How to get a refund from British Airways for a cancelled flight?
If your flight was cancelled, there’s no need to worry! You might be eligible for a refund.
According to Regulation UK 261, airlines that fall under this law are required to provide refunds (and in some cases, flight cancellation compensation). Make sure to claim a refund for your cancelled flight. The best part is that the money will be directly deposited into your bank account instead of being credited back to your British Airways account.
To delve deeper into this topic, continue reading this guide.
1. British Airways Refund for Cancellation After Brexit
Wondering how to claim compensation or a refund for your British Airways flight after Brexit? You might be surprised to learn that very little has actually changed since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union in February 2020. Previously protected by EU law, you are now safeguarded by the UK law (Regulation UK261), which is remarkably similar to its predecessor.
Rest assured, you’re still entitled to protection against delays, cancellations, and flight overbooking. The only difference is that you’ll now primarily refer to the UK law when filing a compensation claim.
Read more: Regulation EC261 vs UK261
1.1 Regulation UK261
This is the new regulation — Regulation UK 261.
It addresses flight delay compensation, flight cancellation compensation, and denied boarding compensation rules. While this article primarily focuses on British Airways, it’s important to note that these rules apply to other airlines as well, including UK airlines like easyJet and TUI, as well as airlines registered in other countries within the EU and beyond.
It’s worth mentioning that there are instances where UK law applies to airlines beyond just UK carriers. To gain a thorough understanding of all potential scenarios, we kindly recommend consulting our comprehensive guide on Regulation UK261.
If your British Airways flight has been cancelled, delayed, or you’ve been denied boarding, it’s crucial to know your rights. You have a right to care and may also be eligible for flight compensation. Various situations warrant compensation.
If your flight has been cancelled, in certain cases, you can get both compensation and a full refund. In this article, we will focus on British Airways refund for cancellation.
2. How to Get a Refund From British Airways (for a Cancelled Flight)?
In which situations are you entitled to an airline refund for cancellation?
How to get a refund from British Airways for a cancelled flight?
2.1 UK Flight Cancellation Refund
Under the Regulation UK261, you are entitled to a full refund for flight cancellation, regardless of why or when your flight was cancelled.
If your flight is operated by a UK-registered airline (or an airline from the EU or the EEA), obtaining a refund is a straightforward process. This option is available in the event of flight cancellation, regardless of your flight’s origin, destination or the time of cancellation. Rest assured that you can easily claim your refund. Typically, information about flight cancellation refund is sent to your email when a flight is canceled.
However, if you are flying with a non-European airline, a refund is only applicable for flights departing from a European airport (i.e., from an airport in the UK, EU, EEA).
2.2 Extraordinary Circumstances
If your flight is operated by a UK-registered airline or an airline from the EU or the EEA, you are eligible for a refund even if your flight was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.
The reason for flight cancellation does not matter; you have the right to a refund in any case. Rest assured, regardless of the circumstances, you are entitled to receive the reimbursement you deserve.
2.3 British Airways Flight Cancellation Refund
British Airways, being a UK airline, operates under UK laws.
This means that regardless of the circumstances leading to the cancellation, you are entitled to a full refund from British Airways for a cancelled flight. It doesn’t matter if the cancellation occurred three months, two weeks, or even just one day before your scheduled departure; the airline is obligated to provide you with a full refund.
In the event that British Airways cancels your flight, they will send you an email detailing your options, including the process for obtaining a refund. In most cases, you will need to log into the “Manage My Booking” section and submit a refund request there. The process is straightforward – simply submit a refund request. Your refund will be deposited into your bank account within 7 days of the request.
In case you made the booking through a travel agent or a tour operator, reach out to them directly to discuss the available alternatives or request a refund.
For any further assistance, contact British Airways.
3. British Airways Refund For Cancellation or a New Flight?
British Airways is obligated to provide you with the option of a refund or a new flight.
You can choose either one. If you no longer wish to proceed with your travel plans, you have the option to accept a full refund instead of a new flight to your intended destination. It is crucial that you contact the airline promptly and request your refund to avoid any additional complications.
Is it possible to receive both a refund and a new flight? Unfortunately, no. You must choose between two options: either a refund from British Airways for flight cancellation or the option to book a replacement flight to your destination (the latter is done by the airline, and is for free).
4. What to Do if British Airways Is Refusing Refund for Cancellation?
Is British Airways refusing to provide a refund for cancellation?
While British Airways may be denying your request for an airline ticket refund, it is important to remind them of their responsibility outlined in the Regulation UK261, specifically Articles 5 and 8. If this approach proves ineffective in resolving the situation, it is advisable to reach out to the national enforcement body in the country from which your flight is scheduled to depart.
4.1 Can I Get Money Instead of a Voucher?
If British Airways offers you a voucher instead of a refund, it’s important to know your rights.
According to Regulation UK261, airlines are required to provide a payment via bank transfer if that is your preferred option. So, if the airline tries to push a voucher instead of your rightful refund, remember that you have the right to decline without any consequences.
If you have already been offered a voucher, make sure to request a refund directly back onto your bank card. There should be an option to receive the money back to the same card.
5. British Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation or Refund?
Are you eligible for flight cancellation compensation in addition to a BA refund?
In certain situations, you may be entitled to both. Evaluate the timing of the flight cancellation and the underlying reason, determining whether it was the airline’s fault or not.
In the event that your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before your trip and it is due to the fault of British Airways (including technical problems and staff shortages), you are entitled to both a full refund or a new flight, as well as flight cancellation compensation.
The best part? These reimbursements will be directly transferred to your bank account, so no more dealing with vouchers! If you happen to have a voucher already, simply contact British Airways and request a bank transfer instead; they are obliged to accommodate your request.
Regarding flight compensation, if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters or pandemics you will not be eligible for compensation. However, you are still entitled to British Airways refund for cancellation or a new flight to your destination.
If the cancellation happened more than 2 weeks before departure, you are not entitled to flight cancellation compensation from British Airways. But you are entitled to a refund or a new flight.
Do you have more questions about a refund from British Airways for a cancelled flight, or British Airways flight cancellation compensation? Ask in the comments.