Are you dealing with a Volotea last-minute flight cancellation?
The cancellation of flights can cause huge disruption, particularly if it impacts your onward travel plans. However, protection measures for passengers are stipulated by the EU law and Volotea flight cancellation policy. This has been the norm for over a decade. Consequently, in the event of your Volotea flight being cancelled, the responsibility is on the airline to assist you and find a resolution.
1. Volotea Flight Cancellation: Last-Minute Flight Cancellation
Are you experiencing a last-minute flight cancellation?
If Volotea cancels your flight, they are obliged to assist you.
- In the event of a cancellation leading to a prolonged wait at the airport, you have a right to care from Volotea. If the wait extends to 3 hours, you are eligible for a complimentary meal coupon. In case of an overnight wait, you have the right to free hotel accommodation and transfer.
- If you choose not to accept the alternative flight proposed to you, you are eligible for a complete refund from Volotea. This refund can either be credited to your bank account or issued as a Volotea voucher.
- Provided the cancellation is at the last minute (i.e., flight cancelled 0-14 days before the originally scheduled departure date), and the cancellation is the fault of Volotea, you can seek flight cancellation compensation from Volotea.
As Volotea is a EU airline, these compensation rules apply to all flights to and from Europe.
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.
2. What to Do if Your Flight Is Cancelled Last-Minute?
What to do if your Volotea flight is cancelled last-minute?
Going through the situation when your flight is abruptly cancelled depends greatly on where you are when you receive the news. The steps to take will vary if you are already en route to the airport versus if you are still at your residence or lodging.
2.1 If You Are Still at Home or Hotel
If you experience a Volotea last-minute flight cancellation, but you are still at home or hotel, it is advisable to remain there for the time being. Reach out to Volotea’s customer service to determine the next course of action.
As previously stated, Volotea will provide assistance. They will inform you about the alternative flights available – it could be that you depart on the same day, or perhaps the following day, depending on seat availability. Remember, you have the option to request a flight via a different airline as well.
If you do not wish to travel anymore because the new flight doesn’t fit your travel plans, you can request a full refund.
If your flight is cancelled due to the airline’s fault (i.e., technical issues, staffing shortages, staff strikes), you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
2.2 If You Are Already at the Airport
Should you already be at the airport and your flight gets cancelled, avoid going through airport security. A replacement flight will be arranged for you. This implies that you need to secure a new boarding pass by going through the check-in procedure again.
In case you have any checked baggage, you will need to check it in again. If you have already gone through security, attempt to make your way back to the landside (public access) area of the airport.
It is crucial to get in touch with Volotea’s representatives at the airport to understand the subsequent steps to follow. They will extend their support to you, such as proposing an alternative flight to your destination (or a full refund) and care.
If your flight is cancelled due to the airline’s fault (i.e., technical issues, staffing shortages, staff strikes), you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
3. Volotea Flight Cancellation Compensation
Specific regulations have been put in place by the EU concerning flight compensation.
If your flight is nixed less than 2 weeks before the set departure date, it’s termed as a last-minute flight cancellation, making you possibly eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Your flight is cancelled 7 – 14 days prior to the planned time of departure:
- If you opt for a replacement flight provided by Volotea, which leaves not more than 2 hours prior to the original departure time and enables you to reach your final destination less than 4 hours after the original arrival time, then you are not owed any compensation.
- In all other scenarios, you are eligible for compensation.
Your flight is cancelled less than 7 days prior to the planned time of departure:
- If you opt for a replacement flight provided by Volotea, which leaves not more than 1 hour prior to the original departure time and enables you to reach your final destination less than 2 hours after the original arrival time, then you are not owed any compensation.
- In all other scenarios, you are eligible for compensation.
Criteria for filing a compensation claim:
- Flight was cancelled due to Volotea’s fault;
- Flight is to/from/within Europe;
- Flight was cancelled 0-14 days before departure (last-minute flight cancellation).
Read more: Volotea Flight Cancellation Compensation
4. Volotea Flight Cancellation Refund
In the event of a Volotea flight cancellation, passengers are presented with two options: accepting an alternate flight to their destination or receiving a full refund. If you choose the latter, the refund can be either transferred directly to your bank account or provided as a Volotea voucher.
Your decision should be based on your own travel needs and preferences.
The Volotea refund should be processed within 7 days.
It is crucial to differentiate between the right to compensation and the right to a refund, as these are two distinct entitlements under the EU flight compensation regulations. Even if you choose a refund, you might still be entitled to compensation, depending on the specifics of the flight cancellation, as detailed in the previous sections.
Read more: Your Volotea Refund Is Delayed. How Can You Address It?
4.1 What If You Cancel a Flight?
If you, as a traveller, choose to cancel your flight, the refund conditions vary.
Primarily, Volotea’s refund policy operates on the basis of the ticket type you have purchased.
Tickets that are fully flexible are typically refundable, whereas less expensive, non-flexible fares may not be. It is advisable to review the terms and conditions specific to your ticket or contact Volotea’s customer service for more information. If your travel insurance policy includes cancellation cover, you may be able to secure a refund from your insurance provider.
5. How to Claim Volotea Flight Cancellation Compensation? What About Cancellation Refund?
If you wish to secure a refund for your ticket, it can be applied for in the “Manage My Booking” section. The refund will be processed using the same method of payment used during ticket booking.
What about flight cancellation compensation?
In the case of a flight cancellation, you may be eligible for compensation from Volotea. The critical step is to submit a claim. Not doing so will mean no compensation. You can reach out to Volotea customer service to file your claim.
Remember, it is your right to receive compensation, and there is no obligation to accept travel vouchers. As per EC Regulation 261, any compensation due to flight disruptions within the EU must be directly deposited into your bank account. The eligible compensation amount is determined in advance and can range from 250 to 600 euros.
Another convenient option is to seek legal representation.
When you opt for this, all matters are handled by a flight compensation company. They will file a compensation claim and manage the entire process on your behalf. Our partners offer such services.
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 Volotea Compensation?
Last-minute flight cancellation – have you ever experienced that? How did the airline solve that? Do you still have questions about Volotea compensation policies? Ask in the comments.