Flight Cancellation Compensation Calculator

This tool helps you estimate the compensation you may be entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004 for a cancelled flight. Fill in the details of your disruption to get an instant calculation.

Potential Compensation Per Passenger:

€0

EU261 Compensation Tiers

Compensation amounts are fixed and based on flight distance.

Flight Distance	Minimum Arrival Delay	Standard Compensation
Up to 1,500 km	3+ hours	€250
1,501 km – 3,500 km (and all intra-EU/UK flights)	3+ hours	€400
Over 3,500 km	4+ hours	€600

Compensation Levels by Distance

Visual representation of the standard compensation tiers.

What is a flight cancellation compensation calculator?

A flight cancellation compensation calculator is a digital tool designed to help air passengers determine if they are eligible for monetary compensation following a flight cancellation. The primary regulation governing this in Europe is EU Regulation 261/2004 (and its UK equivalent), which mandates that airlines must compensate passengers for significant disruptions that are within the airline’s control. This calculator simplifies the complex rules by taking key factors—such as flight distance, notice period, and the reason for cancellation—to provide an estimated compensation amount. Over 4% of passengers might be unaware of their rights, making a flight cancellation compensation calculator an essential first step in making a claim.

The Flight Cancellation Compensation Formula and Explanation

There isn’t a single mathematical formula, but rather a set of rules based on tiers. The compensation is fixed and depends on several conditions being met. The core logic is as follows:

1. Eligibility Check: Was the flight covered by EU/UK law? Was the cancellation the airline’s fault? Were you notified less than 14 days before departure? If the answer to any of these is ‘no’, compensation is typically €0.
2. Distance-Based Tiers: If the flight is eligible, the compensation amount is determined by the flight distance.
3. Delay-Based Reductions: For some long-haul flights, the compensation may be reduced by 50% if the new flight arrives between 3 and 4 hours after the original time.

Variables Table

Key variables determining your compensation entitlement.

Variable	Meaning	Unit / Type	Typical Range
Flight Distance	The total distance of the planned flight.	Kilometers (km)	500 – 15,000 km
Notice Period	How far in advance the airline notified you of the cancellation.	Days	<7, 7-14, >14
Arrival Delay	The final arrival delay with a rerouted flight.	Hours	3, 4, or more
Cause	The reason for the disruption.	Categorical	Airline Fault vs. Extraordinary

Using a flight cancellation compensation calculator is the easiest way to navigate these variables. If you need help with your EU261 claim, our guides can assist you.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Short-Haul Cancellation

• Inputs: Flight from Berlin to Rome (1,185 km), cancelled due to a technical fault, with 5 days’ notice. The passenger was rebooked and arrived 5 hours late.
• Units: Distance in km, notice in days, delay in hours.
• Results: This qualifies for compensation. The distance is under 1,500 km, so the potential compensation is €250.

Example 2: Long-Haul Cancellation with No Compensation

• Inputs: Flight from London to Singapore (10,855 km), cancelled due to a hurricane warning (extraordinary circumstance), with 2 days’ notice.
• Units: N/A, as cause is the deciding factor.
• Results: Even though the notice was short and the distance is long, the cause was an extraordinary circumstance. The potential compensation is €0. Understanding passenger rights is key in these situations.

How to Use This flight cancellation compensation calculator

1. Select Flight Route: Choose whether your flight originated in the EU/UK or was operated by an EU/UK airline into the region. This is the first step in determining if the regulation applies.
2. Enter Flight Distance: Input the total distance of your flight in kilometers. You can often find this on your booking confirmation or via online tools.
3. Provide Cancellation Notice: Select the timeframe in which the airline informed you of the cancellation. This is a critical factor for eligibility.
4. Enter Arrival Delay: If you were re-routed, specify how much later you arrived at your final destination compared to your original ticket.
5. State the Reason: Choose whether the cause was an airline issue or an extraordinary event. Be honest, as airlines will have records of the cause. For more details on what counts, see our guide to extraordinary circumstances list.
6. Calculate: Click the button to see your estimated compensation. The flight cancellation compensation calculator processes these inputs according to EU261 rules.

Key Factors That Affect Flight Cancellation Compensation

• Flight Route: The regulation primarily covers flights departing from the EU/UK and flights arriving in the EU/UK on an EU/UK carrier.
• Airline’s Base: For flights into the EU/UK from outside, the airline must be based in the EU/UK for the rule to apply.
• Notice Period: If you’re told more than 14 days in advance, you are not entitled to compensation, only a refund or rerouting.
• Reason for Cancellation: This is the most contested factor. Airlines are not liable for events like extreme weather, political instability, or certain strikes. Knowing your denied boarding compensation rights can also be useful.
• Distance of Flight: This directly determines the amount (€250, €400, or €600), as shown in our flight cancellation compensation calculator.
• Delay of Rerouted Flight: The arrival time of your alternative flight can sometimes reduce the compensation amount by 50%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as an “extraordinary circumstance”?

These are events outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, political unrest, or security risks. Technical problems are generally not considered extraordinary.

How long do I have to make a claim?

This depends on the country. In the UK, you have up to 6 years to claim compensation. In other EU countries, it can be shorter (e.g., 2-3 years).

Does compensation apply to package holidays?

Yes, your flight is covered under EU261 rules even if it was booked as part of a package holiday.

What if I accepted a voucher?

Accepting vouchers for food or hotels does not waive your right to cash compensation. However, if you accepted a travel voucher as a refund for the ticket itself, it may affect your claim. Always read what you sign.

Is the compensation per person or per booking?

The compensation is per passenger. A family of four could claim four times the amount shown in the flight cancellation compensation calculator.

What if my flight was outside the EU/UK?

Other regulations might apply, such as the Montreal Convention or national laws in countries like Canada. This calculator focuses specifically on EU/UK rules.

The airline rejected my claim. What now?

If you believe you have a valid claim, you can escalate it to a National Enforcement Body (NEB) or use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service. Our flight delay guide has more information.

Does the ticket price affect the compensation?

No, the compensation amount is fixed based on distance and is completely independent of how much you paid for your ticket.