Flight delayed or canceled? Here’s your next step

Last year, around 20% of flights in the U.S. experienced delays, with cancellations ranging from 1% to 2%. While these figures have improved since 2022, delays and cancellations remain common due to factors like bad weather, mechanical failures, or scheduling conflicts.

Though 2024 is still in its early stages, it has already seen significant disruptions, including the grounding of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 due to "explosive" decompression and winter storms affecting air travel nationwide.

If you encounter flight delays or cancellations, here are strategies to minimize the chances of being stranded and maximize your chances of reaching your destination promptly.

How to check if your flight may be delayed

In today's world of crowded flights and readily available information, don’t wait for the airline to inform you of any issues.

You can track overall flight patterns nationwide using FlightAware, which provides a comprehensive view of daily air traffic.

FlightAware's "Misery Map" highlights delays. Within the 24 hours leading up to your flight, check its status on your airline's website. If possible, verify the origin of your aircraft. Even if your local weather is clear, your plane may be delayed if it's stuck in a snowstorm elsewhere.

Opting in for flight notifications with your airline is also a smart move. Here are the steps for American Airlines and United Airlines.

You can also receive flight status updates directly from FlightAware.

Make sure to download your airline's app on your smartphone as well. Many airlines provide real-time tracking of your "incoming plane." In fact, the information on the app is often more current than what's displayed on the airport's departure and arrival boards.

When to arrive at the airport if your flight experiences a delay

This can be a bit complicated. If your flight appears as "on time" in the app, head to the airport as per the original schedule.

Even if your flight is marked as delayed in the app, that information can change quickly. Generally, it's advisable to be at the airport at the originally planned time. There are many instances where a flight is delayed only to take off earlier than expected, leaving some passengers behind.

Occasionally, you might get an early alert about a significant delay. For example, if you're at an airport that isn't a hub for your airline (which means fewer spare planes and crews), and the aircraft for your flight is far from arriving, the delay is likely to be real. Nevertheless, it's still wise to be at the airport, just in case.

Severe weather can lead to a temporary ground stop at the airport. Once conditions improve and the stop is lifted, airlines will do their best to get their flights airborne as quickly as possible. Therefore, it's best to stay nearby in case there are last-minute changes.

Understand your rights

Understanding your passenger rights is crucial. For example, if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and you opt not to travel, you are entitled to a refund, regardless of the disruption's cause.

If you find yourself stranded overnight, you might also be eligible to claim expenses for additional meals, hotel stays, and transportation.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation has intensified its efforts to ensure airlines transparently communicate what they will offer passengers in cases of cancellations or lengthy delays. These assurances can be found on FlightRights.gov, the DOT's resource hub.

This website provides an overview of what airlines guarantee during "controllable" delays and cancellations—situations within the airline's control. It's important to note that weather-related disruptions are usually not included in these "controllable" definitions.

When you check the dashboard, you'll notice that some airlines promise more than others in terms of overnight accommodations, ground transport, credit vouchers, and rebooking options with partners. Review this list not only when selecting an airline to fly with but also in the event of a significant, controllable delay or cancellation. This way, you'll be informed about what the airline is obligated to provide. If the airline fails to fulfill its promises, you can lodge a complaint with the DOT.

How to handle bad weather conditions

Keep an eye on weather forecasts several days leading up to your flight to identify any potential major systems. It's crucial to check the forecast the evening prior and on the day of travel to assess how weather issues might impact your departure and arrival airports.

Make sure to sign up for updates regarding your flight's status. If severe weather is predicted later in the day, consider requesting an earlier flight if possible. Alternatively, flying the night before the expected weather can help reduce the chances of delays.

During severe weather events like looming blizzards, ice storms, or heavy thunderstorms, many airlines will issue travel advisories. These notifications allow passengers to modify their travel plans, even if they are booked on non-changeable tickets, such as basic economy fares.

Sometimes, the airline may take the initiative to change your flight schedule.

If you're aware of approaching bad weather, check your airline's website for advisory notices or call them directly to explore your options. If the airline acts early on weather-related issues, you might be able to reschedule your flight by a few days without incurring fees. You can also inquire about switching to a nonstop flight if your connecting one is at risk due to the weather.

However, if the airline hasn't provided any advisories, you might need to cover any fare differences out of pocket if you feel the need to change your plans to ensure you reach your destination.

What steps to take if your flight gets delayed or canceled

In 2024, standing in long airport lines or waiting on hold can be one of the least efficient and enjoyable methods to rebook when facing a flight cancellation or delay.

Most major airlines allow you to rebook your flight via their mobile app. You might have the option to select a new flight time or even change to a nearby origin or destination city.

Therefore, the airline app should be your first stop once you encounter a significant disruption in your travel plans.

However, there are times when automated rebooking may not be the best choice. Occasionally, the only automated options available might include a red-eye flight or a future flight that won't reach your destination for several days, particularly when flights are fully booked.

If you can't find what you need through the app, seek out an airline employee at the ticketing desk. Check their uniforms and name tags to ensure you're speaking with a ticket agent rather than a baggage handler or outsourced contractor who may not be able to assist you effectively.

