EasyJet will refund you only if you cancel before your flight departs, and only under specific conditions

EasyJet's refund policy is built around one central rule: you get money back only if you cancel your booking yourself before the flight takes off. The airline does not refund tickets for no-shows, and it does not refund straightforward because you changed your mind — unless you bought a refundable fare. If EasyJet cancels the flight, or if you have a valid claim under EU261 regulations (the European air passenger rights law), the rules are different and work in your favour.

The type of ticket you bought determines what happens next. EasyJet sells three fare types: Upfront, Plus, and Flexi. Each one has its own refund rules, and the cheapest fares almost never refund in cash.

Key Takeaways

  • EasyJet's cheapest fares (Upfront) do not refund if you cancel; you receive a credit toward a future flight instead.
  • The Flexi fare allows you to cancel and receive a refund to your original payment method, though you must cancel before departure.
  • If EasyJet cancels your flight, you can choose a rebooking on another flight or a refund to your original payment method.
  • EU261 regulations may have access to you to compensation (not just a refund) if EasyJet cancels with less than two weeks' notice or if you miss a connection due to an EasyJet delay.
  • Refunds to your original payment method take 5 to 10 working days after EasyJet processes your request.

The three EasyJet fare types and what each one refunds

EasyJet's Upfront fare is the lowest price and comes with no refund option. If you cancel before departure, EasyJet converts your payment into a credit that you can use toward any future EasyJet flight. That credit does not expire, but it is tied to your name and booking reference — you cannot transfer it to someone else or convert it back to cash. This is the fare most people buy.

The Plus fare sits in the middle. It includes a checked bag, seat selection, and the ability to change your flight for free. However, if you cancel, you still receive a credit rather than a refund. The credit is more valuable than an Upfront credit because you have already paid more, but it remains a credit, not cash.

The Flexi fare is the most expensive option and the only one that refunds to your original payment method. If you cancel a Flexi ticket before your flight departs, EasyJet refunds the full fare price. You do not receive a credit — the money goes back to your card or bank account. This is the only EasyJet ticket type that behaves like a traditional refundable airline ticket.

When EasyJet cancels the flight

If EasyJet cancels your flight, you have two choices: accept a rebooking on another EasyJet flight at no extra cost, or request a refund to your original payment method. You do not have to accept the first available flight — EasyJet must offer you alternatives, and you can choose one that suits your schedule better. If no suitable alternative exists, a refund is your right.

EasyJet will contact you by email or SMS if it cancels your flight, but the notification may come very close to departure. Check your email and phone regularly in the days before travel. If you do not hear from EasyJet and your flight does not operate, contact the airline when ready — do not assume the flight is cancelled just because you have not received notice.

Refunds for cancelled flights go back to your original payment method and take 5 to 10 working days to appear. If you paid by card, the refund lands in your card account. If you paid by bank transfer, it returns to that bank account.

EU261 compensation: when you are owed more than a refund

European air passenger rights law (EU261) entitles you to compensation — money beyond a straightforward refund — in two main situations. First, if EasyJet cancels your flight with less than two weeks' notice, you are owed between €250 and €600 depending on the flight distance. Second, if an EasyJet delay causes you to miss a connecting flight and arrive at your final destination more than three hours late, you are also owed compensation.

This compensation is separate from any refund. You can receive both a refund for the cancelled flight and compensation for the disruption. EasyJet does not always volunteer this information, so you may need to claim it yourself. The airline has a claims process on its website, or you can use a third-party claims company that handles EU261 cases (though they take a percentage of what you recover).

EU261 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, plus flights arriving at an EU airport if the airline is EU-based. EasyJet is registered in the UK but still falls under these rules for most routes.

How to request a refund from EasyJet

To cancel your booking and request a refund (if your fare type allows it), log into your EasyJet account using your booking reference and email address. Go to "Manage my booking," select your flight, and choose "Cancel flight." EasyJet will then show you what you are may have access to to — a credit, a refund, or a rebooking option depending on your fare type and the reason for cancellation.

If you are requesting a refund for a cancelled flight or a EU261 claim, you can also contact EasyJet directly through its website contact form or by phone. Have your booking reference ready. EasyJet's phone lines are often busy, so the website form may be faster, though responses take several days.

Keep copies of your booking confirmation, any cancellation confirmation from EasyJet, and your original payment receipt. If you are claiming EU261 compensation, also keep records of any expenses you incurred (hotel, meals, transport) as a result of the disruption, though EasyJet's compensation is fixed and does not depend on what you spent.

What happens if you miss your flight

If you do not show up for your flight, EasyJet does not refund your ticket under any fare type. A no-show is treated as if you chose not to travel. Your booking is cancelled, and any credit or refund option disappears. The only exception is if you can prove that EasyJet caused you to miss the flight — for example, if the airline gave you incorrect information about check-in times or gate location — but this is rare and requires documentation.

If you realize you will miss your flight, contact EasyJet before departure time and ask to reschedule. Depending on your fare type, you may be able to move to a later flight for a fee, or you may receive a credit toward a future booking. Acting before the flight departs gives you options; acting after does not.

Refunds to your original payment method: timing and what to expect

When EasyJet processes a refund to your original payment method, the money does not arrive when ready. EasyJet typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 working days of approving your request. After EasyJet sends the refund, your bank or card company may take an additional 1 to 3 working days to post it to your account. In total, expect 7 to 14 days from the moment you request the refund until the money appears.

Refunds appear as a credit to the account you used to pay for the flight. If you paid by debit card, the refund goes back to that debit card's account. If you paid by credit card, it reduces your credit card balance. If you paid by bank transfer, the refund lands in the bank account you specified during booking.

If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received your refund, contact EasyJet with your booking reference and ask for a status update. Keep the confirmation email showing that your refund was approved — this is your proof that EasyJet accepted your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I bought the cheapest EasyJet ticket?

No, the cheapest Upfront fare does not refund to your bank account or card. If you cancel before departure, EasyJet converts your payment into a credit toward a future flight. That credit never expires and covers the full amount you paid, but you can only use it for another EasyJet booking under your name.

What if EasyJet changed my flight time and I no longer want to go?

If EasyJet moved your flight to a significantly different time (usually more than one hour), you have the right to cancel and receive a refund or rebooking, regardless of your fare type. Contact EasyJet and explain that the time change is unacceptable. You will need to show the original flight time and the new time to support your claim.

Do I get compensation if EasyJet cancels my flight?

You get a refund automatically. Compensation under EU261 is separate and depends on how much notice EasyJet gave. If the airline cancelled with less than two weeks' notice, you are owed €250 to €600 depending on distance. You must claim this separately — EasyJet does not offer it automatically.

How long does it take to get a refund after I cancel?

EasyJet processes refund requests within 5 to 10 working days. Your bank or card company then takes 1 to 3 additional working days to post the money. In total, expect 7 to 14 days from approval to the money appearing in your account.

Can I transfer my EasyJet credit to someone else?

No. Credits from cancelled Upfront or Plus fares are locked to the name and booking reference on the original reservation. You cannot give the credit to a family member or friend — only the person named on the booking can use it.