Flight Rescheduled? Guide to Get Compensation and Assistance

When your flight is rescheduled at short notice, it can throw your plans into chaos. The good news: under EU261 and UK261, passengers are protected. If the airline is responsible and the schedule change meets certain conditions, you may be entitled to up to £520 (€600 in the EU) in compensation, plus care and assistance. Eligibility for compensation is determined by how much the new departure or arrival time differs from the scheduled time and the original departure time.

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Similar rights apply if your flight is cancelled.

When Does Flight Rescheduled Compensation Apply?

Compensation depends on how much notice you were given, the length of the delay, and other factors, with compensation depending on flight distance and waiting time, and whether the change was within the airline’s control.

✅ You may claim if:

• The reschedule was announced less than 14 days before departure.
• Your new flight time caused you to:
  • Arrive 2 hours later or more (if notice <14 days), OR
  • Depart more than 1 hour earlier and arrive 2+ hours later (if notice <7 days).
• The cause was within airline control (e.g., technical issues, staff shortages, airline strikes).

❌ No compensation if airline can prove that the reason for the schedule change was caused caused by:

• Severe weather (storms, fog, snow).
• Air traffic control restrictions or strikes.
• Airport staff/security strikes.
• Political unrest or security risks.

However, this argument is rarely successful in early departure cases, as courts require strong evidence that the change was unavoidable.

⚠️ Even in these cases, you are still entitled to duty of care.

👉 If your flight is delayed 5+ hours or moved forward by 1 hour, you also have the right to cancel your journey and request a refund - and you may still be eligible for compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

💡 Note: Flight compensation is based on the delay when your flight arrives at the final destination. If your arrival delay exceeds 3 hours, you may be eligible to claim compensation under UK261 or EU261 regulations.

 

If you meet these criteria, don't hesitate to claim compensation for your flight compensation entitlement.

Duty of Care: What Airlines Must Provide

Even if compensation doesn’t apply, airlines must provide care and assistance:

• 2h+ short-haul → food and drink
• 3h+ medium-haul → food and drink & 2 calls/emails
• 4h+ long-haul → food and drink & 2 calls/emails
• Overnight wait → overnight accommodation in a hotel (not luxury hotels) + transport

⚠️ Airlines will only reimburse reasonable expenses. Standard meals, mid-range hotels, and basic transport costs are covered—excluding alcohol and luxury hotels.

If the airline cannot provide care, you may need to make your own arrangements for food and drink, overnight accommodation, and transport, and claim reasonable costs back later.

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Rescheduled vs Cancelled Flights—What’s the Difference?

• Cancelled flight → If your original flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you rerouting or a refund. They are also required to provide a return flight or alternative transport under comparable transport conditions, which may include booking you on an alternative airline or the next available flight. Refunds may also apply to other flights within the same booking, including outbound and return flights. If your journey involves a connecting flight, separate flights, or two separate flights, your rights may differ, and you may need to handle baggage and check-in independently for each segment.
• Rescheduled flight → Airline changes the departure time or date of your booked flight.

Both are covered under EU261/UK261 if announced less than 14 days before departure and not due to extraordinary circumstances.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Flight Is Rescheduled

1. Check the notice period (under 14 days?).
2. Compare times (new vs original)—you may need to adjust your travel plans accordingly.
3. Ask about rerouting or refunds—you must be rebooked at the earliest opportunity. If immediate travel is not possible, you may be able to rebook your flight for a later date.
4. Request care—meals, drinks, hotel if waiting overnight. The type of assistance you receive depends on the waiting time until your new departure.
5. Keep receipts—for food, transport, or accommodation.
6. Document everything—emails, texts, boarding passes.
7. Track final arrival time—this determines eligibility.
8. Submit your claim—airlines are legally required to compensate when conditions are met.

For further assistance or further information, contact your airline or visit their website.

 

Common Scenarios Explained

Working with Travel Agents and Tour Operators

If you booked via a travel agent or tour operator:

• Contact them first—they can rebook flights, arrange hotels, or secure refunds. If your booking is with an EU airline, remember that the airline operating the flight is responsible for providing compensation under EU261.
• Check their policies—many publish compensation info online.
• Escalate if needed—you are still entitled to compensation under EU261/UK261, even if booked via an agent. The airline must provide compensation if the conditions are met.

Dealing with Airline Responses

Airlines usually reply within a few weeks. If denied, they must explain why (e.g., “extraordinary circumstances”). Common reasons include bad weather or other extraordinary circumstance.

If you disagree:

• Keep records of all communication.
• Appeal—don’t give up. You can escalate to an ombudsman, ADR body, or consumer agency.
• Stay polite—clear, respectful communication improves results.
• If compensation is denied, you may still be entitled to a full refund.

Seeking External Help

If the airline or agent won’t help:

• Contact consumer protection agencies or the European Consumer Centre.
• Consider a specialist claims company like MyFlightRefund—we handle the process for you to help you claim compensation.
• Use ADR schemes (mediation/arbitration) if available. If you are unable to resolve the issue, consumer agencies can provide further assistance.

Protect Your Travel Rights: Tips to Minimise Disruptions

• Monitor weather forecasts before travel.
• Activate real-time flight alerts.
• Choose airlines with strong on-time performance.
• Get travel insurance that covers delays & cancellations.
• Pack essentials in hand luggage (documents, medication, chargers).
• Learn your rights under EU261/UK261—knowledge helps you act quickly.

 

Claiming Checklist

Before you claim, prepare:

• Booking reference (PNR)
• Original + rescheduled confirmation
• Proof of arrival time
• Airline notifications (emails, texts, app alerts)
• Receipts for meals, hotel, or transport
• Passenger names on tickets

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FAQs

Do I get compensation if my flight was rescheduled last minute?

Yes—if announced < 14 days before departure and within airline control.

What if rescheduled due to weather?

o compensation, but duty of care applies.

Is rescheduling treated like cancellation?

Yes—last-minute reschedules are treated similarly under EU261/UK261.

How much can I claim?

£220–£520 (€250–€600), depending on distance and delay.

Do UK and EU flights both qualify?

Yes—UK261 covers UK flights, EU261 applies in the EU.

What if my flight is moved to the next day?

If notice was < 14 days and arrival delay ≥3 hours, you can claim.

Which airline is responsible?

The operating airline, even on codeshare flights.

What if my first flight is delayed and I miss my connection?

If your first flight is delayed and this causes you to miss your connecting flight, you may be eligible to claim compensation if you arrive at your final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more and the delay was within the airline's control. Airlines are required to provide compensation in such cases under EU261/UK261, provided all flights are on the same booking.

Final Note

At MyFlightRefund, we help UK and EU passengers secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to for delayed, cancelled, and rescheduled flights. If your flight was rescheduled yesterday—or last week—you may still be owed up to £520 (€600) per person. Airlines are required to provide compensation in many cases, so check your eligibility and claim compensation today if you qualify.