Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Cancelled Flight?

Understanding Your Rights When a Flight is Cancelled

When a flight is cancelled, passengers often face significant disruption, but may also be eligible for financial compensation. Your entitlement to compensation for a cancelled flight hinges on several factors, primarily the reason for the cancellation and the notice provided by the airline. Generally, if the cancellation is due to reasons within the airline's control, such as operational issues or staffing shortages, you are more likely to be entitled to compensation. Cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances, like severe weather or air traffic control strikes, typically do not qualify for compensation, though airlines may still owe you assistance and re-routing.

• Compensation depends on cancellation cause and airline notice.
• Airlines must offer assistance for cancellations.
• Know your rights under passenger protection regulations.
• Document everything to support your claim.

Passenger rights vary significantly by region, with major regulatory frameworks like the EU's Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and the UK's equivalent providing robust protections. These regulations often stipulate minimum compensation amounts based on flight distance and the length of the delay upon arrival at your final destination, if re-routed. Understanding these rules is the first step in ensuring you receive what you are owed. It's vital to differentiate between compensation for the inconvenience and disruption, and reimbursement for direct expenses incurred due to the cancellation.

The intention behind these regulations is to provide a tangible remedy for passengers whose travel plans are severely disrupted by circumstances the airline could have reasonably prevented. Airlines are required to inform passengers about their rights and the reasons for cancellation. Failure to do so, or providing insufficient information, can impact the airline's obligations. Keep all boarding passes, booking confirmations, and any communication from the airline. This documentation is essential for substantiating your claim. If your flight gets delayed, you still generally need to show up at the airport as scheduled unless the airline explicitly advises otherwise, as a flight delayed do i still show up on time is often a question with a 'yes' answer until cancellation is confirmed.

It’s important to note that while compensation is a right under specific conditions, airlines might initially offer vouchers or travel credits. While these can be useful, you are generally entitled to cash compensation if you meet the criteria. Do not hesitate to insist on your rights if you believe you are owed compensation. Many passengers overlook this entitlement due to confusion or the perceived difficulty of the claims process. Remember that can i get reimbursed for delayed flight is a similar question, often covered by the same regulations, though the triggers and amounts can differ.

When Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Cancelled Flight?

The core question of entitlement to compensation for a cancelled flight is usually decided by the cause of the cancellation. Airlines are obligated to compensate passengers when the disruption is their responsibility. This typically includes issues stemming from their operations, such as technical problems with the aircraft not related to unforeseeable defects, crew scheduling errors, or a strike by airline staff. If the airline cancels a flight due to a mechanical issue that wasn't a hidden defect, this generally falls under their control.

Conversely, cancellations caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' are generally not eligible for compensation. These are events that are unavoidable and beyond the airline's reasonable control. Examples include extreme weather conditions (e.g., heavy fog, snowstorms, high winds that make flying unsafe), air traffic control restrictions, political instability, acts of terrorism, or unavoidable security risks. Even in these situations, the airline still has a duty of care to assist passengers, which may include providing meals, accommodation, and re-booking on alternative flights.

Factors Determining Compensation Eligibility

Several key factors determine if you are entitled to compensation:

• Reason for Cancellation: As mentioned, airline's fault vs. extraordinary circumstances is paramount.
• Notice Period: Regulations often specify how much notice the airline must give. For example, under EU261, passengers typically receive less compensation or no compensation if notified well in advance (e.g., more than 14 days before departure) and offered re-routing. The closer the cancellation is to the departure time, the stronger the claim for compensation often becomes.
• Re-routing and Arrival Time: If the airline arranges alternative transport and your final arrival time at your destination is not significantly delayed compared to your original schedule, compensation may not apply. The threshold for significant delay varies by regulation but is often 3-5 hours for international flights and 2-3 hours for domestic ones. If your flight gets delayed, can an airline delay a flight and then undelay it? Yes, but the rules for compensation are primarily based on the *final* arrival time at your destination.
• Passenger's Location: The rules applicable depend on the departure and arrival airports, and the airline's base. For flights departing from the EU/UK, EU261/UK261 rules apply regardless of the airline. For flights arriving in the EU/UK on an EU/UK airline, these rules also apply. Other regions have their own passenger rights legislation.

