Immediate Steps When Your Flight is Cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, your primary objective is to understand the situation and secure your next steps with minimal delay. Airlines are required to provide assistance, but proactively knowing your rights and options will expedite the process.
- Contact the airline immediately for rebooking or refund options.
- Understand your entitlement to accommodation and meals if applicable.
- Keep all documentation and receipts related to expenses incurred.
- Check airline apps and websites for real-time updates and self-service options.
Upon receiving notification of a cancellation, resist the urge to panic. Instead, focus on a systematic approach. The first actionable step is to contact the airline directly. Many airlines offer self-service options through their mobile apps or websites, which can often be faster than waiting on hold for a customer service agent. These platforms frequently allow you to view available rebooking options or initiate a refund request without direct intervention.
However, if these digital channels are not functioning, or if you require more complex assistance, reaching out by phone or visiting the airline's customer service desk at the airport becomes essential. Be prepared to have your booking reference number readily available. When communicating, clearly state your desired outcome: whether you wish to be rebooked on the next available flight, a flight with a partner airline, or if you prefer a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
It is also critical to understand the airline's policies regarding cancellations. Depending on the reason for cancellation and the governing regulations (such as EU261 in Europe or DOT regulations in the U.S.), you may be entitled to more than just a rebooking or refund. This can include meals, refreshments, and overnight accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary due to the cancellation. Documenting any expenses you incur due to the disruption is paramount for potential reimbursement later.
Proactive communication with the airline is the cornerstone of managing a flight cancellation effectively.
Gathering Essential Information
Before you even attempt to contact the airline or use their digital platforms, ensure you have all necessary details at your fingertips. This includes your booking reference number (often a six-character code), the full names of all passengers on the booking, and the flight number and scheduled departure date. Having your passport or government-issued ID handy is also wise, especially if you are at the airport.
Furthermore, familiarize yourself with the reason for the cancellation, if provided. While airlines might initially state a vague reason, understanding whether it's due to mechanical issues, weather, or staffing can sometimes influence your rights or the expected resolution. If you are at the airport, look for information screens or listen for announcements, but verify any information you receive with airline staff or official communication channels.
Understanding Your Rights: A Crucial First Step
Your rights during a flight cancellation vary significantly based on your departure and arrival locations, the airline's operating region, and the specific cause of the cancellation. For instance, passengers traveling within, to, or from the European Union are protected by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261), which mandates specific assistance and potential compensation depending on the length of delay and the circumstances. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to provide refunds if a flight is cancelled and the passenger chooses not to travel, and they must also offer rebooking assistance.
It's vital to research the specific regulations applicable to your itinerary. Many airline websites have dedicated sections detailing passenger rights during disruptions. Knowing these rights empowers you to advocate for yourself and ensures you receive the compensation or assistance you are entitled to, preventing airlines from offering less than they are obligated to.
Always verify the specific passenger rights applicable to your ticket before accepting a resolution.
Documenting Everything: Your Proof of Disruption
Meticulous record-keeping is not merely a suggestion; it's a necessity when dealing with flight cancellations. Start by saving any communication you receive from the airline about the cancellation, whether it's an email, text message, or notification within their app. If you are at the airport and speak with airline staff, take note of the date, time, name of the agent you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation. Obtain written confirmation of the cancellation if possible.
In parallel, keep all receipts for any expenses you incur as a direct result of the cancellation. This includes costs for meals, transportation (like taxis or ride-shares if the airline does not provide it), and any necessary accommodation. These receipts serve as the basis for any reimbursement claims you may file later. Ensure that the expenses are reasonable and directly attributable to the flight cancellation. For example, if the airline provides a meal voucher, you should not claim reimbursement for a separate expensive meal.
Options for Rebooking or Refunds
When your flight is cancelled, you typically have two main options: rebooking onto another flight or requesting a full refund. The choice between these depends on your travel needs, the urgency of your journey, and your comfort level with potential delays.
The airline is obligated to offer you the earliest available alternative flight that suits your itinerary. This could be on their own services or, in many cases, on flights operated by their partner airlines. If the rebooked flight is significantly delayed or inconvenient compared to your original schedule, you have the right to refuse it and opt for a refund instead. Crucially, if you choose a refund, you are entitled to a full reimbursement for the unused portion of your ticket, which includes any segments already flown if the cancellation renders the remainder of your journey pointless.
