What the 14-day rule actually says
Article 5 of EC261 states that airlines do not owe compensation for a cancellation if they notify passengers at least 14 days before the scheduled departure. This is the only exception airlines cite because it's the broadest one. But the same article immediately creates exceptions to that exception — and airlines rarely volunteer this information.
The 7-to-14-day window — reduced compensation applies
If you receive notice between 7 and 14 days before departure, compensation is not fully exempted. You may still be entitled to 50% of the standard amount if the airline re-routes you and you arrive more than 4 hours after your original scheduled arrival. This rule is almost never mentioned in airline rejection letters.
- Notified 14+ days before: No compensation owed (refund or re-routing required)
- Notified 7–14 days before: Potential 50% compensation if re-routing arrives 4+ hours late
- Notified under 7 days before: Full compensation owed in most re-routing scenarios
- No notice given (flight just doesn't operate): Always triggers full compensation entitlement
The re-routing requirement airlines ignore
Even when notified more than 14 days in advance, the airline must offer you a choice: (1) a full refund, or (2) re-routing at the earliest opportunity. They cannot simply cancel your booking and leave you stranded. If their re-routing takes you to a different airport, departs at a wildly different time, or arrives significantly late, the re-routing obligation may not be properly discharged — which can reinstate your claim.
Watch out: Airlines sometimes change a flight time by 3–4 hours and call it a 'schedule change' rather than a cancellation. If the change is significant and wasn't disclosed at booking, EC261 principles can apply — particularly if you miss connections or the change renders your trip unworkable.
When airlines claim they notified you but didn't
Airlines are required to actually notify you — not just update their website or app. If the email went to spam, you weren't registered with the airline, or notification was sent to a travel agent who didn't pass it on, the 14-day clock doesn't start until you actually have knowledge of the cancellation. Courts have found in passengers' favour when airlines couldn't prove delivery of the notification.
The duty to care — regardless of notification
Whatever the notice period, if you're at the airport when you find out your flight is cancelled, the airline owes you 'duty of care' — meals, refreshments, communication, and hotel accommodation if you're overnight. This duty is separate from compensation and applies even when compensation is not owed.
Pro tip
Screenshot everything: the original booking confirmation showing the scheduled time, and any notification you received. If the notification date is uncertain, check your email metadata or the airline's correspondence records — they're obliged to provide this if you ask.