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Airline bankrupt: is my flight ticket now worthless?

The airline files for insolvency, and your flight is cancelled? That is annoying, because individually booked flights are often not protected. Nevertheless there are ways to save at least part of your money.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Clarify the question

Your chances of getting your money back

Unlike package tours, individually booked flight tickets are not protected by a travel security certificate in the event of insolvency. You must register your claim with the insolvency schedule; the payout ratio, however, is often low.
If you paid by credit card, direct debit or via a payment service provider, a reversal (chargeback/reimbursement claim) may be possible. With a package tour, by contrast, the travel security certificate/travel security fund steps in.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the payment method

    Paid by credit card/direct debit/payment service? Then check a reversal (chargeback).

  2. 2

    2. Apply for a reversal

    Contact your bank/card provider promptly and apply for the reimbursement.

  3. 3

    3. Register the claim

    Register your claim with the insolvency administrator for the insolvency schedule.

  4. 4

    4. Package tour?

    With a package tour, make use of the travel security certificate/fund.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get my money back if the airline goes bankrupt?

With an individually booked flight ticket unfortunately often only partly: such tickets are not protected by a travel security certificate. You can register your claim with the insolvency schedule but usually receive only a low payout ratio. There are better chances via a reversal if you paid by credit card, direct debit or a payment service provider.

Are package tours better protected?

Yes. With a package tour you are protected in the event of the operator's insolvency by the travel security certificate or the travel security fund; amounts already paid and the return journey are protected. That is why it can make sense to book the flight and hotel as a package tour or at least to pay by credit card.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.