Decide promptly whether rebooking or a refund best suits your immediate travel requirements.
Rebooking Strategies
Securing a new flight requires a swift and strategic approach. If you are at the airport, head directly to the airline's rebooking desk. Be aware that these desks can become extremely busy during widespread disruptions, so have your booking information ready and be prepared for a potential wait. If you are not at the airport, utilize the airline's mobile app or website first, as they often streamline the rebooking process.
When exploring rebooking options, don't limit yourself to just the next flight. Consider flights later in the day, or even the next day, if that allows for a more convenient connection or avoids further cascading delays. If the airline's initial offerings are unsatisfactory or significantly inconvenient, politely but firmly inquire about alternative carriers, especially if the cancellation is within the airline's control. Sometimes, airlines will issue a 'travel voucher' or 'credit' for future travel; evaluate whether this suits your needs or if a cash refund is preferable.
Processing a Refund
Requesting a refund is a straightforward process, though it might take time to process. You can usually initiate this through the airline's website or by contacting customer service. You will need your booking reference and potentially the original form of payment details. Be clear that you are requesting a refund due to a cancellation, not a voluntary change.
If the flight was cancelled by the airline and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a refund for the entire ticket price if no part of the journey has been completed, or for the unused portion if you have already flown part of the itinerary. Refunds should typically be processed back to the original method of payment. If the airline suggests travel credit or vouchers, remember you have the right to decline this and insist on a monetary refund. Keep a record of your refund request and any confirmation numbers provided.
Confirm the refund process and expected timeline with the airline representative.
When to Consider Alternative Transportation
In specific circumstances, especially with short-haul flights or when facing significant delays with no suitable rebooking options, alternative transportation might be a viable solution. For instance, if your flight from London to Paris is cancelled and the next available flight is 24 hours later, but a high-speed train offers a journey of just a few hours, you might consider the train. However, it's crucial to understand the financial implications before making this decision.
If you opt for alternative transport without the airline's explicit agreement or prior arrangement, you might not be reimbursed. Always attempt to get the airline to approve and arrange alternative transport first. If they cannot, and you decide to proceed independently, ensure you obtain a clear understanding of whether the airline will cover the cost. Some regulations may entitle you to reimbursement for reasonable alternative transport costs if the airline fails to provide timely assistance, but this often requires a subsequent claim and proof of expenses.
Accommodation and Meal Entitlements
When a flight cancellation forces you to stay overnight or results in significant waiting times for rebooking, airlines often have a duty to provide accommodation and meals. This entitlement is typically triggered when the cancellation is within the airline's control and results in a rescheduled flight the following day, or a substantial delay.
Understanding these provisions is key to managing unexpected overnight stays or long waits at the airport. Airlines operating under regulations like EU261 are mandated to offer "care and assistance," which includes meals and refreshments proportionate to the waiting time, and hotel accommodation, including transport to and from the hotel, if an overnight stay is necessary. Passengers should always inquire about these services if they are not proactively offered.
Inquire about accommodation and meal provisions if your cancellation leads to an extended wait or overnight stay.
When Does Accommodation Apply?
Accommodation is generally provided when your flight is cancelled, and the only available rebooking option is on a flight departing the next day. This applies regardless of where you are when the cancellation occurs. If you are already at the airport, the airline should arrange a hotel for you. If you are at home or elsewhere, they should either arrange transport to a hotel or cover the cost of your transport to a hotel and back to the airport for your rescheduled flight.
If the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or political instability, the airline's obligation to provide accommodation might be limited or non-existent. However, even in these situations, they should still offer information and assistance to help you find alternative arrangements. Always confirm the specific reason for cancellation with the airline.
Meal and Refreshment Vouchers
Beyond accommodation, airlines are also responsible for providing meals and refreshments during lengthy delays caused by cancellations. The exact entitlement varies. For example, under EU261, passengers are entitled to meals and refreshments when the waiting time for their rebooked flight is:
- Two hours or more for flights up to 1500 km.
- Three hours or more for intra-EU flights over 1500 km and for all other flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.