If the U.S. call center has long wait times (which can happen during widespread disruptions), consider calling an international number for quicker service. You can usually find these numbers on the airline's website. Additionally, reaching out to the airline on social media platforms like X can also yield faster responses when customer service lines are overloaded.

For instance, when the first segment of an American Airlines flight from New York City to Arkansas was delayed just before Christmas, TPG editor Madison Blancaflor missed her connection. She reached out to American Airlines on X to secure a spot on the earliest available flight. Although she had to deal with a long layover in Charlotte, it was still a better (and less stressful) experience than rushing to the customer service desk upon arriving in Charlotte.

Moreover, some airlines offer live online chat or text services that can be faster than calling customer support.

If there are no viable booking options left with your airline, inquire about possibilities with another carrier. If the delay is due to weather and you're on a basic economy fare or flying with a low-cost airline, you might find limited options. Nevertheless, it's worth asking and, if possible, presenting the alternatives you've researched.

Head to a lounge

If you have access to an airline lounge, such as a United Club or Delta Sky Club, consider going there for assistance from knowledgeable agents who often face shorter lines. It’s a good place to regroup, charge your phone, and make thoughtful decisions. The agents in these lounges are typically well-equipped to help you change or track your flight.

In third-party lounges, like an American Express Centurion Lounge, you won't receive specific airline assistance. However, you're likely in a more comfortable place to ride out the storm than in a packed terminal.

Rebook your flight

At times, if you absolutely need to get home, you might have to take matters into your own hands and purchase a new ticket yourself.

Once, while facing a delay traveling from Orlando to Houston, United Airlines was unable to get me home for over 24 hours after my flight was canceled. I ended up finding a nonstop flight with Southwest Airlines that had one last seat available for $463.

Even though rebooking yourself usually isn't covered by insurance or the airline, I opted for the Southwest flight. I received a refund for my original United ticket, which helped alleviate some of the cost of the new ticket. In my situation, it was worth taking control of my travel plans rather than being stranded.

Your credit card's built-in trip delay or trip cancellation coverage can assist with many unexpected costs arising from delays and cancellations, but it likely won't cover the cost of a new flight home. Nonetheless, if it becomes your only option for a while, you'll need to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks.

Luckily, many airlines now permit you to cancel main cabin tickets and higher, allowing you to receive airline credit that can be applied to a future flight. (This generally does not extend to basic economy fares or low-cost carriers.)

Check airport hotels

As you contemplate your options during a flight delay or cancellation, consider looking into airport hotels, which can fill up quickly during significant disruptions. Sometimes, it might be best to call it a night, rest, and attempt your journey again in the morning.

Airport hotels are usually quite economical when booked with points, though cash rates can soar during peak demand. Typically, accommodations may be covered under trip delay protection for cancellations or significant delays, especially with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express.*

*Eligibility and benefits vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Arrive early for standby flights

If you anticipate that your flight might be canceled or delayed, arriving at the airport early could land you a same-day standby flight to get you to your destination ahead of schedule.

For instance, a TPG team member employed this tactic to avoid an overnight stay due to a disruption on his flight from Austin to New York City, which threatened to make him miss a connection in Dallas. With A-List status on Southwest, he arrived early and managed to secure a free same-day standby spot on an earlier flight connecting to a different city. His A-List status elevated him to the top of the standby list, allowing him to board the flight.

Joining the standby list doesn't guarantee a spot, particularly if the earlier flight is nearing full capacity. Having elite status can be advantageous here, as it gives you priority over those without it. Moreover, some airlines impose fees for non-elite passengers who wish to join the standby list for an earlier flight.

Use credit cards that offer travel protection

The harsh reality is that in about 99 out of 100 cases, if airline delays and cancellations are due to weather, the airline is unlikely to cover any additional costs resulting from the altered plans since they can't control the weather. While travel insurance can help if you have it, the credit card you used to book your flight might also reimburse you for unforeseen expenses from flight delays or cancellations, regardless of whether weather was the cause.

Numerous rewards credit cards provide significant travel protections if your flight is delayed or canceled, assuming you booked with one of them. Here are a few examples of cards that include built-in coverage:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card offers a $300 annual travel credit, up to $20,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $75,000 in car rental insurance, and trip delay benefits of up to $500 per person, starting after a six-hour delay, among other advantages.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per covered individual and emergency assistance services, among other features.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Along with extensive lounge access and up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, this card also provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance for up to $20,000 for covered trips and incidents.* Enrollment is necessary.

*Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

In summary

Ultimately, it's important to be decisive when faced with flight delays or cancellations. The longer you wait to change flights or secure accommodations, the more likely you are to be left with limited options as countless other passengers adjust their travel plans.

Generally, flights will get you to your destination around your desired time. However, delays and cancellations are simply part of flying.

If your flight is delayed by one or two hours, patience is usually the best approach. But when you're confronted with a significant delay or a cancellation, having a strategy in place can help you avoid getting stranded.

With the frequent occurrence of full flights these days, acting swiftly, exploring your options, and making prompt decisions will give you an advantage over others.