Air France refund for cancellation.
Are you entitled to it? If so, what are the applicable rules?
In the event of a flight cancellation by Air France, you may be eligible for a full refund. However, eligibility is not solely determined by the refund policy of Air France. European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishes the procedures that European airlines must follow when cancelling flights and outlines passenger rights. To learn more about the relevant rules and your rights, please continue reading the article.
Air France Refund For Cancellation
There are two possible scenarios.
So, let’s start with a question — when was your Air France flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s due to the fault of Air France).
It’s considered a last-minute flight cancellation.
In the event that Air France cancels your flight no more than 14 days prior to your trip, they provide two options: a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination. The choice between these options is yours, based on your convenience. If the cancellation was due to Air France’s fault and not an unavoidable circumstance, you may also be eligible for compensation.
The refund and compensation must be transferred to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Read more: Air France flight cancellation compensation
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight to your destination.
If Air France cancels your flight more than 14 days before the scheduled departure date, you are not eligible for compensation. However, you have the choice to receive a refund instead of an alternative flight. Air France is obliged to provide both options, and it is your decision to select the one that best suits your needs.
The refund should be processed within 7 days and transferred directly to your bank account.
Check your refund request status on the website of Air France.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
What happens if you miss your connecting flight due to cancellation?
If you miss your connecting flight due to a cancellation, Air France will provide you with a new flight at no additional cost, which may involve a different airline. If your new flight departs on the following day and requires an overnight wait, you are entitled to a complimentary hotel stay. Additionally, you have the right to receive free meals and beverages during this time.
If you have to wait for your new flight for a minimum of 3 hours, you are entitled to complimentary meals, refreshments, and two forms of free communication. To learn more about your rights concerning extended waits at the airport read our detailed guide about the right to care from the airline.
Regarding flight compensation, similar rules apply as with flight delays. You need to check how much later you arrive at your destination compared to the original scheduled arrival time. For more information on Air France missed connection, please consult our dedicated guide about missed connection compensation.
Air France Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
1. If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
If you are flying with Air France, then yes.
If your flight with Air France is cancelled, you have the option to receive either a refund or a new flight. However, you cannot get both of them.
In the event that Air France cancels your flight less than 14 days prior to your trip, and it is determined to be their fault, you may be eligible for both a refund or a new flight, as well as flight cancellation compensation from Air France.
2. Air France Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if you are offered an Air France voucher instead of compensation?
The answer is straightforward – you are not obligated to accept it. EU regulations stipulate that airlines must provide compensation and refunds in the form of cash or bank transfers.
If you have already received a voucher, you can ask the airline to exchange it for cash.
3. Air France Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
If Air France is refusing to give you a refund, don’t give up.
You are entitled to a refund as Air France has a legal obligation to provide one. You can refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, particularly Articles 5 and 8, to strengthen your request. If you are dissatisfied with their response, you have the option to contact the national enforcement body of the country where your flight originated.
Read more: Your Air France Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
4. Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
In specific scenarios, it is possible to receive both.
If Air France cancels your flight less than two weeks before the departure date due to their mistake, you are entitled to a full refund as well as compensation from the airline. It is important to note that the airline is obligated to provide both the compensation and refund directly to your bank account, and not in the form of vouchers or coupons.
If you have already received a voucher or coupon from Air France, you can request to exchange it for a cash refund by contacting Air France.
In all situations you also have a right to care.
5. Does Air France Provide Compensation if My Flight is Delayed?
Yes, Air France is obligated to offer compensation for significant flight delays, as outlined in Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. If your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more and it’s not due to extraordinary circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation.
Compensation amounts vary based on the distance of your flight and the length of the delay.
We have an article on Air France flight delay compensation.
6. What Happens If I Cancel My Air France Flight?
If you cancel your Air France flight, the airline’s refund policy will apply.
The amount you’re able to recover will depend on the type of ticket you purchased. Some tickets are fully refundable, while others may only be partially refundable or non-refundable.
Always check when purchasing, the terms and conditions of your ticket.
7. Can I Exchange My Air France Voucher for Cash?
If Air France has provided you with a voucher as compensation, you have the right to request a cash refund instead. The choice between a voucher and a cash refund is yours, as stipulated in Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Contact Air France directly to request this change.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.