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Imagine you are at the airport, your gaze fixed on the departure board. Suddenly, next to your flight number, that word appears that no traveler ever wants to see: CANCELLED. Outside the window, the sky is gloomy and the rain is beating incessantly. What happens now? What are your rights? Can you get a refund?
If you have found yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone. Every year in Italy, thousands of flights are canceled due to bad weather, leaving passengers disoriented and frustrated. But fear not: in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly What to do, what your rights are, and how to get the refund you are entitled to.
In brief: Bad weather is considered an “exceptional circumstance,” so you are not entitled to the standard economic compensation (250-600€), but you are still entitled to assistance, ticket reimbursement, or an alternate flight. Read on to find out how to actually move forward.
Is bad weather really an “exceptional circumstance”?
When it comes to flight cancellations, it is crucial to understand whether bad weather is considered an “exceptional circumstance.” This term is not accidental-it has definite legal implications that determine your rights.
What the law says (EU Regulation 261/2004)
The European Regulation 261/2004 is the legislation that protects passengers in case of cancellations, delays and denied boarding. Under this law, airlines are exempt from paying economic compensation when the cancellation is due to “extraordinary circumstances” that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Bad weather generally falls into this category, but not always. European case law has established that not all adverse weather conditions can be considered exceptional.
When bad weather is predictable and when it is not
Weather conditions are considered “exceptional circumstances” when:
- They are sudden and unpredictable
- They create a real risk to flight safety
- They cannot be handled by normal operating procedures
In contrast, weather events predictable or seasonal may not always be classified as exceptional. For example:
- Light snowfall in winter at airports in northern Europe
- Morning fog in seasons and places where it is common
- Moderate intensity rain
Types of weather that cause cancellations
Not all weather conditions have the same impact on flights. Here are the main phenomena that cause cancellations:
Dense fog
Fog drastically reduces visibility, making takeoff and landing dangerous. Even airports equipped with advanced instrument landing systems (ILS) can experience cancellations when visibility drops below operational minima.
Snow and ice
Snow not only reduces visibility but can make runways slippery. Ice on aircraft wings is particularly dangerous because it alters the aerodynamics of the aircraft. In such cases, de-icing procedures are required, which may be insufficient if the snowfall is continuous.
Strong crosswinds
Every aircraft has certified wind limits, especially for crosswind (blowing perpendicular to the runway). When the wind exceeds these limits, takeoffs and landings become risky and are suspended.
Thunderstorms and lightning
Severe thunderstorms generate extreme turbulence, dangerous downdrafts (windshear) and the possibility of lightning strikes. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning, but pilots always avoid flying through active thunderstorm cells.
Volcanic ash
Although not strictly “bad weather,” volcanic ash is considered an exceptional weather circumstance. Ash particles can damage aircraft engines and clog measuring systems, causing disruption of air traffic over large areas.
What do you get if your flight is canceled due to bad weather?
Even if bad weather is considered an exceptional circumstance and you are not entitled to standard monetary compensation, the law still provides you with important protections. Here’s what you can claim:
Right to immediate assistance
The airline must provide you, free of charge:
- Meals and drinks Depending on the length of the wait
- Hotel accommodation (if necessary overnight stay)
- Transportation between the airport and the hotel
- Two telephone calls, telex, fax or e-mail messages
Important: This right to assistance applies even if the cancellation is due to bad weather. Many passengers don’t know this and don’t ask for it, but it is your right guaranteed by European law.
Right to ticket refund
You are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price within 7 days for:
- The portion of the trip not made
- The parts of the trip you have already taken if the cancelled flight made it unnecessary to continue the trip from your initial travel plan
Reimbursement must be paid in cash, unless you accept other forms of reimbursement (such as vouchers or travel credits).
Reprotection on another flight
As an alternative to reimbursement, you can choose:
- Re-routing to the final destination as soon as possible (even with a different airline)
- Rebooking to your final destination at a later date of your liking, subject to availability of seats
⚠️ Please note.: Unlike cancellations due to technical or operational causes, in case of widespread bad weather you may have to wait longer for re-routing as many flights may be cancelled at the same time.
