Everything you need to know about cancelling a Ryanair flight in France and getting a refund

Ryanair is a popular airline for budget-conscious travellers. However, behind its low prices are strict refund and compensation conditions in cases of delay or cancellation.

As we’ll see, Ryanair compensates passengers when flights are cancelled or delayed by at least 3 hours. While you can change your flight and boarding details (for a fee), cancellations are generally not permitted.

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Changing a Ryanair flight in France: what you need to know

Conditions for changing your flight

With Ryanair, you cannot cancel a flight booking if it is still scheduled to operate.

Additionally, if your flight is delayed by less than 5 hours (or less than 3 hours under EU Regulation EC 261, as explained below), you are not eligible for a refund.¹

You can, however, change your flight under certain conditions:¹

• Change the date, time, or route up to 2.5 hours before departure.
• Change passenger names up to 2 hours before departure.
• Change both the departure and arrival airports (within a maximum of two countries) up to 2.5 hours before the flight.

Ryanair change fees

Name change fees¹	€115 per passenger online €160 per passenger via an agent
Flight change fees¹	€45 per passenger per one-way flight (online) €60 per passenger per one-way flight (via an agent or at the airport)

How to make changes

To change your flight, log in to your My Ryanair account and go to the “My Bookings” section on the website or “My Trips” in the mobile app.

Ryanair flight delays in France: what to expect

If your Ryanair flight is delayed by more than 2 hours (for journeys up to 1,500 km) or 3 hours (for flights over 1,500 km within the EU or between 1,500 and 3,500 km), the airline must provide assistance at the airport.

This includes meal vouchers or, if your flight is rescheduled for the next day, hotel accommodation and transport.

If these are not offered, keep all receipts so you can request reimbursement on the Ryanair website later.

In the event of a delay, you can:

• Take the rescheduled flight.
• Change to another date or time at no cost.
• Request another flight to your destination.

If the delay exceeds 5 hours and you decide not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund.

Compensation may also apply unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances (such as strikes, weather events, or medical emergencies). You can check your flight’s status on the Ryanair website or app.¹

How to claim compensation with Ryanair

You can claim compensation for:

• Travel, transport, or food expenses.
• A flight cancellation (see below).
• A delay of more than 3 hours upon arrival.

To file a claim, fill out the EC 261 compensation form.³

If you booked via Ryanair.com, refunds are added to your Ryanair Wallet within 24 hours.

Then, click “Transfer” to receive the money in your bank account within 5 working days.¹

Compensation conditions for a cancelled Ryanair flight

Under EU Regulation EC 261, compensation applies to flights departing from or arriving in the EU or EEA.

When you are not entitled to compensation

You are not entitled to compensation if you were informed of the cancellation:⁴

• At least 14 days before your flight.
• Between 7 and 14 days before your flight, with an alternative allowing departure up to 2 hours earlier and arrival up to 4 hours later.
• Less than 7 days before, but a re-routing allows you to depart up to 1 hour earlier and arrive less than 2 hours later.
• If the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond Ryanair’s control (strikes, weather, air traffic restrictions, security issues, etc.).

When you are entitled to compensation

In other cases, passengers are entitled to compensation depending on flight distance:⁴

Flight distance	Compensation amount
Flights up to 1,500 km	€250
Intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500–3,000 km	€400
All other flights	€600

How to cancel or change a Ryanair flight in France

In case of cancellation

If your flight is cancelled, check your refund and change options:¹

• You’ll either receive a message from Ryanair or can check live flight updates.
• Full refunds are processed within 5 working days via your original payment method.

To make changes

To change a flight, log in to your account and go to “My Bookings.”

If your flight was cancelled, follow the online procedure.

If you’ve already checked in, contact Ryanair through Live Chat (change your flight online).

Ryanair compensation rights: how they work

Eligible compensation

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to reimbursement for:⁴

• Meals and drinks during waiting time.
• Communication costs (calls, emails).
• Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.

Conditions

You’re eligible if you have:⁴

• Chosen re-routing or
• Requested a refund.

When Ryanair does not pay compensation

Ryanair does not provide compensation in the following cases:⁴

• Exceptional circumstances beyond its control.
• You were notified of cancellation more than 14 days before departure.
• The delay was less than 3 hours.

FAQ: cancelling and getting a refund with Ryanair in France

What passenger rights apply?

EU Regulation EC 261/2004 sets out compensation rules for passengers in cases of:⁴

• Denied boarding.
• Flight cancellation.
• Extended delay.

Can I get a refund of airport taxes?

Yes. You can request a refund of government taxes if you do not take your flight. Submit your claim using the special form as soon as possible.

How can I check if my flight is cancelled?

Ryanair will send an SMS and/or email in case of cancellation. You can also check directly at the airport or visit the live updates page.

Can I cancel my Ryanair flight?

If your flight is operational, you cannot cancel it.

• Refunds are only possible for delays over 5 hours.
• Compensation applies for delays of more than 3 hours.
• You can still change your booking (for a fee) in your Ryanair account.

How do I request a refund?

Access your My Ryanair account using the email or SMS received from Ryanair. Then choose:

• Change your ticket, or
• Request a refund.

What about other transport bookings?

Directive EC 261 does not cover other travel arrangements (car rentals, trains, ferries, etc.). Ryanair recommends contacting your travel insurance provider for compensation.

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Sources:

1. Ryanair FAQ
2. Ryanair Fees
3. EC 261 Claim Form
4. EU Regulation 261

Last verified on October 16, 2025

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.