BA cancelled my flight 24 hours before - am I owed compensation?

British Airways texted you the day before your flight to say it's cancelled. They've offered a rebooking that lands you 14 hours late, no apology, and a vague mention of "operational reasons". Take a breath. Under UK261, that 24-hour notice almost certainly means you're owed cash compensation on top of a refund or rerouting. Airlines bank on you not knowing this. Let's fix that.

What the law says

The UK retained Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 - usually called UK261 - after Brexit. Article 5 sets out exactly what an airline owes you when they cancel:

• More than 14 days notice: no compensation
• 7 to 14 days notice: compensation can apply unless they offer a rerouting close to your original times
• Less than 7 days notice: compensation can apply unless the rerouting is very tight to your original times

A cancellation 24 hours before departure falls squarely inside the under-7-days bracket. Compensation is per passenger, in cash:

• £220 for flights up to 1,500km
• £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km
• £260 for flights over 3,500km if you arrive 3-4 hours late
• £520 for flights over 3,500km if you arrive 4+ hours late

You also get a choice under Article 8: a full refund, rerouting at the earliest opportunity, or rerouting at a later date of your choosing. Article 9 forces the airline to feed you, water you, and put you up if needed - regardless of whether compensation is payable.

The big airline excuse is "extraordinary circumstances" under Article 5(3). Genuine extraordinary circumstances are things like air traffic control strikes, severe weather, security threats, or a bird strike that grounds the specific aircraft. "Operational reasons", "crew shortage", "aircraft change", and "schedule optimisation" are not extraordinary - the Court of Justice has been clear these are part of the normal exercise of running an airline.

Step-by-step: how to claim

1. Save everything in writing. Screenshots of the cancellation text or email, the booking reference, original and new flight times, and any rebooking offered.
2. Decide what you want. Refund, rerouting, or a later flight - it's your choice, not BA's.
3. Use our flight compensation calculator to work out the exact amount. Distance is what matters, not ticket price.
4. Submit the claim through BA's online form. Reference UK261 directly and quote Article 5(1)(c) and Article 7. Vague claims get fobbed off; specific ones get paid.
5. Set a 14-day clock. If BA hasn't paid or properly responded, escalate. Don't wait the polite three weeks they'll suggest.

Letter snippet

Dear British Airways,

>

On [DATE] you cancelled flight [FLIGHT NUMBER] from [DEPARTURE] to [ARRIVAL], scheduled to depart at [TIME]. Notification was given less than 7 days before departure.

>

Under Article 5(1)(c) and Article 7 of UK Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, I am entitled to compensation of £[AMOUNT] per passenger. I am also exercising my Article 8 right to [a refund / rerouting on the next available flight].

>

The reason given - "operational reasons" - does not meet the threshold for extraordinary circumstances under Article 5(3) (see CJEU C-549/07 Wallentin-Hermann). Please pay £[AMOUNT] within 14 days to [BANK DETAILS]. If I do not receive payment, I will refer this matter to CEDR and, if necessary, file a claim through Money Claim Online.

>

Yours faithfully,

[NAME] - Booking ref [REF]

If they say no

BA's first reply is often a templated rejection citing "extraordinary circumstances". Don't accept it. Reply once asking for the specific cause and any supporting evidence. If they refuse or repeat the boilerplate, escalate:

• CEDR - the free aviation ADR scheme BA is signed up to. You have 12 months from BA's final response. Decisions are binding on the airline if you accept them.
• Money Claim Online (MCOL) - issue a small claim. Court fees start at around £35 for claims up to £300. Most airlines settle once they're served.
• CAA Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT) - useful for record-keeping but not binding.

For more on escalation, see our response deadline tool and the British Airways company page.

FAQs

My flight was rebooked, not cancelled. Does UK261 still apply?

If the flight number changed or the times moved by more than the small Article 5 thresholds, that's a cancellation in law - regardless of what BA calls it.

BA gave me vouchers instead of cash. Do I have to take them?

No. Article 7(3) says compensation is paid in cash unless you agree in writing to vouchers. Don't sign anything that waives your rights.

My flight was a connection through Heathrow. Which leg counts?

For compensation, distance is calculated using the full journey under one booking. A delay on a connecting leg can still trigger UK261 if your final arrival is 3+ hours late.

Can I claim for hotels and food too?

Yes - Article 9 right to care covers meals, refreshments, two phone calls, and accommodation if needed. Keep receipts.

How long do I have to claim?

Six years in England and Wales, five in Scotland. Don't rush, but don't sit on it either.

The line "operational reasons" was designed to make you go away. It isn't a magic shield - it's a starting point for the conversation. You're owed money. Go and get it.