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When may an airline reduce EU fixed compensation after offering a replacement flight?

A reduction is a separate calculation after entitlement and the base amount have been established. Ask the airline to identify the route band and the replacement’s arrival relative to the original schedule. Do not accept “you were rebooked” as a complete explanation for halving every payment.

Traveler organizing trip records and next steps after a flight disruption

What this answer depends on

  • Flights and passengers within Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. Check departure, destination, operating carrier and the specific conditions below; the airline name alone does not establish coverage.
  • Article 7(2) permits a 50% reduction after qualifying rerouting where arrival does not exceed the original arrival by 2, 3 or 4 hours according to the applicable distance and route category.
  • The applicable categories correspond to flights of 1,500 km or less, specified intra-EU and intermediate-distance flights, and remaining flights.
  • For a flight brought forward in a way that creates compensation, the guidance says on-time rerouting does not justify the same half-payment shortcut.

Important exceptions

  • This page focuses on the statutory rerouting reduction. Case-law treatment of long arrival delays and exact boundary facts can require additional review. A notice exception may remove compensation altogether before a reduction is considered, and an extraordinary-circumstances defense is another separate question.

What to do next

  1. Ask the carrier to show the full base amount before any reduction. Confirm that the correct protected journey and distance category were used.

  2. Compare the replacement’s relevant final arrival with the original booking, including any protected connection. Preserve both itineraries and the arrival evidence.

  3. Ask which paragraph permits the reduction and whether it is treating the event as cancellation, long delay or an advanced flight. These classifications should not be blended into one unexplained rule.

  4. Challenge the particular error in the calculation, if any, while acknowledging an otherwise valid reduction. Keep compensation separate from hotel expenses and fare reimbursement.

  5. Have the full compensation calculation, original and replacement arrivals, distance category, event classification, cancellation notice and any payment offer.

More booking questions

Does accepting another flight always halve compensation?

No. The relevant conditions and arrival band must be met.

Checked againstRegulation (EC) No 261/20042024 Interpretative Guidelines on Regulation (EC) No 261/2004

Is the reduced amount the same as refunding half my ticket?

No. Fixed compensation and the fare-refund calculation are different remedies.

Checked againstRegulation (EC) No 261/20042024 Interpretative Guidelines on Regulation (EC) No 261/2004

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