, cancellations and significant changes entitle you to a cash refund to the original form of payment if you don't travel. EU/UK rules also require a refund option.

How much is EU261 compensation?

€250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500–3,500 km (and intra-EU over 1,500), €600 for longer flights, when the delay at arrival is three hours or more and the cause wasn't extraordinary.