Flight Cancelled in Lithuania? Know Your Rights and Get Compensation

What to Do When Your Flight is Cancelled in Lithuania

Flying can be unpredictable, and a cancelled flight can throw all your plans into chaos. If you are facing a cancellation in Lithuania, don’t panic. Whether you were set to depart from Vilnius, Kaunas, or Palanga, knowing your rights can help you turn a frustrating situation into an opportunity to claim compensation.

Your Rights Under EC 261: Can You Get Compensation?

The European Regulation EC 261/2004 protects air passengers when their flights are cancelled. If your flight was departing from or arriving in Lithuania (with an EU airline), you might be eligible for compensation up to €600.

To qualify for compensation, your flight must meet these conditions:

• The airline notified you less than 14 days before departure.

• The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather, airport strikes, or political instability).

• Your flight was scheduled within the EU or operated by an EU airline.

If your flight meets these criteria, you can start the claim process today.

Alternative Travel Plans: Can You Still Reach Your Destination?

A cancelled flight doesn’t always mean your trip is ruined. Depending on where you are flying from, here are some practical solutions:

Flying Out of a Different Lithuanian Airport

Lithuania has three main airports:

1. Vilnius International Airport (VNO) – The busiest airport in the country, with frequent flights across Europe.

2. Kaunas Airport (KUN) – A hub for budget airlines and a great alternative for short-haul flights.

3. Palanga International Airport (PLQ) – Ideal for regional connections, mainly to Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

If your flight is cancelled at one of these airports, consider checking flights from another Lithuanian airport. Vilnius and Kaunas are only about 100 km apart, making it possible to travel between them in under 90 minutes by train or car. If you're in Palanga, you may find an alternative flight from Riga International Airport in Latvia, just a couple of hours away.

Rebooking on Another Airline

If your airline cancels your flight, they are obligated to offer an alternative flight or a refund. However, this process can be slow. You might find a quicker alternative by booking a last-minute ticket with another airline and then claiming a refund for your original ticket later.

How to Get to Another Airport Quickly

If you need to switch airports, Lithuania has an efficient transportation network:

• Vilnius to Kaunas: Direct trains and buses run frequently, taking around 1.5 hours.

• Kaunas to Palanga: Direct buses take about 3.5 hours.

• Vilnius to Palanga: The fastest route is via a domestic flight or a 4-hour drive.

• Palanga to Riga (Latvia): If no flights are available, consider heading to Riga International Airport, which has more international routes.

Steps to Claim Your Flight Cancellation Compensation

If your flight was cancelled and you meet the EC 261 criteria, follow these steps to claim your compensation:

1. Gather Your Documents: Have your flight details, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline regarding the cancellation.

2. Check Your Eligibility: Use a compensation calculator or consult a flight compensation service.

3. Submit a Claim: You can contact the airline directly or use a legal service to handle the process for you.

4. Wait for the Response: Airlines are required to process claims within a reasonable timeframe, but some might delay the process.

5. Escalate If Necessary: If the airline rejects your claim unfairly, you can escalate the case to national enforcement bodies or take legal action.

What Compensation Can You Get?

The amount you can claim depends on the distance of your flight:

• Up to 1,500 km: €250 compensation

• 1,500 – 3,500 km: €400 compensation

• Over 3,500 km (for non-EU destinations): €600 compensation

This amount is separate from any refund or rebooking you receive from the airline.

When Airlines Don't Have to Pay Compensation

Not all cancellations qualify for compensation. If the airline cancels due to extraordinary circumstances such as:

• Extreme weather conditions

• Security threats

• Political instability

• Air traffic control strikes

Then they are not required to compensate you. However, they must still provide an alternative flight or a refund.

Airlines Operating in Lithuania: How They Handle Cancellations

Different airlines have different policies when it comes to handling cancellations. Here’s how some of the most common airlines in Lithuania approach the issue:

• Ryanair & Wizz Air: Typically offer rebooking options quickly but may not be proactive about compensation. Be persistent when claiming.

• LOT Polish Airlines & Finnair: Often rebook passengers onto partner airlines if necessary.

• Lufthansa & SAS: Provide flexible options, including accommodation in case of long delays.

What to Do If You’re Stranded at the Airport

A cancelled flight can leave you stuck at the airport. Here’s what you should do:

• Request Accommodation & Meals: If your wait is long, the airline must provide food, drinks, and hotel accommodation if necessary.

• Keep Receipts: If you have to cover expenses out-of-pocket, you can claim reimbursement later.

• Stay Updated: Follow the airline’s website and social media for real-time updates.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Cancellation Cost You Money

A cancelled flight in Lithuania is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip or your finances. If your flight qualifies, you could receive up to €600 in compensation. Don't let the airline keep what's legally yours—start your claim today and get the compensation you deserve!