Flight cancelled: get a cash refund, not a voucher

When an airline cancels your flight, EU Regulation 261/2004 gives YOU the choice between a full refund, re-routing as soon as possible, or re-routing at a later date that suits you. Airlines frequently offer only a voucher or credit, but you are never obliged to accept one. You have the right to your money back. Depending on how much notice you were given and whether re-routing was offered, you may ALSO be entitled to fixed compensation on top of the refund. This guide focuses on getting the cash refund and rejecting an unwanted voucher.

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

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Your rights

Under Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, a passenger whose flight is cancelled has a choice between (a) reimbursement of the full ticket cost within seven days for the parts not flown (plus a return flight to the first point of departure if relevant), (b) re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity, or (c) re-routing at a later date of the passenger's convenience. Article 7(3) provides that compensation is paid in cash, by electronic bank transfer, bank order or cheque, and only 'with the signed agreement of the passenger' in travel vouchers. This means a voucher can never be forced on you; you can refuse it and demand reimbursement. Separate fixed compensation (EUR 250-600) under Article 7 may also apply unless you were notified at least 14 days ahead, or were offered timely re-routing within the regulation's limits, or the airline proves extraordinary circumstances.

Step by step

1State clearly in writing which Article 8 option you choose: a full cash refund. Do not click 'accept voucher' in any app or email if you want cash.
2Quote Regulation 261/2004 Articles 8 and 7(3), noting the refund must be paid within 7 days and that a voucher requires your signed agreement, which you are not giving.
3Include your booking reference, flight number, cancellation date and the bank/card details for reimbursement; request refund to the original payment method.
4If the airline refuses, stalls beyond the 7-day window, or only re-offers a voucher, escalate to the national enforcement body in the departure country or a certified ADR scheme, and consider a card chargeback if you paid by card.

What they'll say, and your comeback

“Our policy is to issue vouchers for cancellations.”

Comeback, An airline's internal policy cannot override EU law. Article 7(3) requires your signed agreement for a voucher; without it you are entitled to cash reimbursement within 7 days under Article 8.

“You already accepted the voucher / re-booked, so the refund is no longer available.”

Comeback, If the voucher was accepted without clear, informed consent, or you were not genuinely offered the cash option, you can still insist on the Article 8 refund. The choice must be a free and informed one.

“The cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, so we owe you nothing.”

Comeback, Extraordinary circumstances can remove the EUR 250-600 compensation, but they do NOT remove your right to a refund or re-routing. The refund or re-routing choice under Article 8 is always due regardless of the cause.

FAQ

Can I get both a refund and compensation?

Potentially yes. The refund returns your ticket price under Article 8. Separate fixed compensation under Article 7 (EUR 250-600) may also be due if you were given less than 14 days' notice and were not offered re-routing within the regulation's time limits, unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances.

Is a voucher ever a good idea?

Only if it genuinely suits you and is worth more than the cash. Remember vouchers can expire, may be hard to use, and could be lost if the airline becomes insolvent. You always have the right to choose cash instead.

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