How to handle a flight cancellation
By the Agoroam team · Published 5 June 2026
Quick answer
- EU 261 pays 250 to 600 euros for cancelled flights with under 14 days notice.
- US DOT requires a full cash refund for cancelled flights, not just a voucher.
- Call the airline international number for shorter hold times.
- Get rebooked on a partner airline if your airline has no good options.
- Hotel and meal vouchers are required if the delay is overnight (in most countries).
EU 261, the strongest protection
For flights departing the EU or arriving in the EU on an EU airline, EU Regulation 261/2004 applies. Cancellations with under 14 days notice pay:
- 250 euros for short-haul flights (under 1,500 km)
- 400 euros for medium-haul (1,500 to 3,500 km)
- 600 euros for long-haul (over 3,500 km)
- Plus a full refund or rebooking
- Plus accommodation and meals if rerouting is delayed to next day
US DOT cash refund rule
Since 2024, US DOT requires airlines to issue automatic cash refunds for cancelled flights, not vouchers. If the airline only offers a voucher, you have the right to demand cash. Cite the 14 CFR Part 259 rule and they will comply.
The rebooking phone call
When your flight cancels:
- Open the app and request rebooking immediately, this often works automatically
- If the app gives you a bad option, call the international support number (often shorter wait than domestic)
- Ask for rebooking on a partner airline (Delta to Air France via SkyTeam)
- Be polite, agents have discretion on whether to help or not
- If the queue is long, log into Twitter and DM the airline, they often respond in minutes
When the next available flight is days away
If the airline tries to rebook you 3 days later, demand:
- Hotel for each night
- Meal allowance (5 to 25 USD per meal)
- Local transportation to and from the hotel
- Rebooking on a partner airline that flies sooner, even if pricier (the airline pays)
Voucher versus cash
Airlines prefer to give vouchers because they expire and not everyone uses them. Always take cash if offered the choice. The exception is some compensation schemes where the voucher is 2x the cash equivalent, in which case the math depends on whether you fly the airline often.
Travel insurance and the credit card
Many premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Premier) include travel disruption coverage. File a claim for hotel and meal expenses if the airline does not cover them. Travel insurance often covers what airline compensation does not.
Frequently asked
How much does EU 261 pay for a cancelled flight?
250 euros for short-haul (under 1,500 km), 400 euros for medium-haul (1,500 to 3,500 km), 600 euros for long-haul (over 3,500 km). Plus a full refund or rebooking. Plus hotel and meals if the rebooking is for the next day.
Do I have to accept a voucher for a cancelled flight?
No. In the EU, you can choose cash or a rebooking. In the US since 2024, airlines must offer cash refunds automatically. If they only offer a voucher, demand the cash refund.
What if my rebooked flight is days later?
The airline owes you hotel, meals, and transportation in most jurisdictions. You can also demand to be rebooked on a partner airline that flies sooner. EU 261 requires this in Europe.
Is it worth calling the airline instead of using the app?
For complicated rebookings, yes. Call the international support number (often shorter wait than domestic) and explain calmly. Agents have discretion to find better options than the app shows.
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