A flight refund is the repayment of the ticket price to the passenger when a flight is cancelled, significantly changed, or when the airline fails to provide the agreed transport service.
It means you’re getting your money back, usually to your original payment method, rather than accepting re-routing or vouchers.
Learn More About the Definition of “Flight Refund”
Under EU261/2004 and UK261, if your flight is cancelled or the airline makes a major schedule change, you have the right to choose between:
- A refund of the unused ticket, or
- A re-routing to your final destination under comparable conditions.
Refunds apply to both fully unused and partially used tickets — for example, if you miss one leg of a return flight or if your journey is interrupted mid-way.
Airlines must process refunds within seven days and cannot force passengers to accept vouchers or travel credits unless voluntarily agreed.
Typical situations where you can request a refund:
- Flight cancellation by the airline.
- Schedule change exceeding a reasonable time (e.g. new departure >5 hours later).
- Flight delayed long enough that you choose not to travel.
- Duplicate or mistaken bookings.
- Denied boarding when you refuse re-routing.
- Airline insolvency or route discontinuation.
When does a Flight Refund apply?
A refundable flight ticket allows you to cancel your booking and receive a full or partial refund, depending on the fare rules. These tickets usually cost more but offer flexibility for travellers who might need to change plans.
In contrast, a non-refundable flight ticket is a lower-cost fare that cannot be refunded if you cancel voluntarily. You may still recover certain taxes or fees, but the base fare is typically lost.
However, even non-refundable tickets become refundable if the airline cancels the flight or fails to operate it — because EU261 guarantees a refund when the airline is responsible for the disruption.
Including these terms helps passengers understand the difference between what is refundable flight tickets and what is non refundable flight ticket, and how each affects their rights to claim or request reimbursement.
Refunds and compensation are often confused — but they’re not the same thing.
| Situation | Refund | Compensation |
| Flight cancelled | ✅ Yes, if you don’t accept re-routing | ✅ Yes, if notice <14 days |
| Flight delayed | ❌ Only if delay >5 hours and you no longer travel | ✅ Yes, if 3+ hours delay |
| Denied boarding | ✅ If you refuse the offered re-routing | ✅ Always, if involuntary |
| Extraordinary circumstances (e.g. storm) | ✅ Refund if flight cancelled | ❌ No compensation |
Refund = reimbursement of what you paid.
Compensation = legal payment for inconvenience caused.
AireClaim helps you understand and claim both when applicable.
Why it matters?
Knowing the difference between a refund and compensation ensures you don’t lose money or accept vouchers you don’t want.
Airlines often offer credit instead of cash, but under EU law, cash refund is your right — and you’re free to reject travel credits.
How does AireClaim help with a Flight Refund?
AireClaim assists passengers in obtaining fast, legitimate refunds from airlines that delay or refuse payment.
We verify whether you qualify for a refund, compensation, or both, handle communication with the airline, and manage escalation if they don’t comply.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Missed Connection Compensation Guide
FAQs about What is a Flight Refund
The airline is responsible for issuing the refund, but if you booked through an agency, the refund is often processed via the same payment channel. AireClaim can guide you on how to request it properly.
Learn more in EU261 coverage rules.
Yes — if your flight was cancelled or delayed under 14 days’ notice, you can claim compensation in addition to a refund (unless you accepted re-routing and reached your destination).
Learn more in Flight Disruption.
Not necessarily. Voluntary cancellations follow the fare rules of your ticket. Only airline-initiated cancellations or major changes are automatically refundable under EU261/UK261 Learn more in EU261 Regulation.