- Four hours or more for all other flights.
These provisions are intended to cover reasonable costs for food and non-alcoholic beverages. Often, airlines will issue meal vouchers directly. If not, keep your receipts for reasonable expenses and submit them for reimbursement. Ensure the meals you purchase are within the typical price range for airport or hotel dining, avoiding excessive costs.
Keep receipts for all reasonable meal and refreshment expenses incurred due to the cancellation.
Seeking Reimbursement for Expenses
If you incur eligible expenses for meals or accommodation because the airline did not provide them when they were obligated to, you can typically submit a claim for reimbursement. This process usually involves filling out a specific form on the airline's website or sending a detailed letter along with all original receipts. Be sure to clearly state the reason for the expense (flight cancellation) and the amount you are claiming.
It's essential to be realistic about what constitutes a 'reasonable' expense. While you are entitled to cover your basic needs, booking luxury hotel suites or gourmet meals is unlikely to be approved. Airlines usually have limits on reimbursement amounts, and these can vary. If your claim is denied or you feel the reimbursement offered is insufficient, you may need to escalate the issue through the airline's formal complaints procedure or to an independent dispute resolution body, depending on your region.
Follow the airline's specific procedure for claiming expense reimbursement meticulously.
Navigating Compensation and Claims
Beyond immediate rebooking or refunds, flight cancellations, particularly those within the airline's control, can entitle passengers to financial compensation. Understanding the criteria for compensation and how to file a claim is vital for maximizing your rights as a traveler.
Compensation is not always guaranteed and often depends on the reason for the cancellation and the length of the delay to your rescheduled travel. For instance, under EU261, compensation is payable for cancellations that occur less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, provided the disruption wasn't caused by 'extraordinary circumstances.' The amount of compensation varies based on the flight distance and the delay experienced at your final destination.
Know the eligibility criteria for compensation to ensure you receive what you are owed.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
In many jurisdictions, compensation is payable when a flight is cancelled and the passenger is significantly delayed reaching their final destination. For example, under EU261, compensation is due if your flight is cancelled and you arrive at your destination more than three hours later than scheduled, and the cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather, security risks, political instability, or unavoidable operational issues like bird strikes). If the cancellation is within the airline's control (e.g., technical fault, crew shortage), compensation is more likely.
The U.S. DOT does not mandate compensation for flight delays or cancellations under normal circumstances, but airlines must refund passengers who choose not to travel due to a cancellation. However, if an airline fails to provide the mandated care and assistance (like accommodation or meals) when it should have, passengers might be able to claim reimbursement for those specific costs. Always check the specific regulations applicable to your flight route and understand what constitutes an 'extraordinary circumstance' versus an operational issue.
How to File a Compensation Claim
To file a compensation claim, you generally need to submit a formal request to the airline. Most airlines have a dedicated section on their website for customer feedback, complaints, or claims. You will need to provide your booking details, flight information, the nature of the disruption, and the amount of compensation you believe you are owed. If you are claiming under EU261, you will need to state the flight distance and the length of delay.
It is advisable to include copies of all relevant documents, such as your original booking confirmation, boarding passes, cancellation notices, and receipts for any expenses incurred. If you are claiming for expenses rather than compensation, ensure these are clearly itemized and supported by valid receipts. Be patient, as airlines can take several weeks to process claims. If your claim is rejected, check if there is an appeals process or if an independent body can review your case.
Maintain a clear, documented record of all communications and expenses when filing a claim.
Handling Denied Claims
If your initial compensation claim is denied, do not assume it is the end of the road. Airlines may reject claims that are valid, either intentionally or through error. First, review the airline's reason for denial. If they cite extraordinary circumstances, determine if you agree with their assessment. If you believe the circumstances were not extraordinary, or if the airline simply states the claim is invalid without clear justification, you have grounds to challenge the decision.
Escalate your complaint through the airline's formal internal appeals process. If that fails, most regions have an independent dispute resolution (ADR) body or a national enforcement body (NEB) that handles air passenger rights. For example, in the UK, this might be the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or an approved ADR scheme. In the US, you can file a complaint with the DOT. These bodies can mediate disputes or make binding decisions, providing a crucial avenue for resolution when direct negotiations with the airline break down.