It is crucial to differentiate between compensation for the inconvenience and reimbursement for expenses. If your flight is cancelled, do airlines have to pay for hotel if flight cancelled? Yes, if the cancellation is the airline's fault and requires an overnight stay, they are usually obligated to provide accommodation and meals. This is part of the duty of care, separate from compensation for the cancellation itself.

The most critical element is the airline's responsibility for the cancellation. Always ask the airline for a clear reason if your flight is cancelled, and document their response. This will be vital if you need to pursue a claim.

Common Reasons for Flight Cancellations

Understanding the common reasons why flights are cancelled can help you assess whether your situation qualifies for compensation. While airlines strive for punctuality, numerous factors can lead to a flight being grounded. The key distinction for compensation eligibility always lies in whether the cause was within the airline's control or an unavoidable external event.

Operational Issues: These are frequently cited and often fall under the airline's responsibility. This category includes problems with aircraft scheduling, such as a plane being unavailable due to a previous flight delay or technical issue. If an aircraft is grounded for maintenance that wasn't due to an unforeseeable, critical failure discovered mid-operation, or if there's a lack of available crew due to poor planning, compensation is typically due. Flight delayed do i still show up on time? Yes, you should still plan to arrive at the airport as the flight might still depart or be delayed rather than cancelled. However, if the delay becomes significant, it can sometimes escalate to a cancellation.

→ Can a Delayed Flight Move Back Up?

Airline-Controlled Causes

• Technical Problems: While airlines are not liable for unforeseeable technical malfunctions that arise unexpectedly, routine maintenance issues or problems that should have been detected during standard checks are usually considered within their control.
• Crew Shortages: If a flight is cancelled because there aren't enough pilots or cabin crew available, this is usually due to poor scheduling or rostering by the airline, making it their responsibility.
• Overbooking: While not a direct cause of cancellation for all passengers, overbooking can lead to denied boarding situations that are often handled similarly to cancellations in terms of passenger rights and compensation.
• Baggage System Failures: Issues with the airline's own baggage handling systems can cause significant delays or cancellations.

External Factors (Extraordinary Circumstances)

These are events that airlines cannot influence, regardless of the measures they take. Therefore, they are generally not required to pay compensation for cancellations caused by them, though they must still offer assistance.

• Severe Weather: This is one of the most common reasons. Heavy fog, blizzards, hurricanes, thunderstorms, or even strong crosswinds can make flying impossible or unsafe. High winds cause flight delays frequently, and can escalate to cancellations.
• Air Traffic Control (ATC) Restrictions: When ATC implements flow control measures or closes airspace due to capacity, security, or other operational reasons, airlines must comply, and this is outside their control.
• Security Threats: Any credible security risk or act of sabotage can lead to cancellations.
• Political Unrest or Strikes: Strikes by airline staff (as opposed to airline-specific staff, which might be controllable) or broader national/international strikes affecting travel, or political instability, can cause disruptions.
• Medical Emergencies: A passenger or crew member experiencing a medical emergency mid-flight might necessitate an emergency landing, and subsequent cancellations.

It is essential to obtain a clear, written reason for the cancellation from the airline. This documentation is your primary evidence when determining if you are entitled to compensation.

Steps to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight

If your flight was cancelled and you believe you are entitled to compensation, the process involves several methodical steps. The primary goal is to gather evidence and present a clear case to the airline. Do not assume the airline will proactively offer compensation; you often need to initiate the claim yourself.

The first step is always to confirm the reason for the cancellation. Request this information in writing from the airline. If they state it was due to extraordinary circumstances, assess whether you agree with this assessment. For instance, if they claim severe weather but the conditions at the departure, arrival, and en-route airports were perfectly normal, you have grounds to dispute their classification.

