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Emergency

The airline rebooks you: what rights do you have?

Sometimes an airline shifts the flight significantly or changes the connection without the flight formally being canceled. Depending on the extent, such a rebooking can legally be treated like a cancellation, with corresponding claims.

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Your chances of getting your money back

If the airline shifts the departure time significantly or changes the connection materially, that can count as a cancellation of the original flight. Then the rights to a refund or alternative carriage and, if applicable, compensation apply (EU-VO 261/2004).
You can usually choose between a refund of the ticket price and alternative carriage to the destination. With timely information or in case of extraordinary circumstances, the additional compensation can lapse.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Document the change

    Record the original and new flight times as well as the notification.

  2. 2

    2. Choose an option

    Decide between a refund and alternative carriage.

  3. 3

    3. Check the advance notice period

    Clarify how long before departure you were informed.

  4. 4

    4. Make your claims

    Demand a refund or compensation from the airline in writing.

How to spot the scam

  • A significant shift is played down as a mere 'schedule change'.
  • You are not given a choice between a refund and a replacement flight.
  • Extra costs from the rebooking are not reimbursed.

Frequently asked questions

Does a rebooking count as a cancellation?

If the airline moves the departure time significantly forward or shifts it, or materially changes the connection, that can be treated legally like a cancellation of the booked flight. Then you are entitled to a refund or alternative carriage and, under certain circumstances, to compensation.

What choice do I have?

As a rule, you can choose between a full refund of the ticket price and alternative carriage to your destination at the earliest possible time. If the airline does not give you this choice, you can contest it.

When does the compensation lapse?

The additional flat-rate compensation can lapse if the airline informs you in good time in advance and offers a reasonable alternative, or if extraordinary circumstances exist. The right to a refund or replacement carriage, however, remains unaffected by this.

Take action now

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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.