If your claim is rejected, seek assistance from an independent aviation authority or consumer protection agency.
Communicating With the Airline: Best Practices
Effective communication is the most critical skill when navigating the complexities of a flight cancellation. Your ability to convey your needs clearly, calmly, and persistently can significantly influence the outcome of your rebooking, refund, or compensation process.
Airlines manage a high volume of customer interactions, especially during disruptions. Therefore, the way you communicate can determine how efficiently your issue is resolved. Adopting a polite but firm demeanor, being well-prepared with all necessary information, and understanding your rights are the pillars of successful airline communication.
Approach airline communication with preparedness and a clear understanding of your objectives.
Choosing the Right Channel
When a flight is cancelled, several communication channels are available, each with its own advantages. The airline's mobile app or website is often the quickest way to get real-time updates, view alternative flights, and sometimes even initiate rebooking or refund requests. These digital tools are designed for efficiency during peak times and can bypass lengthy phone queues.
If digital options are insufficient or unavailable, the next best step is often a phone call to customer service. Be ready for potentially long hold times, especially during widespread cancellations. Prepare your booking reference and have a clear idea of what you want. Alternatively, if you are at the airport, visiting the airline's ticket counter or customer service desk can be effective. This allows for face-to-face interaction, which can be beneficial for complex issues or when immediate decisions are needed. However, be prepared for queues, which can be substantial.
What to Say and How to Say It
When you communicate with airline staff, clarity and politeness are paramount. Start by clearly stating your flight number, booking reference, and that your flight has been cancelled. Then, explicitly state what you want: a rebooking on the next available flight (specify if you have preferences for date/time or if partner airlines are acceptable), or a full refund. If you are entitled to accommodation or meals and they haven't been offered, ask about them directly.
Avoid emotional outbursts or aggressive language. While frustration is understandable, it rarely speeds up the process and can sometimes hinder it. Instead, remain calm, be specific in your requests, and refer to your passenger rights if you believe the airline is not offering adequate assistance. If you are speaking to a representative, note their name and the time of your call. This can be useful if you need to follow up or dispute information later.
Maintain a calm, polite, and factual tone throughout your interactions with airline representatives.
When to Escalate the Issue
Escalation becomes necessary when the airline fails to provide the service or compensation to which you are legally entitled, or when their offered resolution is unsatisfactory and no further progress can be made through standard channels. This could include denial of rightful accommodation, refusal to rebook you, or rejection of a valid compensation claim without proper justification.
The first step in escalation is usually to lodge a formal complaint with the airline's customer relations department, often via a dedicated online form or email address. Provide all details, evidence, and reference numbers from previous interactions. If the airline's internal complaint process does not yield a satisfactory resolution within their stated timeframe (usually several weeks), you should then consider external avenues. These may include your country's national enforcement body for air passenger rights, an independent dispute resolution service, or a consumer protection agency.
Preventative Measures and Planning Ahead
While you cannot entirely prevent flight cancellations, adopting smart travel strategies can minimize the impact if one occurs and help you prepare for unforeseen disruptions.
Proactive planning involves choosing flights wisely, understanding cancellation policies, and ensuring you have the right travel insurance. By taking these steps, you can navigate the travel landscape with greater confidence, knowing you are better prepared for common travel hiccups.
Consider proactive steps to mitigate the impact of potential flight cancellations on your travel plans.
Choosing Flights Strategically
When booking flights, consider factors that might reduce the likelihood of cancellation or improve your options if one happens. Flights booked directly with a major airline, especially those with a robust network, often have more rebooking options compared to budget carriers or flights booked through third-party sites. Early morning flights are sometimes less prone to cascading delays caused by earlier disruptions, though they are not immune.
Opting for flights with longer layovers, if your schedule permits, can also provide a buffer. If a connecting flight is cancelled, a longer layover might still allow you to make your onward journey or give you more time to arrange an alternative. Conversely, booking separate tickets for different legs of a journey significantly increases risk; if the first flight is cancelled, the second ticket is usually forfeited, and the airline of the first flight may not assist with rebooking the second.