Initiating Your Claim

1. Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents. This includes your original booking confirmation, boarding passes (if you received them before cancellation), any re-booking confirmations, receipts for expenses incurred (like meals, essential toiletries, or accommodation if the airline failed to provide it), and all correspondence with the airline regarding the cancellation and subsequent arrangements.
2. Identify Applicable Regulations: Determine which passenger rights regulation applies to your flight. For flights departing from the EU or UK, or arriving in the EU/UK on an EU/UK carrier, it will likely be EU Regulation 261/2004 or its UK equivalent. Other countries have their own rules.
3. Calculate Your Entitlement: Based on the applicable regulation and the flight distance, calculate the potential compensation amount. For EU261/UK261, this is typically €250, €400, or €600 per passenger, depending on the flight length and the delay upon arrival at your final destination.
4. Contact the Airline Directly: Submit a formal claim to the airline's customer relations department. Many airlines have a dedicated online form for compensation claims. Clearly state your flight details, the reason for cancellation, why you believe you are entitled to compensation, and the amount you are claiming. Attach copies of your supporting documents.

If your initial claim is rejected or you don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe (often 4-8 weeks), you have further options. You can escalate the matter to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body, if available, or a national enforcement body (NEB) responsible for overseeing air passenger rights in the relevant country. Some passengers also choose to use a claims management company, though be aware they typically charge a percentage of the compensation awarded.

Always keep copies of all correspondence and documentation. If you are claiming for expenses, ensure they are reasonable and essential, such as a single hotel room for the night and necessary meals, rather than luxury items.

Be persistent and polite. While the process can sometimes be frustrating, a well-documented and clearly articulated claim stands the best chance of success. If your flight gets delayed and then cancelled, the clock for compensation eligibility often resets or is evaluated based on the final arrival time at your destination, so check the specific rules.

What Compensation and Assistance Can You Expect?

When a flight is cancelled, passengers are entitled to more than just potential financial compensation. Airlines have a duty of care that includes providing assistance and, in specific circumstances, reimbursement for expenses. Understanding the full scope of what you can expect is key to ensuring you are not left out of pocket or inconvenienced beyond necessity.

Firstly, if your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice: either a full refund for the unused part of your ticket (and for any unused part of your ticket if the cancellation means you miss a connecting flight for which you had a separate booking, or if it makes the original journey pointless), or re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity. If you choose re-routing and the new flight arrives significantly later than your original flight, you may be entitled to compensation. The definition of 'significant delay' varies by regulation but is typically 3 to 5 hours or more depending on the flight distance.

Types of Assistance and Reimbursement

• Re-routing: The airline must arrange alternative transport to your destination. This should be under comparable transport conditions, at the earliest opportunity. If the original flight was on a specific date, and the re-routing is significantly later, you might be entitled to compensation. Can a delayed flight move back up? While rare, if a flight is delayed and then moves to an earlier time, passengers must still adhere to the new schedule. However, this is distinct from a cancellation.
• Meals and Refreshments: If you are waiting for re-routing, the airline must provide reasonable care, including meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time.
• Accommodation: If an overnight stay becomes necessary due to the cancellation and re-routing, the airline must provide hotel accommodation. This typically includes one night's stay per passenger and is often a standard hotel room, not luxury.
• Transport to Accommodation: The airline should also cover the transport between the airport and the hotel.
• Communication: Passengers are entitled to two free phone calls, fax messages, or emails, to keep those affected informed.

Financial Compensation: This is paid for the inconvenience and disruption caused by the cancellation, provided it was the airline's fault and not due to extraordinary circumstances. The amount is fixed and depends on the flight distance and the delay at your final destination. For example, under EU261, it can range from €250 to €600.

Reimbursement for expenses is separate from compensation. If the airline fails to provide meals, refreshments, or accommodation, you may be able to claim reimbursement for reasonable costs you incurred yourself. Keep all receipts for these expenses. If your flight gets cancelled, do airlines have to pay for hotel if flight cancelled? Yes, if the cancellation is the airline's fault and requires an overnight stay, they are generally obligated to cover the accommodation costs.

→ Air India Flight Cancelled: What To Do Now

It is important to understand that while airlines must offer assistance, they may require passengers to pay upfront for expenses like hotels and then seek reimbursement. Always clarify this with the airline representative at the time of the disruption. If your flight is cancelled, ask specifically about your entitlements to both assistance and potential compensation.

Navigating 'Extraordinary Circumstances'

The term 'extraordinary circumstances' is a critical defence for airlines against paying compensation for flight cancellations. When a flight is cancelled due to such events, the airline is absolved of the obligation to provide financial compensation, although its duty of care to assist passengers remains. Understanding what constitutes an extraordinary circumstance is vital for assessing your claim.

