Flight cancellations are a major inconvenience for travelers. They often result in missed connections, ruined plans, and uncertainty about your passenger rights. Many people believe that a cancelled flight automatically means they are owed compensation, but that isn’t always true. It’s important to understand that a refund for a cancelled flight and flight cancellation compensation are not the same thing. While a refund is guaranteed in every cancellation case, compensation is only provided under certain conditions.
Below is a clear explanation of how refunds and compensation work, what you’re entitled to, and how to claim each when your flight is cancelled.
Check your compensation online.
What Is a Refund for a Cancelled Flight?
A refund for a cancelled flight simply means getting back the money you paid for your ticket.
Under European aviation regulations, when an airline cancels your flight, it must offer you a choice between:
- A full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, including all taxes, fees, and paid add-ons, or
- A replacement flight to your final destination at no extra cost.
This right applies regardless of why the flight was cancelled — whether due to bad weather, technical faults, or internal airline issues. You are entitled to either a refund or rebooking whether the cancellation happens far in advance or at the last minute.
How to Get a Refund for a Cancelled Flight?
To request a refund, visit LOT’s website and log into the “My Travels” section using your booking details. Once your flight is officially cancelled, you will usually see an option to request your refund online. If this option is unavailable, you can contact LOT’s customer support or submit a request through their refund form.
Have your booking reference, passenger details, and ticket number ready to avoid delays. Airlines are legally required to issue a full refund for the unused ticket when they cancel a flight, regardless of the reason.
After submitting your request, keep all confirmation emails and check your payment method regularly. Refunds typically take up to 7 days to be processed. You are not obligated to accept LOT vouchers or travel credits instead of a cash refund.
Read more: Why Is Your LOT Refund Taking So Long and What Can You Do?
What Is Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Flight cancellation compensation is a separate, additional payment that you may be entitled to receive on top of your refund or rebooked flight. It is intended to compensate you for the inconvenience and disruption caused by the cancellation.
A refund for a cancelled flight gives back the cost of your ticket, while compensation is extra money paid only when specific legal conditions are met.
You may qualify for compensation for a cancelled flight if:
- Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure, and
- The cancellation was due to reasons within the airline’s control, such as staff shortages, airline crew strikes, technical problems, or operational failures.
You will not be eligible if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather, security risks, or air traffic control restrictions.
How to Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation
You have two main options for claiming compensation:
- Submit a claim directly to LOT. Use the airline’s online claim form or contact customer service. Provide your booking reference, flight details, the cancellation notice, and any supporting documents such as expenses or delay confirmations.
- Use a flight compensation service. Flight compensation companies handle the entire process on your behalf, usually on a “no win, no fee” basis.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim LOT Flight Compensation?
Can You Receive Both a Flight Cancellation Refund and Compensation?
Yes, in certain situations, you are legally entitled to both a refund and compensation.
If your flight was cancelled within 14 days of departure and the airline is responsible for the disruption, you may receive:
- A full ticket refund, and
- Additional compensation under EU261 passenger rights regulations.
Both payments must be made in cash or to your original payment method. Airlines cannot force you to accept vouchers or travel credits.
Can You Get a Refund If You Cancel Your LOT Flight?
Whether a passenger can receive a refund after cancelling their own LOT Polish Airlines flight depends entirely on LOT fare classes/types.
Most standard LOT fares are non-refundable, meaning you won’t get the ticket price back if you cancel. However, in some cases, certain unused airport taxes and government fees may still be refunded.
Only LOT’s fully flexible fares (such as Economy Full Flex, Premium Full Flex or Business Full Flex) allow free cancellation with a full refund.
In exceptional situations, such as serious illness or a death in the family, LOT may consider a refund or travel credit at its discretion. To maximize your chances, always review your fare rules carefully and contact LOT customer service as soon as possible after deciding to cancel.
A refund for a cancelled flight returns the money you paid for your flight, while flight cancellation compensation is an additional payment for the inconvenience and lost time caused by a cancellation. In some cases, you may be entitled to both.