Flight cancelled late — Art. 5 + 14-day rule protocol
Cancellation within 14 days before departure = compensation (€250-€600), unless the re-routing falls within tight margins. Almost always in your favour.
For cancellation, the "14-day rule" applies (Art. 5(1)(c) EU 261/2004). Were you informed < 14 days before departure? Your compensation right then depends on what the carrier offered as re-routing. In practice you almost always fall in the compensation tier.
Step by step
1
Document date/time of cancellation notification
Screenshot the email, SMS, or app push. Timestamp matters: when did YOU receive it vs. when was the flight scheduled?
2
Look at what the carrier offered as re-routing
Three time thresholds: 7-14 days ahead = no compensation if re-routing within 2h-earlier/4h-later. < 7 days ahead = no compensation if within 1h-earlier/2h-later. Day of departure = always compensation.
3
Calculate: do you fall into the compensation tier?
In most cases: yes. A 3+ hour later re-routing on less than 14 days notice = full compensation €250/€400/€600. In doubt: push the claim — carrier must prove they stayed within margin.
4
Demand Art. 8 choice: reimbursement OR re-routing
Offered a voucher? Refuse — demand cash refund within 7 days (Art. 8(1)(a)). Or accept re-routing + claim compensation separately. Both rights stand independently.
5
Care under Art. 9 — even in force majeure
Meals, phone calls, hotel for overnight. Applies even in extraordinary circumstances (McDonagh C-12/11). Keep receipts.
6
Send formal claim letter, 14-day deadline
Cite Art. 5 + Art. 7 + Art. 8 + Sturgeon + Wallentin-Hermann. Our EU 261 letter (€9.99) names all relevant articles + escalation routes. No response: ILT, Geschillencommissie Luchtvaart, cantonal court.
Ready to claim?
Flight delayed or cancelled? Claim €250–€600
We draft a formal EU 261/2004 claim letter to your airline. Send-ready PDF with legal citations — ready to file.
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