Flight delays and cancellations can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans. It’s happened to us a couple of times now, but we were never delayed by more than a few hours, thankfully.
So, whether you’re heading out on a much-anticipated vacation or trying to make it to an important business meeting, discovering that your flight won’t depart as scheduled is frustrating. However, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the stress and handle the situation effectively. By staying informed, knowing your rights, and exploring alternative options, you can navigate through these inconveniences smoothly.
My flight from Santorini was delayed
As I said, we’ve been struck with flight delays a couple of times over the year. But, considering how many flights we’ve taken (well over 200 so far), I think we’ve been pretty lucky. The worst delay we had was coming from Santorini to London Gatwick. The airport was chaotic because lots of other flights were delayed or even canceled and people were getting very angry as the restaurants and Cafes in the airport had started to run out of food.
The departures board was showing an almost 3-hour delay for my flight so I actually tweeted the airline to see if I could get moved to another flight. I was happy to fly into any airport in London, so I was pretty flexible. After around 15 minutes of back and forth with the agent on Twitter, I was re-booked onto a codeshare flight to London Heathrow.
Even though it was a different airport, I was happy to get a flight that day, as it turned out my original flight was completely canceled.
💡Top Travel Tip: I wish I’d known about it before, but you can easily claim compensation for a canceled or delayed flight with the website – AirHelp. You just input your flight details and some personal information, and AirHelp will handle the rest.
Anyway, I wanted to let you in on my top tips of what to do when your flight is delayed or canceled …
13 Things You Should Do if Your Flight is Delayed or Canceled
1. Check for official airline announcements
As soon as you hear about a potential flight delay or cancellation, your first step should be to check for official updates from your airline. Most airlines provide real-time information through their websites or mobile apps. So, ensure you’ve enabled push notifications or signed up for SMS alerts.
Airport boards are another great resource, so keep an eye on those and listen for announcements at the gate. And if you need more detailed information, many airlines offer online support through their apps or social media channels. This can be a faster alternative to waiting in line at customer service desks. Well, that was my experience anyway.
If you’re looking for more in-depth information about why flights get delayed, check this article out to learn about the most common causes.
Related Read: A flight delay or cancellation can be one of the worst things to happen when you travel!
2. Understand your passenger rights
When a flight delay or cancellation happens to you, knowing your passenger rights will make a world of difference. Depending on your location and the airline, you may be entitled to compensation, rebooking options, or even a night in a hotel.
In the E.U., for instance, under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are protected when flights are delayed by three or more hours or a canceled flight occurs. Compensation can range from €250 to €600, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. However, compensation is usually not granted if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.
In the United States, compensation is typically available if you’re bumped from an overbooked flight. But the rules differ for delays. Airlines are not always required to offer monetary compensation, though they may provide meal vouchers, refreshments, or hotel stays. It’s important to check the specific airline’s policy to know what assistance is available.
To navigate these situations more confidently, you can use services like AirHelp or FlightRefunder, which specialize in helping passengers claim compensation for delays and cancellations. Always check your airline’s specific policies and see what assistance you’re entitled to during these disruptions.
3. You may need to rebook or get on an alternative flight
If your flight is canceled or delayed for an extended period, one of the first things you should do is explore rebooking options. Most airlines will allow you to rebook a new flight at no additional cost, especially if the disruption is due to factors beyond your control. You can typically do this through the airline’s app, website, or by speaking directly with a customer service representative.
In some cases, airlines may even offer to rebook you on another flight operated by a partner airline. This can be particularly useful if you’re trying to make a connecting flight or need to get to your destination as soon as possible. If rebooking online isn’t working, don’t hesitate to visit the airline’s help desk at the airport.
You can also look into standby flights. Standby allows you to get on an earlier flight if there are available seats. This is especially helpful if your rebooked flight is significantly later and you want to try to get on an earlier one.
