Passengers' rights during flight cancellations and delays

Airline passengers affected by cancellations or delays have rights to refunds, alternative flights, and assistance depending on the circumstances and carrier.

• UK and EU airlines must provide meals, accommodation, and alternative flights at no extra cost when flights are cancelled or delayed.
• Passengers can choose between a full refund or rebooking on an alternative flight, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made.
• Delays over two hours on short-haul flights, three hours on medium-haul, or four hours on long-haul entitle passengers to the same assistance as cancellations.
• Extra compensation is not payable for disruption caused by conflict, bad weather, strikes, or other "extraordinary circumstances."
• Passengers whose flights are cancelled with less than two weeks' notice may claim compensation of up to £520 per person depending on flight distance.