Current EU261 and UK261 rules remain the basis for present-day checks. The updated EU rules approved in July 2026 enter into force 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
Choose refund or rerouting deliberately
The airline should offer reimbursement, rerouting at the earliest opportunity, or later rerouting under comparable conditions. Once one route is chosen, other travel-choice rights may change, although compensation can remain a separate issue.
When cancellation compensation may apply
Current EU guidance generally excludes fixed compensation when notice was given more than 14 days in advance. Different replacement-flight timing tests apply for notice between 7 and 14 days and for notice under 7 days.
Care while waiting for an alternative
Meals, refreshments, hotel and transport can remain relevant while waiting for rerouting. Keep reasonable, itemised receipts where the airline does not provide care.
Evidence checklist
- Complete booking and final destination
- Flight number, date and operating carrier
- Scheduled and actual departure/arrival times
- Airline explanation and disruption messages
- Receipts for reasonable expenses