Weve all dealt with delayed or canceled flights at some point (or we will at some point in the future), and it can be a major headache. This guide has everything you need to know about flight delays and cancellations.
Youll learn tips to help reduce the chances of your flight being delayed or canceled. And if it does happen, weve got a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the situation. Plus, find out how travel insurance can give you the financial peace of mind you need for your trip.
Pre-Flight Tips to Decrease Your Chance of a Delayed or Cancelled Flight
There are a few simple ways to reduce your chances of facing flight delays or cancellations before you even book your ticket. These tips can help you stay ahead and avoid travel issues.
Book a Morning Flight
When booking your flight, think about the time of day. Flights in the afternoon are more likely to be delayed because of earlier delays. Booking a morning flight gives you a better chance of staying on time.
Book a Mid-Week Flight
Mid-week flights are usually cheaper because fewer people travel during these days. Plus, they tend to have fewer delays for the same reason. If you can, choose a mid-week flight to save both time and money.
Book a Non-Stop Flight
The more stops you have, the more chances there are for delays. A non-stop flight gives you a better chance of arriving on time without dealing with layovers. Just remember to get up and stretch every hour to stay comfortable on longer flights.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Before booking, check the weather forecast to avoid bad weather that could lead to delays or cancellations. If youre traveling last minute, its especially important to keep an eye on weather reports. If theres a chance of a weather delay, consider switching flights (though it may come with a fee) to avoid the hassle.
Be Smart During Holidays
Traveling for the holidays? Try to avoid the busiest days, like the day before and the day after the holiday. If you can, extend your trip to avoid the rush. This way, youre less likely to get bumped to a later flight or face delays.
Pack a Carry-On Only
If possible, pack everything in a carry-on bag. This saves you time and money by avoiding checked baggage, and it gives you access to your things if theres a delay or cancellation. Plus, if your luggage gets lost or delayed, its one less thing to worry about.
Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can take the stress out of dealing with flight delays or cancellations. Coverage like Travel Delay, Trip Cancellation, and Baggage Delay can reimburse you for extra costs. If your luggage is delayed, insurance can even cover overnight expenses. Plus, it can reimburse you for any prepaid expenses, like tickets for a tour you missed due to delays. If you’re traveling abroad, it can also cover unexpected medical expenses or emergencies.
Read Your Airlines Fine Print
Before you book, check your airlines policies on delays and cancellations. You can usually find this information on their website. Print a copy or save it on your phone, so you have it ready just in case.
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What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled
Its always stressful and confusing when you find out your flight has been delayed or canceled. To make things easier, weve broken down what you need to do into four simple steps. These steps will help you get the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your fellow travelers.
1. Talk to an Airline Representative
If your flight is delayed or canceled, the first thing you should do is speak to an airline representative. Theyll have the most up-to-date information about your options and whether the airline will offer any compensation for the delay or cancellation. You can either go to the representative at your airline’s departure gate or call the airlines customer service number.
2. Check on Your Connecting Flight
If you have a connecting flight, be sure to ask about it as well. The airline representative might be able to reschedule your connection if you wont make it on time (sometimes, theyll do this automatically).
3. Review Your Travel Insurance
If youve purchased travel insurance, nows the time to check your policy. Some policies provide compensation if your flight is delayed for more than a few hours (usually five or more). This can cover things like accommodations, meals, and local transportation while you wait. Travel insurance may also help you book a new flight if your original one is canceled.
4. Consider Buying a Lounge Pass
If youre going to be stuck at the airport for a while due to delays, you might want to buy a lounge pass. Lounges offer a more comfortable space to wait with things like cozy seating, quiet areas, and better access to customer service. Some lounges also have Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, magazines, and even showers.
Airports typically have both airline lounges (which are free for members) and pay-per-use lounges. If you have a lounge membership, look for your airlines lounge, or you can pay a one-time fee to use the lounge. Though its a bit pricey, it might be worth it for the quiet space and added comfort during a long wait.
Know Your Rights as a Passenger for Delayed Flight Compensation
The best way to be prepared for a flight delay or cancellation is to know your rights as a passenger. There are several regulations, like the Montreal Convention, EC Regulation 261, and U.S. Flight Compensation, that outline how airlines must compensate travelers in case of delays or cancellations. This is often called flight delay compensation, but it can also cover other issues, not just delays.
The Montreal Convention
In 1999, 120 countries agreed on a set of rules that protect air travelers. The Montreal Convention allows passengers to claim compensation for “damages” caused by travel disruptions, including issues with luggage. “Damages” usually refer to financial losses.
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Under the Montreal Convention, you can be compensated up to $3,285.80 for damages and up to $70,000 in case of death or injury. Airlines must compensate you for delays, lost luggage, or financial losses unless the disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, like bad weather, medical emergencies, or air traffic control restrictions.
If you want to make a claim, be sure to keep all receipts for extra expenses, flight documents, and a note from the airline explaining the cause of the disruption. If you’re traveling to one of the 120 countries involved, its a good idea to review your rights before flying.
EC Regulation 261
Travelers within the European Union (EU) are covered by EC Regulation 261. If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, youre entitled to a full or partial refund.
If you’re given an alternative flight during an extended delay and placed in a higher class than what you originally booked, the airline cannot charge you any extra fees. If you’re downgraded to a lower class, you may be entitled to a refund of 30% to 75% of your original ticket price.
