My flight was just canceled two weeks before the date

Expedia just informed me that my flight with Ukrainian International Airlines was canceled. I'm flying from NYC to Kiev. This is an important business trip and I ordered tickets 2 months ago. Expedia is offering me options 2 days before and 2 days after, but neither are good for me. The issue is not so much cost (though it is a pain), but more so the schedule. I really would prefer to leave on my selected date.

They are also offering a full refund, but I would end up losing a lot of money because I need to buy to tickets just 2 weeks in advance.

What are my options? Are airlines really allowed to just cancel on my reservation at a whim just 2 weeks in advance? I really feel screwed over here. Are there any rules or regulations that can help me?

Best Answer

There are a few relevant rules but nothing that would seem to help you in this case. In the US, the most important rules pertain to overbooking but if the flight itself is cancelled, it's really up to the airline AFAIK.

In the EU, there are extensive “passenger rights” but I don't think they apply to your trip either as neither your departure point nor your destination are in the EU. In any case, it seems the offer you got (full refund or rescheduling before or after the original date as available) is what an EU carrier would have to do in this case. If they were informed at least two weeks before the scheduled flight date, passengers are not owed any further compensation, so it sounds like the airline is doing everything to stay precisely within the bounds of those EU rules.

I don't know about Ukraine but I doubt the airline has to offer more than that.

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How long before can a flight be Cancelled?

What constitutes a significant delay is determined by the airline, but Mr. Keyes said that two hours is usually a good rule of thumb. You should check your airline's website for its contract of carriage, which outlines the policies, for more specific information.

What happens if the airline cancels your flight?

Typically, if your flight is canceled the majority of airlines will rebook you on the next flight available to your destination at no additional cost. However, depending on why your flight is canceled, finding seats on a new flight may be difficult and your arrival time may be delayed significantly.

What rights do you have if your flight is Cancelled?

But in a routine cancellation, you have two basic contractual rights on any airline, subject to minor variations: either (1) a seat on your original airline's next available flight, or (2) a refund for the unused portion of your ticket. Some airlines go beyond those bare-bones rights.

Do I have to pay extra if my flight is Cancelled?

Claim compensation for a cancelled flightYou're legally entitled to get compensation if the cancellation is the airline's responsibility and both the following apply: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 2 or more hours.

How to change flight ticket date ? How much does it cost to change my flight is cancelled ?

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