How to get a refund from Ryanair for a cancelled flight
If Ryanair cancels your flight, you're not just entitled to a rebooking or a voucher. European and UK law gives you clear rights to a full cash refund. This guide will help you claim what you're owed.
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Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) and its UK equivalent (UK261), if your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund of your ticket within 7 days or an alternative flight to your destination. This applies regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Step by step
- 1Confirm your flight cancellation directly with Ryanair and gather all relevant booking details (flight number, date, booking reference).
- 2Access Ryanair's online refund request form via their website or contact their customer service directly.
- 3Clearly state that you are exercising your right to a full cash refund under EU261/UK261 for your cancelled flight.
- 4If Ryanair fails to process the refund within 7 days, escalate your claim to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body or consider initiating a chargeback through your bank/card provider.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“We can only offer you a rebooking or a travel voucher.”
Comeback, Under EU261/UK261, I am entitled to a full cash refund for my cancelled flight, not just a rebooking or voucher. Please process my refund.
“Refunds are taking longer than usual due to high demand.”
Comeback, EU261/UK261 mandates that refunds for cancelled flights must be processed within 7 days. Please adhere to this legal requirement.
“The cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, so you're not entitled to a refund.”
Comeback, While extraordinary circumstances might affect compensation, they do not negate my right to a full refund or re-routing under EU261/UK261.
FAQ
Am I also entitled to compensation for a cancelled Ryanair flight?
You may be entitled to additional compensation under EU261/UK261 if Ryanair cancelled your flight less than 14 days before departure, unless it was due to 'extraordinary circumstances' outside the airline's control.
What if I booked my Ryanair flight through a third-party website?
Your contract for carriage is still with Ryanair. While you might need to initiate the refund request through the third party, ensure they are processing a direct refund from Ryanair to you, not just offering their own credit.
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A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.