Air travel disruptions are an unfortunate reality of flying. Whether weather issues, staffing shortages, or mechanical problems, delayed and cancelled flights can throw a wrench in even the most carefully planned trips.
But there’s good news too: thanks to new Department of Transportation (DOT) rules in 2024, airline passengers now have more rights and protections than ever.
Understanding these rights – and knowing exactly how to exercise them – can make the difference between being stranded at the airport and getting efficiently rebooked, or between receiving a voucher and getting your money back.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you’re entitled to when your flight is delayed or cancelled, and share insider tips on handling these situations like a pro.
As noted on the Department of Transportation’s website, airlines don’t (some would say they can’t) guarantee their flight schedules. Understanding this is important when planning your trip and booking a flight.
Put simply, many things make it impossible for flights to arrive on time. Some issues, like bad weather, air traffic delays, and staffing problems are hard to predict and often beyond the airlines’ control.
While anyone can understand the logic, no one likes being delayed. As a traveler, what can you do?
It helps when you’re facing a flight delay to know what your rights are. According to the Department of Transportation’s new rules, you’re entitled to:
Most airlines will rebook you on the same or a partner airline at no additional cost. If the delay is greater than 3 hours, they may also provide meal vouchers or complimentary hotel accommodations.
It’s probably not comforting that the airline gets to make the initial determination whether a delay is within its control, but you can challenge its decision through the US DOT’s complaint system or your credit card company.
When an airline claims the delay is “uncontrollable,” check the other flights around you. If other carriers are operating normally, you’ll want to show this. Take pictures of the airport departure boards immediately and screenshots of the current weather reports.
According to recent DOT rules, airlines must now provide automatic cash refunds when they cancel your flight for any reason. This is a significant change from previous policies, where airlines offered flight vouchers first.
Similar to flight delays, it’s important to know your rights when your flight is cancelled.
You can look up your rights on the US DOT website’s Consumer Guide to Air Travel. It’s a long read, but the content is well organized and easy to scan to understand the specifics.
To see what the airline owes you if they cancel your flight, head on over to the Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard and select the name of your carrier to see the specific commitments by airline.
Some airlines offer additional commitments for controllable cancellations that you can ask for:
The US government lets the airlines determine what their specific commitments to passengers stranded by cancellation are over and beyond the required rebooking or refund option.
If you choose a refund over rebooking, the process is supposed to be simple.
If you have airline status (or even if you don’t), here are strategic ways to improve your situation during delays and cancellations. Remember: politeness and patience with airline staff go a long way!
Always download the airline’s app before you travel because this is how you’ll get the most timely updates and information, plus access to talk with an agent while standing in line at the gate, trying to figure out what to do.
Here are some things all travelers can ask for, even if your status level with that airline isn’t that high:
And always say thank you!
Pro tip: Many lounges offer say passes at a discount rate for loyalty members or status holders, and some credit card holders. Check your airline app and/or travel credit cards to see if you have any day pass options.
Travel insurance tip: Save all your receipts for a flight delay reimbursement claim.
Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.