In short (UK): If the airline cancels your flight, you are usually entitled to a refund or re-routing, care if stranded, and sometimes fixed compensation (£220–£520 bands) unless extraordinary circumstances apply — under retained EU261 / UK rules. Keep booking emails, note when you were told, claim in writing. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Cancellations by Ryanair, easyJet, or any other airline are covered by the same passenger-rights framework when the rules apply — not by brand slogans. This guide is the core map, not a full claim pack. For a personalised plan and letter, use Refundly. Official overview: CAA.
Your Rights When a Flight Is Cancelled
Typically:
- Full refund or alternative flight
- Care and assistance if you are stranded
- Compensation in many cases unless extraordinary circumstances
Compensation is often not automatic — claim properly.
What to Do Next (High Level)
- Keep booking confirmation and airline messages.
- Note when you were told of the cancellation.
- Choose refund vs rebooking consciously.
- Confirm everything in writing.
- Claim compensation separately if due; escalate if ignored.
Rights explained in Refundly, then a plan for your booking
How to Claim Successfully
Chat-only claims get lost. A formal written claim plus a dated file makes escalation (ADR, card dispute where relevant) much easier.
Refundly sequences refund, care, and compensation steps with deadlines
Using Refundly for Cancelled Flights
- Select travel → flight cancelled
- See entitlements in plain English
- Personalised action plan
- Letter template filled from your details
- Track responses / export
Structured claim wording without building the whole process yourself
Final Tip
Do not accept a voucher if you want cash for a refund you are entitled to. Decide refund vs rebook deliberately and write it down.
General information for UK consumers only — not legal advice. See CAA cancellation guidance.
Common questions
Short answers to common questions on this topic.
- What am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?
- Usually a full refund or re-routing, plus care (meals/hotels) if you are stranded waiting. Fixed compensation may also apply unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances. Rules follow UK/EU261-style passenger rights.
- Can the airline force me to take a voucher?
- No. If you want a cash refund of the ticket when cancellation rules entitle you to one, you can normally insist on money back rather than a voucher.
- Do Ryanair and easyJet passengers have the same rights as other airlines?
- Passenger rights rules apply by flight circumstances, not brand loyalty. Low-cost carriers must still follow the same framework when your flight is covered.
- Is compensation automatic?
- Often no. Refunds and rebooking may be offered in the app, but fixed compensation frequently needs a clear written claim and follow-up.
- What if the airline says “extraordinary circumstances”?
- Ask for a written explanation. Some events qualify; many operational issues do not. Keep claiming if the reason looks weak and escalate if needed.