Airlines cancel flights. They delay takeoffs. They overbook. It happens every day. What they don’t always do is explain your rights or what you’re actually owed.
Most travelers assume a cancelled flight means a refund. Some think a delay might get them compensation. But the truth is, most don’t understand the difference, and that confusion can cost hundreds of euros in unclaimed money.
Let’s fix that.
A refund and compensation are not the same thing. One returns your ticket price or expenses. The other is a legal payout for the inconvenience and lost time you endured because of a flight disruption. Both can be claimed in entirely different ways, and under very specific rules.
If you’ve traveled to or from Canada, or flown in and out of Europe, your rights might be stronger than you think, especially under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004. Still, too many passengers walk away with nothing because they confuse the terms.
In this blog, we’ll break it down step-by-step - what qualifies for a refund, what triggers compensation, and how to make a successful claim.
Let’s be clear: a flight refund isn’t about how long you waited. It’s about whether you flew. If your flight is cancelled and you didn’t travel, the airline must return your money.
You're eligible for a refund if:
A flight delay, cancellation or overbooking doesn’t just mess with your schedule—it costs you. And under EU/UK flight compensation rights that cost is often compensated in cash.
This isn’t about getting your fare refunded. It’s about the emotional toll, wasted time,and lost plans and you can claim €250–€600 depending on how far you were flying.
You’re eligible for flight delays compensation if:
Example: You fly from London to Rome and land 4 hours late No storm. No strike. Just an airline error. That’s up to €250 owed to you. If it is from Porto to Stockholm, then it is €400 No debate.
Most people never claim it because they assume the airline will notify them (they won’t). Or worse. They think it’s too complicated.
Not sure if you should ask for a refund or compensation? Thousands of air travelers each year mix up refunds and compensation and lose what’s rightfully theirs. Whether you're dealing with a flight refund in Canada or planning to claim flight compensation in Europe you need to know which applies to your case.
| Feature | Refund | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Airline cancels and you don’t travel | Delay, short-notice cancel, or denied boarding |
| Basis | Ticket value | EU 261—distance + hours delayed |
| Payout | Price of the flight | €250–€600 |
| Legal back-up | Standard refund laws | EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 |
| Typical case | You cancel or skip due to cancellation | You flew anyway, but it was a disaster |
A refund is what you’re owed when your flight simply doesn’t happen. But if you were on that plane—late, angry, and tired , you may be owed compensation, not just sympathy. And unlike refunds, compensation is legally enforceable under EU flight compensation rights.
Think of it like this:
So next time you look up “refund vs compensation”, remember if you flew and it sucked, you might be owed cash, not just closure.
Here’s where both may be valid:
You can refuse rebooking and claim a full refund. At the same time, short notice means you’re eligible for additional compensation of up to 600 euros under EU/UK 261.
You may be rebooked or refunded, but you also have the right to compensation under EU/UK 261, simply because your seat was taken despite having a valid ticket.
If you’re placed in a lower class or the flight lands late, you may be able to claim a partial refund and separate compensation for time lost.
Example: Your flight from Frankfurt to Barcelona gets cancelled 12 hours before departure. You reject the airline’s alternative flight and get your refund. Since the cancellation came with short notice, EU law also entitles you to 250 euros in compensation.
Most passengers don’t claim the full amount they deserve. But once you understand how the rules intersect, you can recover everything you’re entitled to.
Before you think about who should help you claim, you need to know what it actually takes to get your money back. Here’s how the process works when you go it alone.
Figure out whether your situation calls for a refund, compensation, or both.
Airlines won’t pay you based on a story. You need:
Use online tools or read up on EU/UK Regulation 261 or Canadian APPR to confirm your rights. If you’re looking up “how to claim flight refund and compensation” or “Toronto flight delay claim help”, this step is critical.
Most people who try to claim on their own either give up or get denied. Not because they’re wrong, but because the process is built to exhaust you.
You’re not sure if your flight qualifies, and the airline’s website isn’t going to tell you. That uncertainty delays action or stops you entirely.
You fill in the form and wait. No confirmation. No updates. Just silence. That’s intentional.
Did the airline cancel within 14 days? Was the carrier EU/UK-based? Did you accept rerouting? These factors change everything—and airlines know most people can’t untangle it.
Even if you’re right, you need to submit every document perfectly. A missing item—or the wrong file format can trigger an instant rejection.
They delay. They request “more information.” They send generic replies. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking to your legal deadline.
Delayed. Cancelled. Denied boarding.
You paid for a flight and instead got frustrated, lost time, and paid extra costs.
But here’s what most passengers don’t realize: you could be owed hundreds of euros in Click2Refund flight compensation and not even knowing it.
The biggest mistake? Thinking you have to figure it out alone.
We’re EU/UK delay compensation experts, trusted refund service in Canada, and your ticket to fast payouts. Our process is tight, legal, and built solely for you.
Start Your Claim Now with Click2Refund flight delay compensation calculator. No obligation!
1. Can I get both a refund and compensation?
Yes, in many cases you’re entitled to both. For example, if your flight is cancelled last minute and you choose not to travel, you can claim a full refund and up to €600 in compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Each is based on different criteria, so don’t assume it’s one or the other.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
You typically have up to 3 years to claim flight compensation or a refund, depending on the country and flight route. For EU flights, many countries allow claims up to 2 or 3 years after the travel date. There are some countries which allow 5 years (i.e. Spain and France) or 6 years (i.e UK and Ireland). Don’t delay waiting too long, it could weaken your case or cause you to miss your eligibility window entirely.
3. What if the airline says it was ‘extraordinary circumstances’?
Airlines often use this as a blanket excuse, but not every situation qualifies. Technical faults, staffing issues, and most operational problems are not exempt. At Click2Refund, we review these claims thoroughly and push back when airlines wrongly deny rightful compensation based on vague excuses.
4. Do I need to be an EU/UK citizen to claim under EU? UK 261?
No. Your nationality doesn’t matter; what matters is the flight’s origin, destination, or airline registration. If you fly on an EU/UK airline or your flight departed from the EU/UK, you’re protected. Passengers from Canada, the U.S., or anywhere else can still claim under the EU/UK regulation.