What to Do if Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed
Knowing what your rights are and what airlines typically offer to keep customers happy can help get you on your way sooner.


The odds of encountering turbulence in your travel plans when you’re flying are probably lower than you think: In the first 10 months of 2017, 18.4% of domestic airline flights were delayed on departure, and 1.6% were canceled, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. But when you’re the unlucky passenger stranded at the gate with no plane in sight, knowing what your rights are and what airlines typically offer to keep customers happy can help get you on your way sooner.
How airlines (might) help. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to compensate passengers only when they’re bumped from an oversold flight (see Know Your Rights on Flights). Federal rules also govern how long planes can linger on the tarmac before an airline has to feed the passengers or let them off. Rules for all other kinds of delays and cancellations are spelled out in the carrier’s contract of carriage.
For disruptions that airlines consider beyond their control—which can include bad weather, fuel shortages and labor disputes—the airlines typically offer you a seat on the next available flight or, depending on how long the delay is, a refund. For problems considered within their control—including crew shortages and maintenance issues—you’ll fare better. For example, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue both provide credit for future flights in case of a long delay. (JetBlue passengers who experience a delay of six hours or more get a $250 credit.) Some airlines might arrange ground transportation as an alternative to flying. Alaska, American, Delta, Spirit and United, among others, may comp one night at a hotel—typically when an overnight holdup lasts at least four hours. Food and beverage vouchers may also be part of the deal. In general, low-cost carriers offer fewer amenities.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Being assertive and resourceful will help speed up the process as well. “Rather than asking the gate agent, ‘What will you do for me?’ it’s better to have a solution in mind,” says Ed Perkins, contributing editor at SmarterTravel.com. For example, airlines generally rebook you on the next available flight, but some airlines may agree to transfer your ticket to another carrier, so pull out your smartphone and look up alternate routes.
While waiting in line to speak with an agent, call the customer service number (or a phone line reserved for loyalty program members, if you are one) and simultaneously reach out to the airline’s social media team to get first crack at an empty seat. It’s always best to resolve the problem while it’s happening rather than requesting a voucher or other compensation by complaining after the fact. Even if an airline is stingy with perks, you may still be able to negotiate, say, loyalty-program miles by asking for them, says Paul Hudson, president of consumer organization Flyers Rights.
If you’re rerouted on a new flight, be aware that many airlines count certain nearby airports as the same destination. And if a significant delay (as defined by the airline) or cancellation would upend your trip completely and you decide to forgo rebooking, you can ask for an “involuntary refund” of the unused portion of your ticket, even for nonrefundable tickets. Don’t expect the airline to tell you about this option, says Hudson. You may have to ask to speak with a supervisor to discuss an involuntary refund.
Airlines have become more flexible about waiving change fees for customers when bad weather is forecast, says Anne McDermott, editor of FareCompare.com. You may not pay a difference in fare, either. But your window to reschedule is usually short.
If you have faced unfriendly skies in the past 12 months, an app called Service (www.getservice.com) may help. It scans your in-box for past flight delays or cancellations and submits claims for “good will” compensation on your behalf, typically in the form of vouchers or miles. The app is free, but you’ll fork over a 30% cut of any compensation.

-
How to Measure the Health of Your Retirement Plan
These five key indicators can help you make decisions based on the overall performance of your retirement plan rather than individual variables.
By Brian Skrobonja, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) Published
-
Four Easy Ways to Get Yourself Fired
Being a standout on the job can sometimes be as simple as showing up to meetings on time, responding promptly to requests, doing your homework and not being a jerk.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
By Vaishali Varu Published
-
Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is Strong
From the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia, we list the 10 best places to travel to where the U.S. dollar is the strongest.
By Quincy Williamson Published
-
24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You Money
Travel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston Published