It’s the sinking feeling we’ve all had: luggage is packed, plans are made, and maybe even excitement is in the air, only to discover that your flight has been canceled. When you’re on a Qatar Airways flight, you’re probably wondering if you’ll be compensated for this. We can take it one step at a time, and you will understand what to expect if such an occurrence happened to you. 

First Things First: Refund vs. Compensation

These two names should not be used interchangeably because the airlines treat them differently.

• Reimbursement: In the event of a flight cancellation, Qatar Airways will reimburse the money you paid for the ticket. The latter is straightforward enough.
• Compensation: This is additional compensation that airlines may pay you if the cancellation is extremely disruptive, and it is normally regulated (such as EU261 in Europe).

True, you will almost always be eligible for a refund if Qatar cancels your flight and you cannot locate an alternative. However, whether or not you receive compensation is determined by the circumstances. If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to, you can always call  +1 (855) 510-7629.

When Qatar Airways Owes You Compensation

Qatar Airways, like any other airline, adheres to international and regional regulations. EU regulation 261/2004 (EU261) is the most prevalent. Assuming that your flight on Qatar Airways was

• Leaving an airport in the EU/UK, or
• The traveler comes to the EU/UK, having landed on a Qatar Airways-operated flight.

At that time, you can be compensated in case the cancellation was under the control of the airline (not weather and air traffic restrictions, extraordinary events, etc.).

Compensation is between EUR250 and EUR600 based on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay in the cancellation.

When You Likely Won’t Get Compensation

All canceled flights do not add up to cash available. For example:

• In case of the cancellation due to bad weather, political unrest, or airspace restriction, then that is not something the airline can control.
• In case Qatar has provided you with a notification of at least 14 days before leaving, you are not entitled to compensation.
• In case you are provided with another flight that will land you in your destination almost at the same time, then compensation will not be given.

Those are the only situations where you can get a refund or a rebooking, but not extra compensation.

Refunds and Rebooking Options

You have three options in case of cancellation of your Qatar Airways flight:

• Get back all your money in your initial source.
• Allow rebooking to the next Qatar Airways flight.
• Rerouting on a different airline (this is sometimes available on request).

Pro-tip: In case you can reschedule, it is the most convenient option to rebook; however, when your vacation is absolutely ruined, the refund will be the safest.

Need help deciding? Just call  +1 (855) 510-7629 and get personal assistance.

How to Claim Compensation or Refund

You believe you deserve compensation:

• Refund and Compensation at Qatar Airways.
• Enter your booking information under Manage Booking.
• Provide a claim form and accompanying documentation (flight number, cancellation notification, etc.).

Payback claims may take several weeks to process, while reimbursements are typically received within 7-20 business days.

My Advice

When your Qatar Airways flight is cancelled, you need not panic. You will at least redeem your money. In case you are flying in or out of Europe and the cancellation was not as a result of extraordinary circumstances, you may receive additional cash compensation on top of your refund.

Compensation, therefore, can be made, but again, this is dependent on the route, the cancellation reason, and when you were notified of the cancellation. When it comes to making a booking, you should always read the regulations governing your booking in the Qatar Airways Cancellation Policy, and you need not hesitate to make a claim in case you feel that there is a claim.

For more information or help filing a claim, contact customer support at  +1 (855) 510-7629.