The Role of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an invaluable tool for mitigating the financial and logistical fallout of flight cancellations. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies offer coverage for trip interruption or cancellation, often including reimbursement for non-refundable expenses, additional accommodation, and meals incurred due to airline-initiated cancellations.
It's crucial to read the policy details carefully. Understand what types of cancellations are covered (e.g., airline-initiated versus weather-related) and what documentation is required to make a claim. Some policies may offer higher levels of coverage for cancellations caused by the airline's operational issues compared to external factors. Always ensure your policy is purchased shortly after booking your flights to maximize coverage, as policies typically won't cover issues that were already known at the time of purchase.
Review your travel insurance policy to understand coverage for flight cancellations before your trip.
Packing Smart for Delays
Being prepared for delays means packing a carry-on bag strategically. Include essentials that would allow you to manage for 24-48 hours if your checked luggage is inaccessible or if you need to stay overnight unexpectedly. This should include a change of clothes, necessary medications, toiletries, chargers for your electronic devices, and any important documents.
Keep any items you might need for work or entertainment, such as a book, tablet, or noise-canceling headphones, in your carry-on. This foresight can turn a stressful situation into a manageable inconvenience, allowing you to maintain a degree of comfort and productivity even when faced with unexpected downtime at an airport or a hotel.
Understanding Different Cancellation Scenarios
The actions you should take and the assistance you can expect during a flight cancellation can differ based on the reason for the cancellation itself. Airlines' obligations vary depending on whether the disruption is within their control or due to external, unavoidable circumstances.
Categorizing the cancellation helps you understand your entitlements regarding rebooking, accommodation, meals, and potential compensation. Being aware of these distinctions empowers you to communicate more effectively with the airline and claim what you are owed.
Differentiate between airline-controlled and extraordinary circumstances to clarify your entitlements.
Cancellations Within Airline Control
These are disruptions caused by factors internal to the airline's operations. Common examples include technical problems with the aircraft, crew scheduling issues, staffing shortages, and routine maintenance that was not planned far enough in advance to avoid cancelling a flight. In such cases, airlines are typically held to higher standards of passenger care and are more likely to owe financial compensation beyond just rebooking or a refund.
If your flight is cancelled due to an issue within the airline's control, you are generally entitled to rebooking assistance, accommodation, meals, and potentially compensation, depending on the delay incurred at your final destination and applicable regulations. The airline should proactively offer these services, and if they fail to do so, you can claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred.
Cancellations Due to Extraordinary Circumstances
Extraordinary circumstances are events beyond the airline's reasonable control. These are typically unforeseen and unavoidable, such as severe weather conditions (e.g., heavy snow, fog, storms), air traffic control restrictions or strikes, political instability, security threats, or medical emergencies onboard. In these situations, an airline's obligation to provide accommodation, meals, and financial compensation is often limited or entirely waived.
While airlines are still expected to offer rebooking assistance on the next available flight, they are generally not required to pay compensation for delays or cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances. However, they should still provide information and help passengers make alternative arrangements if possible. Passengers may still be entitled to a refund if they choose not to travel.
Always confirm the official reason for cancellation with the airline.
Impact of Third-Party Disruptions
Disruptions caused by third parties, such as airport staff strikes, air traffic control system failures, or runway closures due to emergencies at the airport, fall into a gray area. Depending on the specific regulations and how these events are classified, they might be treated similarly to extraordinary circumstances, relieving the airline of compensation obligations but usually still requiring them to offer rebooking or refunds.
For example, if air traffic control imposes a flow control measure or ground stop due to a system malfunction, the airline operating the flight is not at fault. However, passengers are still directly affected. In these instances, the focus remains on the airline's duty to assist you in reaching your destination or providing a refund, rather than on compensation for the inconvenience.
Resolving Issues with Non-Cooperative Airlines
While most airlines strive to handle cancellations professionally, you may encounter situations where an airline is uncooperative, offering inadequate solutions or outright denying entitlements. Knowing how to navigate these challenging scenarios is crucial for asserting your passenger rights.
A non-cooperative airline can turn a frustrating experience into a significant ordeal. However, by understanding your rights, maintaining detailed records, and knowing where to seek external help, you can effectively address such situations and achieve a fair resolution.
Be persistent and informed when dealing with airlines that fail to meet their obligations.
