Finnair refund for cancellation.
Are you qualified for a refund? If so, what are the relevant rules?
The guidelines are specified in European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This regulation conveys the obligations of European airlines in case of a flight cancellation, as well as the rights of passengers in such scenarios. It is important to note that in certain circumstances, you may be eligible to receive both a full refund and flight cancellation compensation.
Finnair Refund For Cancellation
There are two common situations.
So, let’s begin with a question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can receive: Refund or alternate flight + compensation (if it’s due to Finnair’s mistake).
This is regarded as a last-minute flight cancellation.
If Finnair cancels your flight less than 14 days before your travel date, they present two solutions: a total refund or a new booking to your intended destination. You can decide which option is most appropriate for you. If the cancellation was Finnair’s fault, you may be eligible for flight cancellation compensation as well.
Both the refund and compensation will be transferred to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Read more: Finnair Flight Cancellation Compensation
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can receive: Refund or alternate flight to your destination.
If your trip is cancelled more than 14 days before departure, you are not eligible for compensation. However, you still have the right to opt for a full refund instead of the new flight. Finnair is required to provide you the choice between a new flight or a refund, and you have the right to select the option that best meets your needs.
You should receive a Finnair refund for cancellation within 7 days.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
You are covered.
If your flight is cancelled and as a result, you miss your connecting flight, Finnair will arrange a new flight to your destination free of charge. As for compensation? The same guidelines apply as for delayed flights. You should check how much later you will reach your destination compared to the original arrival time. If it’s 2 hours or more, you might be entitled to compensation.
Read more: Finnair missed connection compensation.
Finnair Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
1. If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
If you are flying with Finnair, and it’s a flight from or to Europe, then yes.
You can opt for a refund instead of rebooking. But you can’t get both.
However, if Finnair cancels your flight less than 14 days before the journey and it’s their fault, you might qualify for both a refund (or new flight) and Finnair flight cancellation compensation.
2. Finnair Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if Finnair proposes a voucher instead of financial compensation or refund?
If Finnair tries to give you a voucher instead of cash compensation, you have the right to decline and request a cash payment. Bear in mind that European Union regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004) mandate airlines to provide compensation and refunds in cash form or via bank transfer.
Already have a Finnair voucher?
Request Finnair to convert travel voucher to money.
3. Is Finnair Rejecting Refund For Cancellation?
If you are refused Finnair refund for cancellation, don’t give up.
Remind them that you are entitled to one. You can cite Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Articles 5 and 8, which obligate airlines to refund passengers under specific conditions. If Finnair remains uncooperative, reach out to the national enforcement body in the country where your flight originated for further assistance.
Read more: Waiting Too Long For Your Finnair Refund? Here’s What You Can Do
4. Can You Receive Both Compensation and Refund?
Yes, there are circumstances where you can obtain both.
If Finnair cancels your flight less than 14 days before departure due to their error, you may receive a full refund as well as compensation from Finnair. Note that the refund and compensation should be sent to your bank account and not given as vouchers.
If you have already been given a voucher or coupon from Finnair, you can exchange it for a cash refund by contacting Finnair.
In all cases, you also have a right to care.
5. What Happens If I Cancel a Flight, Not the Airline?
If you cancel a flight yourself, it entirely depends on the type of ticket you bought.
For non-refundable tickets, you won’t get your money back, but you might get a credit from the airline to use on future flights. However, there may be a fee for this. If you bought a refundable ticket, you could get your money back.
Always review the terms and conditions of your flight ticket before cancellation.
6. How Long Does Finnair Take to Refund Cancelled Flights?
Finnair refund for cancellation is typically processed within 7 days.
However, the exact timeline may vary depending on the payment method used during booking and the workload of the airline’s refund department. Always ensure to follow up with the airline if the refund is not processed within the stipulated time.
7. Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel Due to Illness?
This would depend on Finnair’s refund policy and the type of ticket you purchased.
Some airlines may offer refunds or rebooking options if you can provide medical documentation proving you’re unable to fly. Please check Finnair’s policy on this or directly contact their customer service for accurate information.
8. What Are My Rights If My Flight Is Overbooked?
Under the European Union’s EC 261 rule, if your flight is overbooked and you’re involuntarily bumped, you’re entitled to compensation. The amount can vary based on the distance of your flight.
Read more: Finnair Denied Boarding Compensation
9. What Is Finnair’s Policy on Flight Changes?
This can vary based on the type of ticket you have.
Some tickets allow changes without any fees, while others may have charges associated with changes. It’s important to review Finnair’s policy and the conditions of your ticket when booking. If a change is necessary, contact Finnair’s customer service for assistance.
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.