Ryanair Delayed and Canceled Flights Policy

Ryanair may be considered one of the world’s most on-time airlines, but sometimes they too have to delay or cancel flights. If you have booked flights aboard the low cost carrier and find yourself in this situation it is important to know your rights ahead of time. Because sometimes there’s a gray area or confusion when it comes to what you’re entitled to, we’ve created a simple guide to answer all of your questions.

If the flight is delayed or canceled by Ryanair…

According to the Ryanair website, if a flight is canceled or delayed more than 3 hours by the company all passengers will be given a choice between an alternative route or a complete refund, in the case that the passenger decides not to fly.

If the flight is delayed or canceled beyond the control of Ryanair…

Passengers will not be refunded if the flight is canceled for reasons beyond Ryanair’s control like political instability, meteorological conditions, security risks, unexpected flight safety problems, or strikes that affect the operation of the air carrier.

Your rights if the delay or cancelation is caused by Ryanair…

Passengers affected by delays and cancelations under the responsibility of Ryanair are entitled to all rights set out by the EU Regulation 261/2004. The regulation applies to the following types of passengers:

• Passengers who have been denied boarding: Though Ryanair’s policy is to not overbook its flights, if this does occur the company will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in return for benefits. If there are not enough volunteers you are entitled to the compensation outlined below.

• Passengers experiencing flight delay: If your flight is delayed for two hours or more for flights 1,500km or less, or three hours or more for flights more than 1,500km you are entitled to the rights set out below.

• Passengers on canceled flights: Please note that there are some exceptions to the term canceled:

1. You were informed of the cancelation 2 weeks before departure.
2. You were informed between 2 weeks and 7 days before the scheduled departure and were offered re-routing that was similar to your previous ticket.
3. The cancelation was caused by extraordinary circumstances out of the control of Ryanair.

Compensation for affected passengers…

All passengers affected by delays or cancelations, unless they are one of the exceptions mentioned above, are entitled to the following options:

• Compensation: €250 for all flights of 1,500km or less or €400 for  all flights between 1,500km and 3,500km. If you are offered an alternative flight that does not exceed the scheduled arrival time by 2 hours for flights 1500km or less, or 3 hours for flights 1500-3500km, the monetary compensation will be reduced by 50%

• Reimbursement or re-routing: If your flight has been canceled, or you have been denied boarding, you are also entitled to choose one of the following options:

1. Re-routing at the earliest opportunity.
2. Reimbursement as outlined above in “compensation”.
3. Re-routing at a later date of your choice.

• Care: If you are denied boarding or your flight is canceled or delayed by more than 2 hours you will be offered:

1. Meal and drink vouchers proportional to the waiting time.
2. Two telephone calls/emails.
3. Hotel accommodation if the circumstance requires one or one nights stay.
4. Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation.