What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled: Complete Guide
Flight delays and cancellations can be frustrating, especially when you have connecting flights, hotel bookings, or important plans waiting at your destination. While some disruptions are outside your control, knowing what to do can help you manage the situation more effectively.
This guide explains the practical steps to take when your flight is delayed or cancelled.
1. Stay Calm and Check the Latest Information
The first step is to confirm what is happening.
Check:
- Your airline’s official app
- Airport departure screens
- Email or SMS notifications
- The airline’s official website
Flight information can change, so continue checking for updates rather than relying on an earlier announcement.
2. Find Out Why the Flight Was Delayed or Cancelled
Ask the airline or check its notifications for the reason.
Common causes include:
- Bad weather
- Technical problems
- Air traffic restrictions
- Operational issues
- Crew availability
The reason for the disruption can affect what assistance or compensation may be available under the applicable rules.
3. If Your Flight Is Delayed
If your flight is delayed, confirm the new departure time and ask whether you need to remain at the gate.
If the delay is significant, check whether the airline is providing any assistance or whether you may be entitled to certain rights under the rules applicable to your journey.
Keep your boarding pass and travel documents with you.
4. If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline as soon as possible.
Depending on the airline, destination, ticket conditions, and applicable passenger-rights rules, you may be offered options such as:
- Rebooking on another flight
- Alternative transportation
- A refund
- Other assistance
Don’t automatically accept the first option without checking whether another available option better suits your plans.
5. Contact the Airline Through Multiple Channels
Airport counters can become extremely busy after a major cancellation.
You may also be able to contact the airline through:
- Mobile app
- Website
- Phone
- Social media support
- Airport customer service
Using the airline’s digital channels can sometimes save time.
6. Don’t Leave the Airport Without Checking Your Options
If your flight is cancelled, speak with the airline before making your own alternative arrangements.
If you book another flight independently, you may not automatically be reimbursed for the expense.
Ask the airline what options are available before spending additional money.
7. Check Your Connecting Flights
A delay can affect more than one part of your journey.
If you have a connecting flight, check:
- Whether you can still make the connection
- Whether the airline has rebooked you
- Whether your checked baggage will be transferred
- Whether you need to collect your luggage
If the flights are on separate tickets, your options may be different, so review the terms of each booking.
8. Keep Your Receipts and Documents
Keep records of expenses and communications related to the disruption.
Useful documents include:
- Boarding passes
- Booking confirmations
- Airline messages
- Receipts
- Hotel invoices
- Transportation receipts
These records may be useful when requesting reimbursement, making a claim, or contacting your travel insurer.
9. Check Your Travel Insurance
If you purchased travel insurance, review your policy.
Depending on the coverage, it may provide assistance for certain:
- Travel delays
- Trip interruptions
- Additional accommodation
- Missed connections
- Other covered expenses
Coverage varies, so read the policy terms and exclusions carefully.
10. Know Your Passenger Rights
Passenger rights are not identical everywhere.
Your rights may depend on:
- Departure country
- Destination
- Airline
- Reason for disruption
- Applicable aviation regulations
- Type of ticket and itinerary
For example, passengers traveling to or from certain jurisdictions may have specific protections under local or regional regulations.
Before claiming compensation, check the official passenger-rights rules that apply to your journey.
What Should You Pack in Your Carry-On?
If a flight disruption leaves you waiting for several hours or overnight, having essential items in your carry-on can make the situation easier.
Consider carrying:
- Passport
- Phone and charger
- Power bank, subject to airline rules
- Medication
- Essential toiletries
- Important documents
- A change of clothes for longer journeys
Avoid putting essential items in checked baggage.
What If You Miss Your Connection?
If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, contact the airline immediately.
If your entire itinerary was booked under one reservation, the airline may have procedures for rebooking affected passengers.
If you booked separate tickets, however, the airline operating the first flight may not be responsible for the second booking.
Always check the conditions of your tickets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Booking a new flight immediately
Check with the airline first. You may have rebooking options.
❌ Throwing away receipts
Keep receipts for expenses related to the disruption.
❌ Ignoring airline notifications
Updates can include important changes to your gate, departure time, or booking.
❌ Assuming compensation is automatic
Eligibility depends on the circumstances and the rules that apply to your journey.
❌ Relying only on verbal information
Keep written confirmation of important changes whenever possible.