LOT refund for cancellation.
Are you entitled to it? If so, what are the applicable rules?
If your LOT flight has been cancelled, you may be entitled to a full refund under European regulations. It’s important to remember that LOT’s refund policy is not the only factor determining your eligibility. European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 lays out specific steps that European airlines must follow when cancelling a flight, as well as your rights as a passenger. To understand these rules and your rights, please read the article.
LOT Refund For Cancellation
There are two possible scenarios.
So, let’s start with a question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s due to the fault of LOT).
If LOT cancels your flight with a notice of 14 days or less before your trip (last-minute cancellation), you can choose between receiving a full refund or getting booked onto another flight to your destination. You have the flexibility to decide which option suits you best. Additionally, if the cancellation was due to LOT’s fault and could have been avoided, you may be entitled to compensation.
The refund and compensation must be transferred to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Read more: LOT flight cancellation compensation
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight to your destination.
If LOT cancels your flight more than 14 days before the scheduled departure date, you won’t receive any compensation from the airline. Instead, you can choose between being offered another flight or a refund. LOT must provide both options, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs better.
The LOT refund for cancellation should be paid within 7 days – to your bank account.
Check your refund request status on the website of LOT Polish Airlines.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
What happens if you miss your connecting flight due to cancellation?
LOT will provide you with a complimentary alternative flight, which may be operated by a different airline. If the new flight departs on the following day, requiring an overnight stay, you are entitled to a free hotel accommodation. Additionally, LOT is responsible for providing you with free meals and beverages.
In the event that you experience a wait of at least 3 hours for your new flight, you are entitled to complimentary meals, refreshments, and two free forms of communication. Familiarize yourself with your rights regarding extended airport waits (i.e., “right to care“).
Regarding flight compensation, similar rules apply as with flight delays. It is important to assess the delay in your arrival time at the final destination compared to the originally scheduled arrival time. Consult our guide on LOT missed connection compensation for further details.
LOT Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
1. If My Flight Is Cancelled, Can I Get a Refund?
If you are flying with LOT and your flight is cancelled, you have options.
You can choose either a LOT refund for cancellation or a new flight, but not both.
If LOT cancels your flight less than 14 days before your departure, and it is their responsibility, you may be eligible for both a refund or a new flight, as well as flight cancellation compensation from LOT.
2. LOT Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if you are offered a LOT voucher instead of compensation?
If LOT offers you a voucher instead of monetary compensation, you have the right to refuse it. Under EU regulations, airlines must offer cash or a bank transfer for refunds and compensation. If you have already been given a voucher, you can ask LOT to exchange it for money instead.
3. LOT Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
Keep in mind that you are entitled to a refund.
If your LOT flight has been cancelled, but the airline is refusing to give you a refund, don’t lose hope. LOT is legally obliged to provide a refund. You can reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, specifically Articles 5 and 8, when making your request. If you are unhappy with their response, you can contact the enforcement body in the country where your flight originated.
Read more: Why Is Your LOT Refund Taking So Long and What Can You Do?
4. Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
Is it possible to receive both flight compensation and LOT refund for cancellation?
In some cases, yes. If LOT cancels your flight less than two weeks before the departure date due to their error, you are entitled to receive both a full refund and compensation from LOT. It’s important to note that the airline must issue both the compensation and refund as cash payments to your bank account, not in the form of vouchers or coupons.
If you have already received a LOT voucher, you can exchange it for cash by contacting LOT.
5. What Happens If I Cancel My LOT Flight?
If you cancel your LOT flight, the refund you’ll receive depends on the fare conditions of your ticket. Some fares are non-refundable, while others may allow cancellation with a penalty.
LOT’s Flex Plus tickets, for example, offer more flexibility, including free cancellations and changes. Take this into account if you want that peace of mind, and if you like to change your travel plans once in a while.
6. What Is LOT’s Policy on Missed Connections?
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a LOT flight and the flights are all under one booking, LOT is responsible for getting you to your final destination. You may also be entitled to compensation if you reach your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours.
See our article about LOT missed connection compensation.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.