easyJet refund across the EU

easyJet runs one of the largest short-haul networks in Europe, and for flights touching the EU it operates under Regulation 261/2004. When your flight is cancelled, easyJet usually offers three quick choices through Manage Bookings: a refund, a free flight switch, or a voucher. The voucher is the one to think twice about. You are entitled to your money, and on top of the refund you may be owed fixed compensation that easyJet will not always flag. This guide covers both so you collect everything, directly and for free.

Reviewed by Corey Musa, Founder·Last reviewed June 2026·LinkedIn

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Your rights

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies to flights departing any EU airport and to flights into the EU on an EU carrier. For a cancelled flight you can choose a full refund, paid within 7 days, or a free re-route (Article 8). A voucher is only an option if you agree to it. Fixed compensation is separate and is owed when the cancellation came with less than 14 days notice, or you arrived 3 or more hours late, and the cause was within easyJet's control rather than an extraordinary circumstance. The amounts are 250 euro up to 1,500 km, 400 euro for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and 600 euro over 3,500 km. Under Article 7(2), for a flight over 3,500 km a delay on arrival of 3 to under 4 hours is compensated at the reduced 300 euro, and 4 hours or more at the full 600 euro. Article 9 gives you meals, refreshments and accommodation during the disruption. Compensation is a cash entitlement, not a voucher.

Step by step

1Pull together your booking reference, boarding passes, the scheduled and actual times, and the cancellation notice with its date. Keep receipts for any meals, transport or hotel you covered yourself.
2For the refund, log in to Manage Bookings on easyjet.com and request a refund rather than accepting the voucher. easyJet should process the refund within 7 days. Alternatively switch flights for free if you still want to travel.
3For compensation, complete the EU261 Compensation Claim Form at easyjet.com/en/claim/EU261. Give your booking reference, flight details, a clear account of what happened, and attach boarding passes, receipts and any written explanation from staff. File it yourself to keep the full amount.
4If easyJet rejects the claim, relies on unproven extraordinary circumstances, or does not respond within around 6 weeks, escalate to the national enforcement body in the country the flight departed from. ECC-Net European Consumer Centres assist with cross-border cases.

What they'll say, and your comeback

“We have credited your account with a voucher for the cancelled flight.”

Comeback, A voucher is optional. For a cancellation you can choose a refund to your original payment method within 7 days instead. The voucher also does not touch your separate right to cash compensation under Article 7.

“The cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond our control.”

Comeback, Ask easyJet to name the cause and show it was unavoidable despite all reasonable measures. Crew availability, technical faults inherent in normal operation and routine operational issues generally do not qualify. If it is not evidenced, the compensation is due.

“You have already received a refund, so there is nothing more to pay.”

Comeback, The refund returns your ticket money. Compensation is a separate fixed sum for the disruption. Receiving one does not cancel the other under EU261.

FAQ

Should I take the easyJet voucher when my flight is cancelled?

Only if you genuinely prefer credit. You have the right to a cash refund to your original payment method within 7 days. Whatever you choose for the ticket, you can still claim compensation separately.

My long-haul easyJet flight was delayed just over 3 hours. What am I owed?

For a flight over 3,500 km, a delay of 3 to under 4 hours on arrival is compensated at 300 euro, the reduced rate under Article 7(2). Once the delay reaches 4 hours or more, the full 600 euro applies, assuming the cause was within easyJet's control.

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A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.