These are situations that are not inherent in the normal operation of an airline and are beyond its actual control. They must also be events that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. The burden of proof lies with the airline to demonstrate that the cancellation was indeed due to such circumstances.

Common Examples of Extraordinary Circumstances

• Adverse Weather Conditions: This is perhaps the most frequent justification. It includes severe fog, ice, snowstorms, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and high winds that make flight operations unsafe. The weather at the departure airport, destination airport, or along the flight path can all be considered. If high winds cause flight delays and these persist to the point of cancellation, it is often considered an extraordinary circumstance.
• Air Traffic Control (ATC) Restrictions: Decisions made by ATC, such as implementing traffic control measures, closing airspace due to safety concerns, or imposing flight bans, are beyond the airline's control.
• Security Risks and Sabotage: Threats to aircraft safety, acts of terrorism, or security incidents that lead to flight cancellations fall under this category.
• Political Instability and Strikes: Widespread strikes affecting air traffic management or essential airport services (not directly airline staff strikes, which are often considered controllable) can be deemed extraordinary. Political unrest or war in a region can also disrupt flights.
• Industrial Action: Strikes by airline staff are a grey area. While a strike by an airline's own employees (pilots, cabin crew) is often considered within the airline's control, strikes by third-party service providers or broader national strikes might be classified differently.
• Sudden, Unforeseen Safety Defects: While routine maintenance issues are controllable, a sudden and critical safety defect discovered during pre-flight checks that was not apparent during earlier routine inspections might be considered extraordinary.

Crucially, airlines cannot simply declare a cancellation 'extraordinary' without justification. They must prove that the event was genuinely unavoidable and outside their control. For instance, a technical problem that arises from a manufacturing defect or wear and tear that should have been detected during routine maintenance is generally not considered extraordinary. Similarly, if an airline cancels a flight due to operational reasons (like crew scheduling) and then tries to claim it was due to bad weather that occurred days later or at a different location, this is invalid.

If you are told your flight was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, and you doubt the validity of this claim, you should request detailed evidence from the airline. If they fail to provide satisfactory evidence or if you believe the circumstances were within their control, you should proceed with your compensation claim. Remember, the regulations are designed to protect passengers from disruptions that the airline could have reasonably prevented.

When Flights Can Go From Delayed to On-Time or Vice Versa

The dynamic nature of flight schedules means that a flight's status can change from delayed to on-time, or even from on-time to delayed, sometimes quite rapidly. While the focus of compensation is often on cancellations and significant delays, understanding how these status changes occur can be relevant to your passenger rights, especially if a perceived delay is later corrected.

A flight can move from delayed to on-time if the reason for the initial delay is resolved faster than anticipated. For instance, a technical issue might be fixed ahead of schedule, or a crew member who was running late might arrive promptly. Similarly, air traffic control might lift restrictions earlier than planned. In such cases, the flight proceeds as per its adjusted, later departure time, or sometimes reverts to the original time if the delay was very short and the airline manages to recover the schedule.

Understanding Schedule Changes

• Recovery Efforts: Airlines often work diligently to recover schedules after a delay. This can involve speeding up turnaround times on the ground, re-assigning aircraft, or adjusting flight plans where possible. These efforts can sometimes allow a flight to depart earlier than its revised, delayed time.
• Information Lag: There can be a delay between the actual operational status of a flight and the information displayed on screens or provided by ground staff. A flight might be technically ready to depart, but the system or communication channels may not yet reflect the updated on-time status.
• Re-classification of Delay: A minor delay might be re-classified as 'on-time' if the airline manages to depart within a specific window, often around 15 minutes past the scheduled departure time, which is common industry practice for defining punctuality.

Conversely, a flight originally scheduled to be on time can become delayed for numerous reasons that emerge unexpectedly. These can include late arrival of the inbound aircraft (which was itself on time but a subsequent event caused its delay), last-minute technical checks, passenger-related issues (e.g., a passenger needing to be offloaded with their baggage), or adverse weather developing rapidly. Can a flight go from delayed to on time? Yes, this is possible, but it usually means the new 'on-time' is actually the revised departure time, not the original one. If the flight reverts to the original departure time after being delayed, that's a schedule recovery.