Knowing When to Escalate Internally
If an airline representative at the airport or on the phone is unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory assistance, the next step is usually to escalate the issue to a supervisor or a dedicated customer relations department. This is often done by requesting to speak with a manager on duty or by filing a formal complaint through the airline's official channels. This ensures your issue is logged and reviewed at a higher level within the organization.
When escalating, clearly articulate the problem, reference any previous conversations or promises made, and state precisely what resolution you are seeking. Provide your booking reference and all relevant documentation. A well-reasoned, documented escalation is more likely to be addressed seriously than an emotional plea.
External Dispute Resolution Options
If internal escalation with the airline fails to resolve the issue, it's time to look externally. The specific avenues available depend on your departure and arrival locations. For flights involving the EU, the UK, and many other countries, National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs) are responsible for overseeing air passenger rights. You can file a complaint with the relevant NEB if the airline does not resolve your issue satisfactorily.
For instance, if you flew from the United States to Europe and encountered a cancellation issue where the airline failed to provide proper assistance, you might file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or the relevant NEB in the European country. Many countries also have independent dispute resolution (ADR) schemes that airlines can subscribe to, offering an alternative, often faster, way to resolve disputes outside of court.
Familiarize yourself with the relevant aviation authorities and consumer protection agencies for your travel route.
Legal Recourse and Small Claims Court
As a last resort, if all other avenues have been exhausted, pursuing legal action may be an option. This can range from sending a formal legal letter (demand letter) from a solicitor to initiating proceedings in a small claims court. Small claims courts are designed to be accessible and less formal than regular courts, allowing individuals to resolve disputes involving smaller sums of money without necessarily needing legal representation.
The viability of legal action depends on the amount of money in dispute and the strength of your case, supported by evidence. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional specializing in consumer law or aviation disputes to understand the likelihood of success and the associated costs before proceeding down this path. Many airlines have specific policies and clauses in their terms and conditions regarding dispute resolution, so reviewing these is also a prudent step.
Common Misconceptions About Flight Cancellations
The confusion surrounding flight cancellations often stems from common misconceptions that can lead travelers to believe they are entitled to less—or more—than they actually are. Understanding these myths can help you navigate disruptions more effectively.
Dispelling these myths ensures you approach your airline with accurate expectations and a clear understanding of your rights and the airline's obligations, preventing unnecessary frustration or missed opportunities for compensation.
Clarify common misunderstandings to ensure accurate expectations about your rights during flight cancellations.
Myth: Airlines Can Cancel Flights for Any Reason Without Consequence
This is inaccurate. While airlines have operational flexibility, cancellations are subject to passenger rights regulations. If a flight is cancelled for reasons within the airline's control, and it results in a significant delay or inconvenience, passengers are often entitled to compensation, rebooking, or refunds. Extraordinary circumstances are the primary exception where compensation is typically not due, but assistance obligations usually remain.
Myth: Travel Vouchers Are the Only Option for Refunds
When a flight is cancelled by the airline, and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket. Airlines may offer travel vouchers or credits as an alternative, but they cannot force you to accept them if you prefer a monetary refund. You have the right to insist on reimbursement to your original form of payment.
You have the right to a monetary refund; do not feel pressured into accepting vouchers.
Myth: Weather Delays Are Never Compensated
Generally, flight cancellations or significant delays due to adverse weather are classified as 'extraordinary circumstances,' meaning airlines are typically not obligated to pay financial compensation. However, this does not absolve them of all responsibilities. They are still usually required to provide care and assistance, such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation, if the delay results in an overnight stay. Furthermore, if the weather event was localized or predictable, or if the airline failed to manage the situation efficiently, there might be grounds to challenge its classification as 'extraordinary.' Always verify the specific details.
Myth: Only Direct Bookings Have Rights
Passenger rights under regulations like EU261 generally apply regardless of how you booked your flight. Whether you booked directly with the airline, through an online travel agency (OTA), or a traditional travel agent, you are still entitled to the same rights concerning cancellations and delays. The complication with third-party bookings is often in the communication chain and who is responsible for rebooking or refunds, but your fundamental rights remain intact.
Your passenger rights typically apply regardless of how or where you booked your ticket.