Virgin Atlantic flight cancellations can be extremely disruptive, often leading to missed connections, cancelled plans, and confusion about passenger rights. Many travellers assume that a Virgin Atlantic cancelled flight automatically means they are entitled to compensation, but this isn’t always the case. It’s important to understand that a refund for a cancelled flight and flight cancellation compensation are not the same. While a refund is always guaranteed when a flight is cancelled, flight compensation is only available in certain situations.
Below, we explain how refunds and compensation work, what you may be entitled to, and how to claim each if your flight is cancelled.
Check your compensation online.
What Is a Refund for a Cancelled Flight?
A refund for a cancelled flight simply means getting back the money you paid for your ticket.
Under European regulations, when an airline cancels your flight, it must give you a choice between:
- A full refund for the unused part of your ticket, including taxes, fees, and any paid extras, or
- Rebooking to your final destination at no additional cost.
This right applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation — whether it was caused by bad weather, technical issues, or airline-related problems. It also applies whether the cancellation happens well in advance or at the last minute.
How to Get a Refund for a Cancelled Flight?
To request a refund, visit the Virgin Atlantic website and log in to the “My Booking” section using your booking details. Once the flight is officially cancelled, you will usually see an option to request a refund for a cancelled flight online. If this option is not available, you can contact customer support or submit a request through the airline’s refund form.
To avoid delays, have your booking reference, passenger details, and ticket number ready. Airlines are legally required to issue a full refund for the unused ticket when they cancel a flight, no matter the reason.
After submitting your request, keep all confirmation emails and monitor your payment method. Refunds are typically processed within up to seven days.
You are not required to accept Virgin Atlantic vouchers or travel credits instead of a cash refund.
Read more: Your Virgin Atlantic Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
Can You Get a Refund If You Cancel Your Virgin Atlantic Flight?
Whether you can receive a refund after cancelling your own Virgin Atlantic flight depends on the type of fare you purchased.
Most standard Virgin Atlantic fares are non-refundable, meaning you won’t receive the ticket price back if you cancel. However, in some cases, unused airport taxes or government fees may still be refundable.
If your ticket is refundable and you haven’t used it at all, you can request a full refund. This includes the ticket price, airline charges, taxes, and any extra fees you paid.
If your ticket is refundable and you have already used part of it, you can request a refund for the unused portion. The refund will be the difference between what you paid and the value of the part of the ticket you used.
Some refundable tickets include a cancellation fee. If this applies to your ticket, the cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund.
What Is Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Flight cancellation compensation is a separate payment you may be entitled to receive in addition to a refund or a rebooked flight. It is designed to compensate you for the inconvenience and disruption caused by the Virgin Atlantic flight cancellation.
It’s important to understand the difference:
- A refund returns the cost of your ticket
- Flight compensation is extra money paid only when certain legal conditions are met
You may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation if:
- Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure, and
- The cancellation was caused by factors within the airline’s control, such as staff shortages, airline crew strikes, technical issues, or operational problems
You will not be entitled to compensation if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, security risks, or air traffic control restrictions.
How to Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation?
There are two main ways to claim compensation:
- Claim directly from the airline. You can submit a claim through Virgin Atlantic’s online contact form. You’ll need your booking reference, flight details, the cancellation notice, and any supporting documents.
- Use a flight compensation service. Flight compensation companies handle the entire process for you, including dealing with the airline and challenging rejected claims. Most work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you only pay if compensation is successfully recovered.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim Virgin Atlantic Flight Compensation?
Can You Receive Both a Flight Cancellation Refund and Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Yes — in certain situations, you can legally receive both a refund for a cancelled flight and flight compensation.
If your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure and the airline was responsible for the cancellation, you may be entitled to:
- Full refund for cancelled flight (the full amount you paid for your ticket)
- Cancelled flight compensation under UK261 & EU261 passenger rights regulations
Both the refund and compensation must be paid in cash or returned to your original payment method. Airlines cannot require you to accept vouchers or travel credits instead.
A refund for a cancelled flight returns the money you paid for your flight, while flight cancellation compensation is an additional payment for the inconvenience and lost time caused by a cancellation. In some cases, you may be entitled to both.
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