You’re standing at the gate, your boarding pass in hand, when the dreaded announcement comes over the loudspeaker: “This flight has been delayed.” Or worse canceled. It’s every traveler’s nightmare. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or visiting family, a disrupted itinerary can cause major stress.
But don’t worry. Flight delays and cancellations are more common than you think, and there are clear steps you can take to handle them calmly and smartly. This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your flight gets canceled or delayed, including your rights as a passenger, rebooking options, and how to minimize the inconvenience.
Stay Calm and Get the Facts
The first step? Stay calm. Panicking won’t help, and quick thinking can make a huge difference.
Check for updates from your airline via mobile apps, texts, or email. Most major airlines will notify you of changes, so keep your phone charged and connected. Look for information on the airport departure boards or speak with an airline representative for the most accurate details.
If the cancellation or delay hasn’t been posted yet but seems imminent (like weather issues or long security lines), be proactive and ask at the gate or check your airline’s social media.
Understand Your Rights as a Passenger
Knowing your passenger rights can make the difference between being stuck and being supported.
In the U.S.
If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund—even if it was a non-refundable ticket—if you choose not to travel. Airlines are not required to compensate for delays unless you voluntarily give up your seat due to overbooking, but many still offer vouchers or assistance.
In the EU (Under Regulation EC261)
If you’re flying within or from the EU—or with an EU airline—you may be eligible for up to €600 in compensation depending on:
The length of the delay
The distance of the flight
The reason for the disruption
Check if your situation qualifies using online tools that calculate flight delay compensation.
Rebooking Options: Take Action Quickly
The sooner you act, the better your chances of finding a good alternative.
Use Multiple Channels at Once
Don’t rely on just one method:
Stand in line at the airline’s service desk
Call customer support at the same time
Check your airline’s app or website for self-service rebooking
Contact the airline via Twitter or live chat (some respond faster online)
Ask for Reasonable Alternatives
If the delay is significant, ask to be rebooked on the next available flight—even on a different airline if necessary. Some carriers will honor each other’s tickets during major disruptions.
If your plans are flexible, consider flying into a nearby airport or booking a flight with a stopover.
Can You Get a Refund or Compensation?
If the airline cancels your flight, you can either:
Accept the airline’s offer to rebook you on a later flight
Request a full refund (this applies even if the ticket was non-refundable)
If your flight is delayed for several hours, some airlines may also offer:
Meal vouchers
Hotel accommodations
Ground transportation
Be polite but firm when asking what the airline will cover. If you’ve purchased travel insurance or used a credit card with travel protection, you may be able to claim for additional expenses too.
What to Do During a Long Delay
If you’re stuck at the airport for hours, make yourself comfortable.
Look for an airport lounge – If you have a credit card that offers lounge access, this is the time to use it.
Keep your devices charged – Use airport charging stations or portable power banks.
Stay connected – Continue checking flight status and rebooking options in case of further updates.
Grab food and water – Especially important if traveling with kids or elderly passengers.
Some airports even offer sleep pods or resting areas. Explore the terminal—some are surprisingly traveler-friendly.
Dealing With Checked Baggage
If your flight was canceled and your luggage was already checked in, ask the airline how and when you’ll get your bags back.
You may be able to pick them up at baggage claim.
If your flight was delayed and you’re rebooked, your bags may already be transferred.
Lost or delayed? File a claim with the airline before you leave the airport.
Keep receipts for any essentials (toiletries, clothes, etc.) you need to buy—many airlines will reimburse you.
Pro Travel Tips to Avoid Future Hassles
While not every delay or cancellation can be avoided, these tips will reduce your risk:
Book morning flights – They’re less likely to be delayed.
Avoid tight layovers – Give yourself buffer time between connections.
Always carry essentials in your carry-on – Medications, a change of clothes, snacks, and chargers.
Use travel apps – Tools like FlightAware, TripIt, or airline-specific apps give you real-time updates.
Consider travel insurance – Especially for international trips or long layovers.
Fly nonstop if possible – Fewer flights = fewer things that can go wrong.
Final Thoughts
Flight cancellations and delays are frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. When you stay calm, know your rights, and act quickly, you can often find a solution that gets you to your destination with minimal stress. And in some cases, you might even receive compensation or perks for your inconvenience.