Economic compensation: when it is NOT due
It is important to clarify that you are not entitled to the standard economic compensation (which ranges from 250€ to 600€ depending on the distance of the flight) when the cancellation is caused by bad weather.
This is because:
- Bad weather is considered an “exceptional circumstance”
- The airline has no control over weather conditions
- Passenger safety is always the top priority
However, you are still entitled to assistance and refund or reprotection as explained above.
What to do immediately at the airport
When you are notified that your flight has been canceled due to bad weather, here are the immediate actions to take:
Ask the airline for a written statement
It is essential to obtain an official written statement specifying:
- The exact reason for the cancellation
- References to the flight (number, date, origin, and destination)
- The airline’s contact information for any subsequent communications
This documentation will be essential in case of future disputes or when you submit your claim for reimbursement.
Document everything
Gather as much evidence as you can:
- Photo of the scoreboard Of the departures showing the cancellation
- Screenshots of notifications received via app or SMS
- Email of notice of cancellation
- Conversations had with company personnel
In particular, if you notice that other flights from the same hours are leaving normally while yours has been canceled “due to bad weather,” document it with photos. It may be helpful in case of disputes.
Keep receipts for meals and lodging
Keep all receipts related to the expenses you incurred because of the cancellation:
- Hotel receipts
- Meal and drink receipts
- Transportation tickets to/from the hotel
- Any communications (international phone calls, internet access)
Although the company should provide you with these services directly through vouchers, in chaotic situations you may have to advance the expenses. Keep the receipts to claim reimbursement later.
Do not accept vouchers without reading the conditions
Airlines often offer vouchers as an alternative to cash refunds. Before accepting:
- Read the conditions carefully (expiration, limitations, transferability)
- Check whether by accepting the voucher you waive any other rights
- Consider whether the voucher amount is appropriate (they often include extra as an incentive)
Remember: you have the right to reject the voucher and request a cash refund, as required by European regulations.
How to apply for reimbursement
If you have decided to opt for reimbursement instead of reprotection, here is how to proceed:
Official channels (airline form)
Most airlines offer online forms dedicated to claims:
- Visit the company’s official website
- Look for the “Refunds” or “Customer Service” section.
- Fill out the form with all required details
- Attach the collected documentation (cancellation statement, ticket, receipts)
Airline reimbursement procedures are often complex and unintuitive:
- Forms difficult to find on websites
- Lengthy and cumbersome processes
- Automatic responses that discourage the passenger
- Excessive documentation requests
Relying on ReimbursementOnFlight.co.uk, you avoid all these complications and maximize your chances of getting what you are entitled to.
How to write the request
If you have to write an email request or fill out a generic form, be sure to include:
- Clear Subject: “Request for refund flight [number] of [date] canceled due to bad weather”
- Identifying data: reservation number, flight number, date
- Concise description: what happened and when
- Normative reference: “Pursuant to EU Regulation 261/2004”
- Specific request: “I request a full refund of the ticket.”
- Bank details: IBAN and account holder to receive the refund
- Attached documents: list of documents you attach
Time and mode
The timeframe for reimbursement varies, but the regulations stipulate that it must take place within 7 days. In practice:
- Some low-cost airlines process refunds in 5-10 business days
- Traditional companies can take up to 2-3 weeks
- During periods of severe weather with many cancellations, the time frame may lengthen
If after 30 days you have not received a response or refund, you can:
- Send a formal reminder
- File a complaint with the Civil Aviation Authority
- Evaluate the assistance of a specialized service
Why to rely on ReimbursementOnFlight.com.
