When a flight is cancelled, two things can help: the airline, which has legal obligations to you in many cases, and your travel insurance, which can cover costs the airline doesn’t. Here’s how they fit together.
Your rights against the airline
In the UK, rules known as UK261 give passengers rights when flights are cancelled or heavily delayed. They generally apply to flights departing from a UK airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK on UK airlines. Check the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the latest details. If your flight is cancelled, the airline should generally:
- Offer a refund or re-routing, your choice
- Provide care, such as meals and refreshments, communication and hotel accommodation if you have to wait overnight
- Pay compensation in some cases, unless the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances or you were given enough notice
Compensation, when it applies, is typically £220, £350 or £520 depending on the flight distance. Extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions, can remove the right to compensation but not the duty of care.
What travel insurance adds
Travel insurance can help with costs the airline doesn’t cover, for example:
- Extra accommodation and transport if the airline doesn’t provide it
- Delay benefits after a set number of hours
- Cancellation of your trip if the delay is long enough that you abandon it
- Missed connections or prepaid costs, in covered situations
See missed connection or missed departure and strikes and airline collapse.
You can’t be paid twice
Insurers pay for losses you can’t recover elsewhere. Expect them to ask whether you’ve claimed from the airline, and to deduct anything you receive.
What to do when your flight is cancelled
- Get the cancellation in writing, such as an email or text, with the reason if given.
- Ask about re-routing or a refund and your right to care.
- Keep receipts for meals, accommodation and transport.
- Contact your insurer if you incur costs the airline won’t pay. See how to make a travel insurance claim.
- Claim compensation from the airline in writing if you’re eligible.
Package holidays
If you booked a package holiday, your tour operator is responsible for putting things right and offering a refund or alternative. Check your booking terms and the protection that applies.
Frequently asked questions
Will travel insurance pay if my flight is cancelled?
It can cover costs the airline doesn’t, such as extra accommodation, depending on your policy. Expect to claim from the airline first.
Can I claim from both the airline and my insurer?
You can’t be paid twice for the same loss. Insurers deduct what you receive from the airline.
What compensation am I entitled to under UK261?
When compensation applies it’s typically £220, £350 or £520 depending on the distance, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.
What if the airline won’t pay?
Complain in writing, and if unresolved you may be able to use an alternative dispute resolution scheme or the courts. Check the CAA’s guidance.
Related travel insurance guides
- How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step
- Why Was My Travel Insurance Claim Rejected? Common Reasons
- How to Appeal a Rejected Travel Insurance Claim
- What Does Travel Insurance Cover? A Plain-English UK Guide
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK in 2026?
This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always read the policy documents before you buy.