How much compensation for a cancelled LOT Polish Airlines flight?

€250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for EU flights 1,500-3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km outside the EU. You must be notified less than 14 days before departure.

What if LOT cancelled my flight less than 14 days before departure?

You're entitled to full compensation unless LOT can prove extraordinary circumstances. Cancellations under 14 days almost always qualify for payment.

Can I get compensation if LOT offered me an alternative flight?

Yes! Even if LOT rebooked you, you can still claim compensation if the alternative flight doesn't meet specific timing criteria or if you were notified less than 14 days in advance.

Does LOT have to pay if they cancel due to technical problems?

Yes. Technical problems are the airline's responsibility. LOT must maintain their aircraft properly, so mechanical issues are NOT extraordinary circumstances.

What if LOT says the cancellation was due to weather?

Airlines often falsely claim weather as an excuse. Unless severe weather affected all airlines at that time, LOT must pay. Check if other flights departed normally.

Can I claim if I booked through Booking.com or Expedia?

Yes! Your compensation rights are the same regardless of booking platform. File directly with LOT Polish Airlines, not the travel agency.

What if LOT cancelled my return flight only?

You can claim for the cancelled segment. Each flight leg is evaluated separately under EU261. If your return was cancelled with less than 14 days notice, you're entitled to compensation.

How long do I have to claim for a cancelled LOT flight?

Time limits vary: 3 years in Poland, 6 years in UK, 3 years in Germany. Check your country's statute of limitations. File as soon as possible for best results.

What if LOT offered me a voucher instead of rebooking?

You can refuse the voucher and demand cash compensation. Airlines prefer vouchers, but you have the legal right to choose monetary payment.

Can I claim if I accepted LOT's refund for the cancelled flight?

Yes! A ticket refund is separate from compensation. You're entitled to BOTH: a refund for the unused ticket AND compensation for the inconvenience (up to €600).

LOT Polish Airlines Cancelled Flight Compensation: Claim Up to €600

When Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Cancelled LOT Flight?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, LOT Polish Airlines must compensate you when they cancel your flight, unless they can prove extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. The key factor is the notification timeline.

The 14-Day Rule: Your Right to Compensation

You're entitled to compensation if LOT cancelled your flight with less than 14 days notice before the scheduled departure date. This applies regardless of the reason LOT gives—unless they can prove genuine extraordinary circumstances (which is rare).

📌 Real Example:

Your LOT flight from Warsaw to Chicago was scheduled for June 15th. On June 3rd (12 days before departure), LOT sends an email saying the flight is cancelled due to "operational reasons." Result: You're entitled to €600 compensation because notification was under 14 days.

What If LOT Offered an Alternative Flight?

Even if LOT rebooked you on another flight, you can still claim compensation if:

The alternative flight departed more than 1 hour earlier than your original departure time
The alternative flight arrived more than 2 hours later than your original arrival time
The alternative flight required you to accept significantly worse conditions (extra connections, downgraded class, etc.)

Important: If the alternative flight met all timing criteria above, LOT may avoid paying compensation—but you still get a full refund for the original ticket.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim from LOT?

Compensation amounts are fixed by law and based on flight distance—not the ticket price you paid. Even a €30 budget ticket can entitle you to €600 if eligible.

€250

Short Distance

Flights up to 1,500 km

Example: Warsaw → Berlin

€400

Medium Distance

EU flights 1,500-3,500 km

Example: Warsaw → London

€600

Long Distance

Flights over 3,500 km

Example: Warsaw → New York

Compensation + Refund: You Get Both

Many passengers don't realize this: ticket refund and compensation are separate rights. When LOT cancels your flight, you're entitled to:

Ticket Refund: Full refund of the unused ticket (or rebooking at no extra cost)
Compensation: €250-€600 for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation

LOT cannot deduct the refund from your compensation—they are legally required to provide both.

