Flight disruptions can be stressful, especially when you’re not sure what you’re entitled to. Many TAP Air Portugal passengers use the terms cancelled flight refund and compensation interchangeably — but under EU Regulation 261/2004, they mean very different things.
Understanding the difference helps you know exactly what you can claim when your flight is cancelled or disrupted. Let’s break it down.
Check your compensation online.
Cancelled Flight Refund vs. Flight Compensation: The Key Difference
In simple terms:
A cancelled flight refund gives you your money back for the unused flight ticket.
Compensation is extra money paid for the inconvenience caused by a cancellation or delay, when the airline is responsible.
You may be entitled to one or both, depending on your situation.
Read more:
A cancelled flight refund allows passengers to get their money back when they choose not to travel after a flight cancellation.
When You’re Entitled to a Refund For a Cancelled Flight?
If TAP cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel.
You are entitled to a refund even if your flight was cancelled due to bad weather, air traffic control strikes, pandemics or other extraordinary circumstances.
TAP will usually offer you 2 options:
- A full refund of the ticket price;
- Rebooking on the next available TAP flight.
A refund must be issued back to your original payment method. If you’re offered vouchers, you don’t have to accept them — you can request a monetary refund instead.
Can You Get a Refund If You Cancel Your Flight?
Whether you can get a refund after cancelling your flight depends on the fare type and ticket conditions you selected when booking.
Some TAP Portugal fares, such as refundable or flexible tickets, allow you to cancel and receive a full or partial refund. However, promotional or discounted fares are often non-refundable, meaning you won’t get your money back if you choose not to travel.
In some cases, you may still recover taxes and airport fees, even on non-refundable tickets. To check your eligibility, review your fare conditions in the booking confirmation or contact TAP’s customer service before cancelling.
In most cases, a refund for a cancelled flight applies only when the cancellation is made by the airline.
When You’re Entitled to Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Flight cancellation compensation applies only when the airline is responsible for the cancellation — not when it’s caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, or security risks.
Under EU261/2004, you may receive flight cancellation compensation if:
- You were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure; and
- The cancellation was within TAP’s control (for example, technical or operational issues).
Flight Cancellation Compensation Amounts:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
Can You Receive Both a Refund and Compensation?
In some cases, yes.
If TAP cancels your flight at short notice and you decide not to travel, you can receive:
- A refund for the unused ticket, and
- Compensation for the inconvenience, if the airline was responsible for the cancellation.
However, if you accept rebooking and reach your destination with a significant delay (more than three hours), you may also qualify for compensation even though you used the alternative flight.
Check your compensation online.
What About Extraordinary Circumstances?
Sometimes a cancellation happens for reasons outside TAP’s control — such as:
- Severe weather conditions
- Air traffic control decisions
- Political instability or security threats
- Medical emergencies
In these cases, TAP is not required to pay compensation, but you still have the right to:
- TAP flight change or a full refund, and
- Care and assistance, such as meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation if needed.
Learn more: Extraordinary Circumstances in Air Travel
A cancelled flight refund returns the money you paid for your cancelled flight, while compensation is an additional payment for the inconvenience caused. You may be entitled to both, so make sure you know your rights.