Flights · Delays and cancellations

Flight delayed or canceled? What you're owed

Updated October 2026

What you can get back depends on where you're flying, not where you live. Here is the short version for the US, Canada and Europe, and how to claim without paying anything up front.

Flights within the US

Canceled flight or a big delay: if you choose not to travel, US rules entitle you to a refund to your original payment method, not just a credit. A big delay means 3 or more hours on a domestic flight or 6 or more on an international one.
Cash for the delay itself: US law doesn't require it. Many airlines still give meal vouchers, hotel rooms or miles when the delay is their fault, so ask at the desk or in the app.
Checked bags: if your bag arrives very late, you can ask for the bag fee back.

Flights to, from or within Canada

For delays of 3 hours or more that the airline controls, large airlines owe up to CA$1,000 depending on how late you arrive.
Weather and safety issues don't count, but the airline still has to get you to your destination.

Flights to or from Europe and the UK

EU and UK rules pay €250 to €600 (or the UK pound equivalent) for arrivals 3+ hours late, cancellations with short notice and denied boarding.
This covers any flight leaving the EU or UK, and flights into the EU or UK on a European airline.
You can usually claim for flights up to several years old.

How to claim

You can file directly with the airline. If you'd rather not deal with it, these services check your flight for free and only take a share if they win.

Check my flight with AirHelp Check with Compensair

Traveling with a group?

Each passenger has their own claim, so a delayed team or family can add up fast. Keep every boarding pass and receipt for meals, hotels and rides while you wait.

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This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official airline or government page for your flight. GroupVoy may earn a commission from partner links.