If your delay requires an overnight stay, the airline must provide you with a hotel room and transportation to and from the airport. However, airlines dont have to compensate you if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as:
- Bad weather
- Strikes by airport staff or unions
- Bird strikes
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Political or civil unrest
You do have the right to compensation if the delay was caused by technical problems or other reasons that aren’t considered extraordinary circumstances.
U.S. Flight Compensation
In the U.S., the Department of Transportation sets the rules for airline passenger compensation. While airlines aren’t required to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations, they must compensate anyone who gets “bumped” from an oversold flight.
Airlines are also required to notify passengers about changes to their flight status (like delays or cancellations) if the flight is scheduled within seven days.
If your flight is significantly delayed, you might be eligible for compensation, but it depends on the situation. Compensation for major delays is handled case-by-case, so if youre experiencing a long delay, check with your airline. Some major airlines may offer compensation, even if theyre not required to do so.
How To Entertain Kids Through Flight Delays or Cancellations
Traveling with kids can make dealing with delayed or canceled flights even more stressful. Here are some tips to help keep both you and your kids entertained while waiting for the next flight.
Stay Calm
Its important to stay calm when things go wrong. Kids often mirror their parents’ emotions, so if you stay calm, it can help keep them relaxed and happy, even if you’re feeling stressed.
Find a Kids Play Area
A great way to burn off some energy during delays is to find a play area where kids can run around. Some airports have special play zones with jungle gyms and other fun things to climb on. If theres no play area, letting your kids run around the terminal (when its not too crowded) can help pass the time.
Ride the Airport Tram
In bigger airports, there are often trams or trains connecting different terminals. These can be a fun mini adventure for kids, exploring different parts of the airport. Just make sure to keep an eye on them while they enjoy the ride!
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Turn on a Movie
While its not always ideal to add more screen time, sometimes putting on a movie or TV show is the easiest way to keep your kids entertained. It can give you a chance to relax, work, or just take a break.
Leave the Airport
If your delay lasts for a few hours, consider stepping outside the airport for a bit. You could take the kids to a nearby park or find a restaurant to grab a bite and get some fresh air away from the crowds.
Perks of Flight Insurance With a Flight Delay or Cancellation Benefit
Flight insurance (or travel insurance) can help ease your worries about money if your trip gets delayed or canceled. Even if your airline doesnt offer compensation, your insurance might cover some of your unexpected expenses. Here’s how three common travel insurance benefits can help take the stress out of these situations.
Travel Delay Benefit
If your trip is delayed for a certain number of hours (usually 5 or more), your Travel Delay benefit can provide compensation.
How it works with Atlas Journey Trip Cancellation Plans:
- Atlas Journey Elevate: Reimbursement up to $200/day after a delay of 5+ hours (up to $2,000 max)
- Atlas Journey Explore: Reimbursement up to $150/day after a delay of 5+ hours (up to $2,000 max)
- Atlas Journey Escape: Reimbursement up to $100/day after a delay of 6+ hours (up to $500 max)
Trip Cancellation Benefit
If your trip gets canceled for a covered reason, like an airline strike, severe weather, or a sudden illness, your Trip Cancellation benefit can help reimburse your expenses.
How it works with Atlas Journey Trip Cancellation Plans:
- Atlas Journey Elevate: Reimbursement up to 100% of your trip cost (up to $100,000 max)
- Atlas Journey Explore: Reimbursement up to 100% of your trip cost (up to $50,000 max)
- Atlas Journey Escape: Reimbursement up to 100% of your trip cost (up to $10,000 max)
Baggage Delay Benefit
If your luggage is delayed (usually after 12 hours), this benefit can help cover the cost of essentials while you wait.
How it works with Atlas Journey Trip Cancellation Plans:
- Atlas Journey Elevate: Reimbursement up to $600 after a 12+ hour delay
- Atlas Journey Explore: Reimbursement up to $300 after a 12+ hour delay
- Atlas Journey Escape: Reimbursement up to $200 after a 12+ hour delay
With these benefits, you can travel with more peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case of unexpected delays or cancellations.
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Helpful Apps for Travelers
Technology can be a real lifesaver when things go wrong during travel. Having a few handy apps on your phone can help, especially when you’re short on time or need a break from the chaos. Here are a few apps to make your travel experience smoother:
Grab (iOS & Android)
With Grab, you can skip the line at airport restaurants. Pre-order your food, pay through the app, and just pick it up when it’s ready. This app covers over 80 airports and 2,000+ restaurants, so you can grab a bite quickly without the wait.
LoungeBuddy (iOS & Android)
Looking for a comfortable spot to relax at the airport? LoungeBuddy helps you find nearby airport lounges. You can also store your membership details from airline loyalty programs and check reviews to find the best lounges.
Planes Live (iOS & Android)
Planes Live lets you track flights worldwide and get real-time updates on delays and cancellations. It’s perfect for tracking family members flights or keeping an eye on any plane’s status, so you’ll know exactly when to head to the airport.
These apps can save you time, help you relax, and keep you informed while traveling.
Go With the Flow
Delays and cancellations are sometimes just part of the travel experience, especially when you’re traveling abroad. There will always be a few bumps along the way, particularly if it’s your first time. The key is to stay flexible and have the right mindset, so you can handle anything that comes your way with confidence.