The critical point for compensation purposes is the actual arrival time at your final destination, not the departure time. If a flight is delayed but the delay is minimal, or if it's eventually cancelled and re-routed, the length of the delay upon arrival at the final destination is what matters for compensation eligibility under regulations like EU261. If your flight gets delayed, do not assume it will be compensated unless it meets the criteria for significant delay upon arrival or is cancelled.

It's also worth noting that if a flight is delayed and then the airline decides to cancel it, the rules for cancellation compensation apply. Can an airline delay a flight and then undelay it? Yes, they can, but if the delay is substantial and leads to significant disruption, the passenger may still have options, including opting for a refund instead of re-routing. Always check the official status and consult passenger rights information if you experience significant disruptions.

Preventing Future Disruption and Loss of Compensation

While you cannot control external factors like weather or air traffic control decisions, you can take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of flight cancellations and avoid potential pitfalls that could jeopardize your entitlement to compensation. Prevention, in this context, means being informed and prepared.

→ Flight Delay Compensation Thresholds: How Late Is Too Late?

The most effective strategy is to stay informed about your flight status. Check your airline's website or app regularly, especially in the hours leading up to your departure, and keep your mobile phone handy for any direct notifications from the airline. Being aware of potential delays or cancellations early allows you to make informed decisions, such as arranging alternative transport or understanding your rights immediately.

Strategies for Proactive Travel

• Book Direct Flights When Possible: Flights with multiple legs, especially on different airlines or with short layovers, increase the risk of disruption. If the first flight is delayed, you might miss your connection, leading to a potential cancellation of the subsequent leg and a complex claims process. Booking direct flights can significantly reduce this risk.
• Choose Airlines with Strong Passenger Rights Policies: Research airlines known for their reliability and their adherence to passenger rights regulations. Airlines based in or operating extensively within regions with strong passenger protection laws (like the EU and UK) may offer more consistent recourse.
• Travel with Carry-On Luggage Only: Checked baggage can be a source of delays and is lost more easily during re-routing after a cancellation. Travelling with carry-on can streamline your journey and reduce stress if your plans change unexpectedly.
• Understand Your Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, review your policy carefully. It may cover expenses or provide compensation for cancellations or significant delays that fall outside airline obligations. Ensure it complements, rather than duplicates, airline compensation rights.
• Monitor Flight Status Closely: Before heading to the airport, and even while at the airport, continuously check the flight information boards and your airline's app. This is particularly important if your flight has been delayed. Can a delayed flight move back up? While rare, it can happen, and you need to be ready to board.

Maintain Detailed Records: Even for flights that proceed without issue, keeping your booking confirmation and boarding pass can be useful. If a disruption does occur, having these documents readily available will expedite any claims process. Documenting any additional expenses incurred due to a cancellation, such as meals or essential toiletries, is also crucial for reimbursement claims.

By understanding the factors that lead to cancellations, knowing your rights under relevant passenger protection laws, and adopting a proactive approach to travel planning, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe disruption and ensure you are well-prepared to claim any compensation you are rightfully due. This includes being aware that can i upgrade my companion voucher flight might involve different rules than a standard booking, and disruptions to such bookings need careful examination of specific terms.

Common Misconceptions About Flight Cancellations

The realm of air travel is rife with common misconceptions, especially concerning flight cancellations and compensation. Many passengers operate under assumptions that are not supported by regulations or airline policies, leading to missed opportunities for compensation or unnecessary frustration. Clarifying these points can empower travellers to navigate disruptions more effectively.

One prevalent myth is that airlines must always provide compensation for any flight cancellation. As discussed, compensation is contingent on the reason for the cancellation. If it's due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as severe weather or air traffic control issues, compensation is typically not payable. However, the airline still has a duty to provide care, like re-routing or offering meals and accommodation if needed.

