A messed-up flight often means you're owed money, a refund, or a hotel — but airlines won't volunteer it. Here's what you can claim in the EU/UK and the US, and how to get it.
| Situation | EU / UK (EU261) | USA (DOT) |
|---|---|---|
| Delay 3 hrs+ (airline's fault) | €250–600 cash | No set payout* |
| Flight cancelled | Refund or rebooking + comp | Full refund if you don't fly |
| Bumped (denied boarding) | €250–600 + care | Up to ~$1,550 cash |
| Meals / hotel (long delay) | Yes — "right to care" | Airline policy / dashboard |
| Weather / outside control | Care yes, cash no | Refund if you don't fly |
*The US has no fixed delay-compensation law, but recent DOT rules require automatic refunds for cancelled or significantly changed flights if you choose not to travel, and airlines publish their own meal/hotel commitments. EU261 covers flights departing the EU/UK, or arriving on an EU/UK carrier.
In the EU/UK, yes — €250 to €600 for arrivals delayed 3+ hours when it's the airline's fault (EU261). In the US there's no set delay payout, but you're entitled to a full refund if a cancellation or big schedule change means you don't fly, plus whatever meal/hotel care the airline commits to.
No. If your flight is cancelled (or significantly changed) and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to your money back — not just a voucher — in both the US and EU/UK. Ask specifically for a refund.
Cash compensation usually doesn't apply for events outside the airline's control, like severe weather. But you still get "right to care" (meals, and a hotel overnight) in the EU/UK, and a refund in the US if you decide not to travel.