Here’s what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.

In a perfect world, every flight would take off promptly and make it to its final destination 20 minutes early. But in the real world, delays and outright cancellations are all too common. From thunderstorms to mechanical issues to air traffic control snafus, there are plenty of reasons to prevent your plane from making an on-time departure. The good news is that travelers have options and access to some compensation when wait times drag on. Here’s what to know when the dreaded “delayed” or “canceled” warning shows up on the airport’s departure board. 

My flight is delayed. What do I do now? 

At first, your options are: Wait it out on the original itinerary, try to get on another flight with the same airline, or rebook for free with a partner airline (not all carriers allow this). But once the delay reaches three hours on a domestic flight (six for an international one), the “automatic refund” rule kicks in. This new policy, which went into effect in 2024, requires an airline to refund the full amount of your trip if you so choose, even if you bought a nonrefundable ticket, and regardless of the reason for the delay. 

However, Janice Hough, a Northern California-based travel adviser, warns that the refund works only if you decide to stay home, or you can find another way to get there, such as an affordable last-minute alternate flight. “It’s not always a solution in getting you to the place you’re trying to go,” she says. 

(Related: Jet lag doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Here’s what you can do.)

Can I receive compensation if I wait at the airport for my flight delay to be resolved?

The reason or cause for a flight delay does matter. If the delay is out of the airline’s control, such as bad weather, then probably not. If it’s the airline’s fault that you’re late, also known as a controllable delay—a mechanical problem, fueling, or issues with the crew—then yes. All major U.S. carriers will provide money or a voucher for a meal if you’re delayed more than three hours. A few will even give you a travel voucher and/or frequent flier miles for the inconvenience.  

If you’re in a foreign airport when the delay happens, you might be eligible for cash, too. European Union countries and the UK provide payouts for certain delays, even if you’re flying a U.S. airline.  

What if my flight is canceled?

The same “automatic refund” rule applies, so you can opt for your money back or rebook the flight. Some airlines might offer a flight voucher or frequent flyer miles instead of a refund. You can only pick one form of compensation. 

If the cancellation has you stranded overnight, and it’s a controllable delay, then some carriers will cover the cost of a hotel and transportation to and from the airport. Check the Department of Transportation’s dashboard to see exactly how passengers can be compensated. Airlines don’t have to offer these perks, but if they’ve committed to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to do so, then they are legally required to honor it.  

If your airline offers lodging, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can book yourself into the nearest Ritz-Carlton and expect reimbursement, cautions John Breyault, an aviation expert with the National Consumers League. “Most of the airlines have processes in place and hotels that they work with,” he says. Check with customer service to see if you need to book a particular hotel or use a voucher. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee the airline will reimburse you. Remember to save all receipts if you decide to make arrangements on your own. 

(Related: Dreading a long layover? Here’s how to turn it into a second vacation.)

How do I make rebooking the flight less of a hassle?

You’re probably not the only person looking to get on another flight, regardless of whether it’s a lengthy delay or a cancellation. This can quickly lead to 200-person-deep lines with the gate agent. “Don’t limit yourself to just one channel to try to fix things,” says Breyault. Get in line but also try to chat with an agent on the airline’s app and/or call the main customer service number, which may get you help faster. 

If you’re really desperate, advises Hough, see if you can buy a day pass to the airline’s airport lounge. They’re often staffed with agents who can help you rebook, and the lines will be much shorter. (Bonus: Lounges offer food and drinks, too.) And if you booked your trip through a travel agent, call them right away. Professionals have access to preferred customer service phone numbers for faster rebooking.

Don’t forget that you’re now competing with the other passengers on your flight. “Whatever you do, try to do it quickly,” Hough says. “If there are other flight options with limited seats, you want to be there first.”  

(Related: Flying in 2025? Here’s how to find the cheapest flights.)

What if my airline refuses to pay up?

In the unfortunate event that you and the airline disagree about your rights, start by pulling up the DOT dashboard and/or the airline’s policy on its website and showing it to the agent. Keep things calm and polite. A loud, heated conversation with employees won’t help your cause. 

If that doesn’t work, you still stand a decent chance of getting reimbursement after the trip ends by appealing to the airline’s general customer service staff. “It’s always worth a polite email,” says Hough. “Get it in writing. If you can say, ‘I lost this many hours and had to pay a hotel bill, and I believe I deserve some compensation,’ sometimes you get it.” This typically comes in the form of a travel voucher or frequent flier miles.

If all else fails, you can file a complaint with the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. “Record as much as you can,” advises Breyault. “Take notes on whether you spoke to gate agents or people on the phone, and what was said in the conversation. Keep receipts, emails, and any text messages you may have received. The more paperwork you have to back up your complaint, the better.” 

How can I prevent this next time?

Experts suggest choosing flights earlier in the day to avoid any delays that compound into the afternoon and evening, and skipping airlines with the worst on-time performance. But the best strategy might be to give yourself extra time whenever possible. That means avoiding tight connections and even flying a day early.

Hough recommends, “If something is absolutely critical, like a cruise departure or a wedding, don’t put yourself in a situation where an airline delay will make you miss a major life event.

(Related: What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.K.)