Debunking Common Myths

• Myth: All cancellations result in a fixed cash payout. Reality: Compensation amounts are fixed based on flight distance and delay at destination under specific regulations (like EU261/UK261). Not all cancellations qualify, and the payout is not discretionary.
• Myth: Airlines can offer vouchers instead of cash compensation. Reality: While airlines often prefer to offer vouchers or travel credits, passengers are usually entitled to cash if they meet the compensation criteria. You are not obligated to accept a voucher if you are due cash.
• Myth: You can only claim if you booked directly with the airline. Reality: Passenger rights generally apply regardless of how you booked, whether directly with the airline, through a travel agent, or via an online booking platform. The claim is against the operating airline.
• Myth: If a flight is delayed, you'll automatically get compensation. Reality: Compensation is typically triggered by significant delays upon arrival at your final destination (often 3-5 hours or more), or by cancellations. Minor delays usually do not qualify for financial compensation, though assistance may still be required.
• Myth: You must accept the airline's first offer. Reality: You have the right to understand your entitlements and to negotiate or reject offers that do not meet the regulatory requirements.
• Myth: Compensation covers all expenses incurred. Reality: Compensation is for inconvenience. Reimbursement is for specific, reasonable expenses (like meals, accommodation) that the airline failed to provide when it should have. These are separate.

Another common misunderstanding is the role of 'force majeure' or 'acts of God'. While these terms are often used colloquially, in aviation law, 'extraordinary circumstances' is the precise legal term. It's not enough for an airline to simply state an event was 'unavoidable'; they must prove it was beyond their control and that all reasonable measures were taken to avoid or mitigate the disruption. For example, if high winds cause flight delays, the airline must show these winds exceeded safe operating limits and couldn't be circumvented.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial. If your flight is cancelled, always ask the airline for the specific reason and check if it aligns with the criteria for compensation or assistance under applicable passenger rights regulations. If my flight gets delayed can i get a refund? A refund is typically an option if the delay is significant or if the flight is cancelled, allowing you to abandon your journey and receive reimbursement for the unused portion of your ticket.

When to Seek External Help for Your Claim

While most flight cancellation compensation claims can be initiated directly with the airline, there are specific circumstances where seeking external assistance becomes advisable. If you encounter difficulties, such as an outright rejection of a valid claim, a lack of response, or an offer that seems insufficient, external help can be instrumental in resolving the dispute.

The primary trigger for seeking external help is when the airline fails to uphold its obligations or disputes a claim based on questionable grounds. This could involve them incorrectly classifying a cancellation as an 'extraordinary circumstance' or failing to provide the mandated assistance and care during a disruption.

Channels for External Assistance

• National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs): Each country within the EU and the UK has a designated NEB responsible for enforcing air passenger rights regulations. If the airline is based in or the flight departed from/arrived in a specific country, its NEB is often the first point of recourse after the airline has failed to resolve your complaint. They can investigate your case and mediate with the airline.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Many countries and airlines have established ADR schemes. These are independent bodies that provide a low-cost way to resolve disputes outside of court. If your airline is part of an ADR scheme, you can submit your case to them for a binding or non-binding decision.
• Consumer Protection Agencies: General consumer protection bodies in your country may offer advice or assistance with complaints against companies, including airlines.
• Claims Management Companies: These private companies specialize in pursuing compensation claims on behalf of passengers. They typically work on a 'no win, no fee' basis, taking a percentage of any compensation awarded. While they can be effective, especially for complex cases, their fees can reduce the net amount you receive. Use reputable companies and understand their fee structure clearly.
• Small Claims Court: As a last resort, if all other avenues fail, you can consider taking legal action through a small claims court. This is usually more time-consuming and may involve court fees, but it can be a powerful tool to enforce your rights.

Before seeking external help, ensure you have exhausted all direct communication with the airline and have documented everything thoroughly. This includes all correspondence, receipts, booking details, and the airline's formal response (or lack thereof) to your claim. This evidence is critical for any external body or representative.

For example, if you believe your flight was cancelled due to an internal operational issue, but the airline claims it was 'weather', and you can prove the weather was fine, an NEB or ADR provider can help you challenge this. Similarly, if you incurred hotel costs because the airline failed to provide accommodation, and they refuse reimbursement, external help is necessary. Always remember that can i get reimbursed for delayed flight is a common query, and the process is similar to claiming compensation for cancellations when expenses are involved.