4. Consider booking a hotel if you’re delayed for a long time
When a flight delay stretches into hours – or worse, overnight – your comfort should be your top priority. We say, consider booking a nearby hotel to get some rest. Some airlines provide hotel vouchers for passengers whose flights have been canceled or severely delayed. But this is not always guaranteed, especially for delays caused by weather.
If the airline isn’t offering accommodation, it’s up to you to find a place to stay. Apps like Booking.com can help you locate nearby airport hotels, many of which offer shuttle services for convenience. And please keep all your receipts, as many travel insurance policies or credit card protections will reimburse you for necessary expenses like hotel stays.
If there’s no hotel nearby with availability, check if the airport offers rest zones or sleep-friendly lounges where you can wait out the delay more comfortably. It’s also a good idea to check whether your travel credit card or airline loyalty program offers lounge access as a perk.
5. Keep receipts and documentation for reimbursement
Whenever you’re faced with a flight delay or cancellation, it’s crucial to document everything you’ve spent. Keep all your receipts for things such as meals, transportation, and/or accommodation. So that it will be easier to get reimbursed later, whether through the airline, travel insurance, or your credit card’s travel protection plan.
Even if the airline provides a hotel voucher, make sure to document it, as this might be required when filing a claim.
Airlines may also offer meal vouchers, but if these are not provided, you can claim the cost of your food. Again, make sure to keep your receipts.
In addition to physical receipts, take screenshots of any communications with the airline, including emails or text messages that confirm your flight status, delay, or cancellation. Having clear evidence of what happened will streamline the claims process.
6. Check your credit card’s travel protection benefits
Many travelers overlook the built-in travel protection offered by their credit cards. If you experience a flight delay or canceled flight, your credit card may cover the cost of hotels, meals, and even rebooking fees. Premium travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum, often include trip delay or cancellation insurance as part of their benefits package.
Most policies require that the flight be delayed for a certain number of hours. Usually 6 to 12 hours – before coverage kicks in. Once you know you’re eligible, keep all relevant receipts and documentation. These include hotel bills, food receipts, or proof of alternate transportation. File a claim with your credit card company to get reimbursed for these expenses.
Some credit cards also offer protections for lost or delayed baggage, covering the cost of essential items like clothing and toiletries.
7. Use your travel Insurance (if possible)
If you’ve purchased travel insurance, now is the time to make the most of it. Travel insurance can provide coverage for a range of situations, including flight delays, canceled flights, missed connections, and even trip interruptions. Depending on your policy, you could be reimbursed for meals, hotel stays, transportation, or even the entire cost of your trip if the delay or cancellation causes significant disruptions.
This is how we find the best travel insurance for our trip. It’s a search engine for travel insurance companies, so you can find the best travel insurance for your trip. On their site, you can compare the plans side by side so you can get the best insurance for your particular trip! As I always say, no trip is the same, so your travel insurance shouldn’t be either!
Most travel insurance plans require that the delay be beyond a certain number of hours (usually three to six) before you can make a claim. Make sure to read your policy carefully, so you know what’s covered and what documentation you’ll need to submit. Keep all receipts for additional expenses, such as food, accommodations, or transportation, and make sure to get a statement from the airline detailing the reason for the delay or cancellation.
If your luggage is delayed as part of the disruption, many policies will also cover the cost of purchasing essential items, like clothes and toiletries. To file a claim, contact your travel insurance provider asap.
8. Check the status of your connecting flight
If you have a connecting flight, a delay on your first leg can lead to missed connections and further complications. To avoid this, stay proactive by continually checking the status of your connecting flight. Airlines will sometimes hold connecting flights for delayed passengers. But this isn’t always guaranteed, especially if the delay is significant or the connection is tight.
Make sure to monitor your connecting flight using the airline’s app or a flight-tracking tool like FlightAware. If your first flight is delayed, contact the airline as soon as possible to see if they can rebook you on a later connection. In some cases, the airline may automatically rebook you, but it’s always better to stay informed and take action early to secure a new seat if needed.
