Flight cancellations are one of the biggest headaches for travelers — they can lead to missed connections, disrupted plans, and confusion about what rights you actually have. Many passengers assume that a cancelled flight automatically qualifies for flight compensation, but that’s not always the case. A refund for a cancelled flight and compensation are two very different things. While you’re always entitled to a refund after a cancellation, compensation only applies in specific situations.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the difference, so you know exactly what you can expect — and what you’re entitled to claim — when your flight is cancelled.
Check your compensation online.
What Is a Cancelled Flight Refund?
A refund is simply the return of the money you paid for your flight.
Under European regulations, when an airline cancels your flight, they must offer you either:
- A full refund of your unused ticket — including taxes, fees, and any paid extras, or
- A rebooking on a new flight to your final destination.
This applies no matter the reason for the cancellation — weather disruptions, technical issues, or operational problems. You’re always entitled to a refund or a new flight, whether the cancellation happens last-minute or weeks in advance.
How to Claim Refund for a Cancelled Flight?
To claim a refund for a cancelled flight, start by visiting Norwegian’s website and logging into the “My Travels” section. Once your flight is officially marked as cancelled, you can access your booking and submit a refund request directly online. If the online option isn’t available, you can contact Norwegian’s customer service or use their dedicated refund form. Be sure to have your booking reference, passenger details, and, if needed, your ticket number ready to speed up the process.
Airlines are required to provide a full refund of the unused ticket, including taxes and fees, when they cancel a flight—regardless of the reason. After submitting your request, keep all confirmation emails and monitor your bank account or payment method, as refunds can take up to 7 days to process.
You don’t have to accept travel vouchers as a refund.
Read more: Your Norwegian Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s Your Plan of Action
What Is Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Norwegian flight cancellation compensation is an additional payment you may receive on top of your refund or rebooking. It’s meant to compensate you for the inconvenience and disruption caused by the cancellation.
It’s important to remember: flight cancellation compensation is not the same as a refund. A refund returns the money you paid for the ticket, while compensation is an extra amount you receive only in eligible situations.
To qualify for cancellation compensation:
- The airline must have cancelled your flight less than 14 days before departure, and
- The reason for the cancellation must be within the airline’s control — such as staffing shortages, technical problems, or operational errors.
You won’t qualify if the cause was an extraordinary circumstance like severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.
How to Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation?
You can claim your new flight or compensation in two ways:
- Directly with Norwegian — through its customer service or online claims form. Make sure to include your booking reference, flight details, and reason for cancellation, and attach any receipts or documentation that support your claim.
- Via a flight compensation company — if you prefer someone else to handle the process for you (usually on a “no win, no fee” basis).
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim Norwegian Flight Compensation?
Can You Receive Both a Refund and Compensation?
Yes — in some cases, you’re entitled to both a refund and flight cancellation compensation.
If your flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure and the airline is responsible for the disruption, you may receive:
- A full refund of your ticket (refund on flight cancellation), and
- Compensation under EU261 or UK261 regulations.
Both payouts must be issued directly to your bank account. You are never required to accept vouchers or travel credits instead.
Check your compensation online.
Refund for a Cancelled Flight vs. Flight Cancellation Compensation
| Aspect | Refund for a Cancelled Flight | Flight Cancellation Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Refunds for cancelled flights are reimbursement of your ticket cost | Extra payment for inconvenience |
| When you qualify | For any flight cancellation (regardless of reason) | For cancellations within the airline’s control, less than 14 days before departure |
| Amount | Equal to your ticket price | Fixed amount (€250–€600 under EU law) |
| Purpose | To return the money you paid | To compensate for lost time and inconvenience |
| Can you get both? | ✅ Yes, if eligible | ✅ Yes — refund + compensation possible |
Can You Get a Refund If You Cancel Your Flight?
Whether you can receive a refund after cancelling your own flight with Norwegian depends entirely on the fare type you booked.
Most Norwegian fares — such as LowFare and LowFare+ — are non-refundable, meaning you won’t get the ticket price back if you cancel. However, you may still receive a refund for certain taxes and fees. Only Norwegian’s Flex fares are fully refundable, allowing cancellation without penalty.
In exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness or a death in the family, Norwegian may offer a refund or travel credit at their discretion.
To give yourself the best chance of recovering costs, review the fare rules in your booking and contact Norwegian as soon as possible. Acting early usually leads to better outcomes.
Before you cancel your booking, it’s important to know whether you qualify for a flight ticket cancellation refund and what conditions apply.
A refund for a cancelled flight returns the money you paid for your flight, while flight cancellation compensation is an additional payment for the inconvenience and lost time caused by a cancellation. In some cases, you may be entitled to both.
Featured photo by Willfried Wende from Pexels