Handling refund paperwork on your own can be stressful and complicated, especially in cases of cancellation due to bad weather. RefundalFlight.co.uk offers you:
- Specialized legal experts who are familiar with every detail of EU Regulation 261/2004
- 99.5% success rate even in the most complex cases
- Zero upfront costs: you pay only in case of success, with a small percentage of the reimbursement obtained
- 15 years of experience in managing reimbursement practices with all airlines
- Simplified documentation: we guide you on what you really need to submit
Relying on RimborsoalVolo.it means maximizing your chances of getting what you are entitled to, without stress and without wasting precious time.
Difference between bad weather and other events (strikes, technical failures, overbooking)
It is important to understand the difference between bad weather and other causes of cancellation, as your rights change significantly:
Status | Reimbursement? | Compensation? | Assistance? |
Bad weather | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Company staff strike | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Airport staff strike | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Technical failure | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Overbooking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Operational issues | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bad weather vs. Strike
The main difference is:
- The strike by company personnel is not considered an exceptional circumstance (according to recent EU Court of Justice rulings)
- The strike of airport or air traffic control personnel On the other hand, it is considered exceptional
Bad weather vs. technical problems
Technical problems are generally considered part of the normal operation of an airline, therefore:
- In case of technical failure, you are entitled to compensation
- In case of bad weather, no
Bad Weather vs Overbooking
Overbooking is a deliberate business practice, therefore:
- It is always subject to compensation (250€ to 600€)
- It can never be considered an exceptional circumstance
Final checklist: what to do if your flight is canceled due to bad weather
Use this checklist so that you do not forget any important steps:
- [ ] Check flight status via app or airline website
- [ ] Request a written statement of cancellation with reasons
- [ ] Contact company staff at the information desk.
- [ ] Request assistance (meal voucher, hotel if needed)
- [ ] Decide between refund or re-routing on another flight
- [ ] Document everything (photos, emails, communications)
- [ ] Keep all receipts of expenses related to the cancellation
- [ ] Submit the claim through official channels.
- [ ] Mark on the calendar the date by which you should receive a response
If you want to avoid mistakes and stress, let us take care of your claim. The team at RimborsoalVolo.it has already helped thousands of passengers get what they are entitled to, even in the most complex cases.
ReimbursementOnFlight.com tools and resources.
To better manage your situation, ReimbursementOnFlight.co.uk offers you:
- Free personalized counseling about your specific rights
- Real-time flight monitoring app to stay up to date
- Letter templates and forms ready-made for communicating with companies
- Multilingual support For assistance with foreign airlines
- Immediate verification of your right to a refund
Remember: knowing your rights is the first step to enforcing them. In the event of bad weather, you cannot control the weather, but you can certainly control how you react and what steps you take to protect your interests.
Have you experienced a flight cancelled due to bad weather? Check in less than 1 minute if you are entitled to a refund. Our team of experts is here to guide you step by step, with no upfront fees and a guarantee to pay only if successful.
FAQ
Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is canceled due to bad weather?
Yes, you are always entitled to a full refund of your ticket or an alternate flight, even if bad weather is considered an exceptional circumstance. However, you are not entitled to additional monetary compensation (250-600€).
What to do if the flight is cancelled at the last minute?
- Immediately ask for a written statement of the reason for cancellation
- Contact the company’s information desk to learn about alternatives
- Request the assistance to which you are entitled (meals, lodging if needed)
- Decide whether you prefer a refund or re-routing on another flight
- Keep all documentation and receipts of expenses
Can I receive an alternate flight?
Yes, you are entitled to be boarded on an alternate flight to your final destination:
- As soon as possible
- At a later date of your convenience (subject to availability)
- Even with a different airline, if your airline has no flights available
Should I accept a voucher from the company?
No, you are not obliged to accept a voucher. European regulations provide for cash reimbursement. However, companies often offer vouchers worth more than the ticket price as an incentive. Consider the conditions carefully before deciding.
What documents are needed for reimbursement?
To apply for reimbursement you will need:
- Airline ticket or booking confirmation
- Company statement on the reason for cancellation
- Boarding passes (if issued)
- Any receipts for expenses incurred (hotel, meals)
- ID.
- Bank details to receive reimbursement