9. Contact the airline directly for updates
When dealing with a flight delay or cancellation, contacting the airline directly can often provide you with faster and more detailed information. While apps and websites offer useful updates on your flight status, speaking to a representative, either over the phone or at the customer service desk, can give you access to more personalized options, like rebooking or even special assistance if you have urgent travel needs.
If you’re at the airport, head to the airline’s customer service desk or a self-service kiosk. If lines are long, try calling the airline’s support hotline or use their mobile app to chat with a representative. Many airlines also provide real-time customer service via social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook. FYI, this is how I was able to get out of Santorini, so don’t dismiss the power of social media!
10. You may need to consider alternative travel options
In the event of a long flight delay or cancellation, alternative travel options may get you to your destination faster. Depending on the distance and urgency of your trip, you may need to switch to another form of transportation. A train, bus, or rental car could be a viable option.
Check whether nearby airports offer flights to your destination that might be less affected by delays. If your current airline is unable to rebook you, consider booking a ticket with a different carrier. Some credit card companies or travel insurance policies may cover the cost of rebooking on a new airline if your original flight is significantly delayed or canceled.
11. Take advantage of airport lounge access
If you have a long flight delay or cancellation, airport lounges can provide much-needed comfort and convenience. These lounges typically offer a quieter, more relaxing environment compared to the main terminal. Amenities such as complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating can make the wait more bearable, especially during extended delays. Some lounges even offer showers and nap pods, helping you recharge before your flight.
You may have access to an airport lounge through a credit card benefit, frequent flyer status, or by purchasing a day pass. Many premium travel credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, grant complimentary lounge access through programs like Priority Pass. Even if your credit card doesn’t offer free access, buying a day pass can be a worthwhile investment if your delay stretches for hours.
My final thoughts!
Flight disruptions are frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. The key is preparation and knowing your options. Whether it’s checking official announcements, understanding your rights, or exploring alternative travel options, you can take control of the situation. Keep your receipts, stay informed about what protections you have, and always be proactive.
Delays and cancellations may be inevitable. But with the right approach, you’ll stay one step ahead and minimize the hassle. Being prepared will turn a frustrating experience into a manageable one. And get you back on track faster.
FAQ’s About Delayed or Canceled Flights
Should I still go to the airport if my flight is delayed?
Yes, you should still plan to go to the airport unless the airline specifically advises otherwise. Delays can sometimes change quickly, and flights may depart earlier than expected once the issue is resolved. Always monitor your flight status via the airline’s app or website, and give yourself enough time to check in and clear security. If your delay is significant, contact the airline to verify whether there are any further updates or if rebooking options are available.
Do I need to check-in at the original time if my flight is delayed?
Yes, in most cases, you should still check in at the originally scheduled time. Especially if the delay is relatively short. Many airlines require passengers to check in on time regardless of a delay to avoid losing their seats. If you’re unsure, check with your airline for specific instructions. For longer delays, some airlines may allow flexible check-in. But it’s better to be safe and check in at your original time unless informed otherwise.
How long can a flight be delayed before it’s officially canceled?
There’s no fixed rule for how long a flight can be delayed before it’s officially canceled. Airlines often try to delay flights rather than cancel them, especially if the issue is something that might be resolved quickly. Things like air traffic control restrictions or temporary technical issues. However, if delays extend for several hours, cancellations become more likely. It’s best to stay updated via the airline’s app and be prepared to explore rebooking options if a canceled flight becomes inevitable.
Is it possible for a delayed flight to leave earlier than expected?
Yes, it’s possible, though rare. If the issue causing the delay is resolved faster than expected, airlines may move to depart earlier to get back on schedule. This is why it’s important to stay close to the gate and keep a constant eye on your flight status through the airline’s app or departure boards at the airport. Always ensure you’re near your gate and ready to board, even during a delay, just in case the situation changes.
Thanks for Reading!
Have you experienced a flight cancellation or flight delay before? I’d love to read your experience in the comment section below!
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Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by snaphappytravel