Common Cancellation Scenarios and Your Rights

1. LOT Cancelled Due to "Operational Reasons"

This vague term usually means crew shortages, aircraft rotation issues, or technical problems. None of these are extraordinary circumstances. LOT is responsible for operational planning, so you CAN claim compensation.

2. Technical Problems / Aircraft Maintenance

Airlines must maintain their aircraft properly. Routine technical issues, mechanical failures, and maintenance delays are NOT extraordinary. You're entitled to full compensation.

Only unforeseen, unavoidable technical defects (like a bird strike or hidden manufacturing defect discovered during flight) might qualify as extraordinary—and LOT must prove it.

3. Weather-Related Cancellations

Weather can be extraordinary, but airlines abuse this excuse. To deny your claim, LOT must prove:

Severe weather directly affected YOUR specific flight
No reasonable measures could have prevented the cancellation
Other airlines also cancelled flights at the same time/route

Pro tip: Check FlightRadar24 or similar services. If other airlines were flying normally during LOT's "weather cancellation," the excuse is invalid.

4. Strike-Related Cancellations

LOT employee strike: NOT extraordinary. LOT is responsible for labor relations with their own staff. You CAN claim.

Air traffic control strike or airport strike: Usually considered extraordinary, but context matters. If LOT had advance notice and could have rerouted passengers, they may still be liable.

5. COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Government-imposed travel bans were generally considered extraordinary during 2020-2021. However, by 2022-2023, airlines had time to adjust operations. If LOT cancelled due to "COVID" after restrictions were lifted, challenge the excuse.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Compensation from LOT

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

Collect these documents:

✓ Booking confirmation and e-ticket
✓ Cancellation notification from LOT (email, SMS, app notification)
✓ Boarding pass (if you had one before cancellation)
✓ Alternative flight details (if LOT rebooked you)
✓ Written explanation from LOT (if provided)
✓ Photos of departure boards showing cancellation

Step 2: Calculate Your Compensation

Use our compensation calculator or check the distance table above. Remember: it's based on flight distance, not ticket price.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim to LOT

File your claim via:

• LOT's official claim form on their website
• Email: customerrelations@lot.pl
• Registered mail (recommended for legal proof)

Include: passenger names, flight details, booking reference, IBAN for payment, and clear statement of your claim.

Step 4: Wait for LOT's Response

LOT typically responds within 2-8 weeks, but there's no legal deadline. If they reject or ignore your claim, don't give up—most rejections are unjustified.

Step 5: Escalate If Rejected

If LOT rejects your claim:

• Contact your national enforcement body (UOKiK in Poland, CAA in UK)
• Use a specialized claim service like ClaimWinger
• Consider small claims court (often free or low-cost)

Why LOT Rejects Valid Claims (And What to Do)

Airlines reject legitimate claims hoping passengers won't pursue further. Here are LOT's most common excuses—and how to challenge them:

"Extraordinary circumstances beyond our control"

Challenge this: Ask LOT to provide specific evidence. Most operational issues, technical problems, and crew shortages are NOT extraordinary. Demand detailed documentation proving unavoidability.

"You accepted an alternative flight, so claim is settled"

False: Accepting rebooking doesn't waive your right to compensation. You get BOTH: alternative transport AND monetary compensation (if eligible).

"Claim period has expired"

Verify: Check your country's statute of limitations. Most EU countries allow 3-6 years. Airlines lie about this to discourage claims.

"No response at all"

Persistence wins: Send follow-up reminders every 2-3 weeks. If still ignored, escalate to national enforcement body or use a claim service to apply legal pressure.

Time Limits for Filing Claims

Statute of limitations varies by country where you file:

Country	Time Limit
Poland	3 years
United Kingdom	6 years
Germany	3 years
Netherlands	2 years
Italy	2 years

Pro tip: File as soon as possible. Fresh documentation strengthens your claim, and you avoid missing deadlines.

LOT Polish Airlines Cancelled Flight: How to Claim Up to €600 Compensation

Key Facts

Check Your Cancelled Flight Compensation Now