How can I claim compensation for a cancelled flight?

Has your long-awaited vacation or business trip turned into a nightmare due to a cancellation? According to EU Regulation 261/2004, you are entitled to cancelled flight compensation that can reach up to €600. The law protects European passengers, regardless of the ticket price or the type of airline (full-service or low-cost).

Your rights if the flight was cancelled

If you were informed of your flight cancellation less than 14 days before departure, Community legislation provides you with clear rights. Here is what you must do immediately:

• Preserve documents: Do not delete your confirmation email and keep your ticket or booking reference (a 6-character code). These are your primary pieces of evidence.
• Ascertain the exact reason: Ask the airline staff or check your email. If the reason is of a technical nature or due to crew shortages, you are entitled to compensation.
• Request immediate assistance: The carrier is obliged to offer you food, refreshments and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the place of accommodation until the next available flight.
• Choose between reimbursement or re-routing: You have the right to receive a full refund of the ticket price within 7 days OR to be re-routed to your final destination under comparable transport conditions.
• Do not sign waiver offers: Avoid accepting low-value vouchers if they are bundled with signing a document by which you waive your right to seek subsequent cash financial compensation.

Checking compensation eligibility: How much can you receive?

The amount you can recover for a cancelled flight depends exclusively on the travel distance and the timing of the notification.

Important: You are eligible if the cancellation was caused by reasons attributable to the carrier, such as: technical defects, internal strikes, or crew shortages. You are NOT eligible if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, extreme weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or political instability.

How do I obtain compensation from Wizz Air, Ryanair, or Tarom?

Each airline has a different system for processing claims, and these can sometimes be difficult to navigate:

• How do I obtain compensation from Wizz Air? You must access their online complaint form. Wizz Air often requests technical details and may initially reject claims citing meteorological reasons, even if these were not factual.
• Ryanair: Cancelled flight compensation: Ryanair uses a dedicated portal for EU261 claims. Ensure you enter passenger data exactly as it appears in the booking. If you do not receive a response within the legal timeframe, the case must be escalated.
• Tarom cancelled flight compensation: In the case of the national carrier, it is recommended to send an official request via email or through the contact form, attaching copies of your ID and travel documents.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to receive flight compensation?

The process normally takes between 4 and 12 weeks. If the airline refuses payment and intervention from the authorities or the court is required, the timeframe can extend to 6-12 months.

Can I ask for my money back for the cancelled flight ticket?

Yes! In addition to the financial compensation of up to €600, you are entitled to a full reimbursement of the ticket if you choose not to travel on the alternative flight offered.

Am I protected if the flight departs from outside the EU?

You are protected if the flight lands at an EU airport and is operated by a European airline (e.g., a New York - Bucharest flight operated by Tarom).

Seek professional assistance

The process of obtaining your money can be exhausting and full of bureaucratic obstacles. Despago.ro assists you throughout this entire journey. We manage communication with the airlines' legal counsel and ensure you receive the maximum legal amount, without any financial risk to you.

Have you had a cancelled flight in the last 3 years? Check your eligibility now with Despago.ro and recover your money!