The airline cancelled my flight. Can I get a refund instead of vouchers?

What the Law Says

The legal right to a cash refund — rather than vouchers — for a cancelled flight in the UK comes from the UK’s retained version of EU Regulation 261/2004, now known as the Air Passenger Rights Regulations 2023 (UK261). These rules apply to flights departing from a UK airport, or arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline.

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between: (a) a full refund within 7 days, or (b) re-routing under comparable transport conditions at the earliest opportunity. You can choose the refund even if the airline offers vouchers.

Vouchers can only be offered voluntarily — i.e., with your explicit, informed, and unpressured consent. If you do not agree, the airline must give you a cash refund.

The regulation also entitles you to fixed compensation (up to £520) unless the cancellation was due to 'extraordinary circumstances' beyond the airline’s control — such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or political unrest.

Statutory Text

Where a flight is cancelled, the passenger shall be offered the choice between: (a) reimbursement… within seven days; and (b) re-routing… at the earliest opportunity.

— Air Passenger Rights Regulations 2023, reg. 5(1)(a) — Right to reimbursement or re-routing

Statutory Text

Reimbursement shall be made in cash, by electronic bank transfer, bank orders or bank cheques… Vouchers may be offered only if accepted voluntarily by the passenger.

— Air Passenger Rights Regulations 2023, reg. 5(2) — Form of reimbursement

What to Do

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