Flight cancellation compensation for old flights? It’s possible
Can you claim flight cancellation compensation for old flights?
Yes, it is possible. You can claim flight compensation for old flights in the EU, but there is a time limit for making a claim. The time limit depends on the laws of your point of departure. Certain European countries may allow you to make a claim up to 6 years after your flight date while others have more stringent regulations when filing compensation claims.
In this article, we will discuss this question in detail.
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Understanding flight cancellation compensation in Europe
First, a quick intro about UK/EU flight cancellation compensation.
According to European regulation EC 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled last-minute due to the airline’s fault, you may be eligible for up to €600 per person in EU flight compensation.
Requirements for UK/EU flight cancellation compensation:
- The airline must be at fault;
- You are informed about the cancellation less than 2 weeks before the day of departure;
- You must be flying within, to or from Europe;
- If you are flying from a country outside Europe, your flight must be with a European airline.
Things are different, if your flight is cancelled more than 2 weeks before the trip. You can still get a full refund or new flight to your destination, but you can’t get a compensation for cancellation. That’s because — if a flight is cancelled more than 2 weeks in advance — it is not considered a last-minute flight cancellation.
Keep in mind that you can’t get flight cancellation compensation if your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances. For example, extreme weather conditions mostly are considered extraordinary circumstances. But you can get compensation if your flight is cancelled due to things like technical problems, not enough crew, airplane staff strikes, etc.
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Flight cancellation compensation for old flights? It’s possible
Can you get flight cancellation compensation for old flights? It’s possible!
Depending on where in Europe you are flying from, you might be able to claim compensation for flight cancellation that occurred as many as six years ago! Yes, in some countries you can get flight cancellation compensation for flights that are up to 6 years old.
In many countries within Europe (the EU, EEA and the UK), however, the norm is 2-3 years. And in some countries you have only 1 year to start a flight compensation claim.
What is the time limit for flight compensation claims in the EU/UK?
How many years after my cancelled flight can I make a claim — this is one of the most popular questions we get about flight cancellation compensation.
Different countries have their own regulations and rules, so it is suggested to read up on local laws prior to submitting your claim. Unless, you decide to work with us — and we do check your flight and the laws that apply to it on your behalf. With Refundor checking is for free.
Mostly it’s 2-3 years
In Europe specifically, it’s mostly 2-3 years.
Most European countries allow passengers to claim compensation up to 2 or 3 years after an incident. In some countries, they extend this window of opportunity even further (up to 6 years). Still, our top tip is to do it as soon after the cancellation as possible. According to our experience, the sooner you do it, the higher are your chances of easy and stress-free process.
Time limit for claiming UK/EU flight compensation
Below is a list of countries in Europe, with time limits for claiming flight compensation. Take into account that this data may, and most likely will, change in the future. It may also have already changed, and there may be some inaccuracies. It’s always best to double check with government websites before making a claim.
File a claim with us and we’ll do the checking for you.
- Austria: 3 years
- Belgium: 1 year
- Bulgaria: 5 years
- Croatia: 2 years
- Cyprus: 6 years
- Czech Republic: 3 years
- Denmark: 3 years
- Estonia: 3 years
- Finland: 3 years
- Germany: 3 years
- Greece: 5 years
- Iceland: 2 years
- Ireland: 6 years
- Latvia: 6 months
- Netherlands: 2 years
- Norway: 3 years
- Portugal: 3 years
- Scotland: 5 years
- Spain: 5 years
- Switzerland: 2 years
- Sweden: 3 years
- UK (except Scotland): 6 years
Here is a proof — it is very much possible to receive flight cancellation compensation for flights from years ago. However, you must be aware that each country has its own time limit for claiming flight compensation; usually 2 or 3 years, yet some nations allow passengers to claim compensation even after 5 or 6 years.
Yes, these time limits are generous. But, I’ll repeat, you shouldn’t be waiting on purpose. The quicker you start a claim process, the better your chances of achieving a successful result.
Do you have any questions about flight cancellation compensation in Europe? Have you ever missed a flight because of a cancellation? Contact us, if you need help getting compensation for flight delay, cancellation or boarding denial.
Check your compensation online.
By Europe and EU we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Featured photo by Braeson Holland