What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled or Delayed

Flight delays and cancellations can be a huge inconvenience. Find out what the common causes of flight cancellations are and what you should do if your flight is cancelled or delayed.

Common Causes of Flight Cancellations and Delays

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Flight cancellations and delays are becoming more common, leaving many travelers wondering why they happen and what to do if their flight is affected. Common causes include bad weather, airplane issues, or staffing shortages at the FAA.

Delays at other airports—like those caused by a snowstorm in another city—can also ripple through your schedule. Understanding the reason for your flight’s delay or cancellation is important, as it determines whether you’re eligible for compensation.

Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled

Almost every traveler eventually faces a flight cancellation or delay, sometimes discovering it only at the airport. Beyond disrupting your plans, it can also affect your travel budget.

While every airline and ticket is different, there are steps you can take to get compensation and support, whether it’s a last-minute cancellation or a long delay that makes you miss a connection.

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Step 1: Monitor your flight

The first thing to do after booking your flight is to monitor your departure. Check online regularly to make sure everything is on schedule. Airlines should notify you of delays, but it doesn’t always happen, so keeping an eye on your flight helps you act quickly if there’s a delay or cancellation.

You can track your flight on Trip.com by logging into your account, selecting “My Bookings,” and clicking on your flight to see real-time status and updates.

Step 2: Contact the airline

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact the airline immediately to explore your options. They can help you rebook or create an emergency plan to reach your destination on time.

Airlines typically offer alternative flights—either later or to a different airport. You can choose to accept it or request a cash refund.

Step 3: Check your travel insurance

Once you know the expected delay or have options to rebook a cancelled flight, check your travel insurance to see what’s covered. This could include hotels, new flights, or other extra expenses, though compensation usually applies only for severe delays or significant travel disruptions.

If you booked with a U.S. travel credit card, you might already have travel insurance. Coverage varies—some cards cover only cancellations, while others include delays too. Always review your policy to understand what’s covered and improve your chances of a full refund.

Step 4: Put your new travel plan in place

After you have contacted the airline and called your travel insurance company, it’s time to put your new travel plan in place. Hopefully, you haven’t lost too much time or money and can still enjoy your trip!

Step 5: Ask for a refund from the airline

The next step is to request a refund from the airline. Depending on the cause of the cancellation or delay, they may refund your ticket, cover extra expenses like hotels or emergency items, or offer nothing at all. Be sure to save all receipts, as you may need them to claim a refund.

Step 6: File an insurance claim

If the airline doesn’t refund your money, you’ll likely need to file a travel insurance claim. Review your policy to see what’s covered, then submit a claim for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights.

How to Claim Compensation for Delayed or Canceled Flights?

Step 1: Understand Airline Policies

Check if your flight delay or cancellation qualifies for compensation. Some airlines refund automatically, while others may offer travel credits instead of cash.

Step 2: Submit a Refund Request

Follow the airline’s procedure—online form, email, or customer support. If it’s complicated, third-party claim services can help.

Step 3: Follow Up

After filing, track your request and follow up regularly. Airlines don’t always provide strict timelines, so persistence is key.

Step 4: File a Travel Insurance Claim

If the airline doesn’t refund or you have extra expenses, submit a claim to your travel insurance. Include receipts and forms, usually within 30 days of travel.

Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations: What’s Covered?​​

• Travel insurance coverage: Most policies include protection for trip delays and cancellations, covering hotels, alternative transportation, and a travel allowance for essential items if your baggage is delayed.
• Plan variations: The best travel insurance for flight cancellations depends on your specific trip circumstances.
• Trip.com partnership: Trip.com partners with major insurers like AXA to offer flight and hotel insurance, covering certain cancellations and delays.

Plan Options:

• Essential Plan – Basic coverage for common travel issues.
• Complete Plan – Broader protection with higher reimbursement limits.

How to Rebook or Reschedule a Cancelled Flight?

If your flight is cancelled, you can often rebook directly through Trip.com’s website or app. Check for available alternative flights and reschedule online. If you run into issues, Trip.com’s customer support can assist with finding a new departure time.

Trip.com Rebooking Tips

• Use Trip.com’s customer support chat for faster assistance.
• Try checking flights from nearby airports if your original one is full.
• Explore alternative airlines through Trip.com to find the best options.
• Avoid peak hours when calling for support; early mornings or late nights often work best.

Airline-Specific Policies for Flight Cancellations and Delays​

Unlike other parts of the world, the United States doesn’t have many consumer protections when it comes to cancelled or delayed flights. It’s up to the airlines to decide what type of compensation they are willing to give customers who have experienced significant delays or travel hardships.

For example, Delta flight cancellation policy, American Airlines delay compensation, and United Airlines rebooking rules all vary widely.

Below you’ll find a quick breakdown of the top airlines’ policies during these situations. This table is from the U.S Department of Transportation website and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, go directly to your airline’s website.

U.S. Department of Transportation