What should I do after a flight cancellation?
What to do after a flight cancellation (and who is responsible)
When a flight gets cancelled, the practical next steps depend on the airline and the booking platform. In one travel complaint, a passenger described a situation where Kiwi.com indicated that getting the money back was the traveler’s responsibility, which is a common flashpoint: travelers expect automatic refunds, while agencies and marketplaces may push claim workflows back onto customers.
Immediate actions to take
- Check your status in writing: confirm the cancellation notice and what the airline says your options are.
- Ask whether you’re entitled to rebooking or a refund: even when rebooking is offered, you’ll want clarity on whether a cash refund is available.
- Document everything: screenshots of the cancellation, emails, and your booking details are crucial if you need to file a claim.
- Follow the company’s refund process: if the booking partner says you must initiate the refund request, submit it promptly and keep proof.
Why this matters for travelers
Cancelled flights often come with cascading problems—missed connections, hotel expenses, and delays that can last longer than expected. So the difference between “we’ll handle it” and “you need to file” can determine how fast you recover costs.
If you share details, I can help you triage
Reply with:
- who cancelled the flight (airline vs. reseller),
- whether you booked directly or via Kiwi.com,
- whether you accepted a rebooked itinerary,
- and what refund method you’re being directed to use.
That information will make it easier to map the fastest path to a resolution.