In an ideal world, all flights would take off at the allotted time, but in the real world, that’s not always the case. Flight delays and cancellations are part and parcel of travel; whether it’s air traffic control issues, mechanical complications, or thunderstorms, numerous factors can prevent a flight from departing on time.
While a delayed or cancelled flight can be incredibly frustrating, the good news is that there are options and even compensation available when waiting times are prolonged.
So rather than being stressed out, angry, or confused, here are some things you can do instead:
- Talk to an airline representative to understand the reason for the flight delay or cancellation. They will also have information on available options and whether the airline will offer compensation for cancellations or delays. You can walk up to the representative at the airline’s departure gate and make your inquiries, or you can also call your airline’s help desk.
- If you have a connecting flight, make sure to ask about it so the airline representatives can rebook it if you are unable to make it on time. While airlines often do this automatically, it’s better to be safe and double-check.
- If you have travel insurance, contact your provider, as you may be eligible for compensation if the flight is delayed for a prolonged period. Typically, this compensation covers meals, transportation, and accommodation. Moreover, your travel insurance policy might also offer travel assistance services to help you book a new ticket if your flight is cancelled.
- Purchase a lounge pass if you have to stay in the airport for a while because of delays. Lounges are exclusive areas that offer quiet environments, snacks, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi access, and more. Thankfully, they can help sweeten the waiting experience!
Do Airlines Offer Compensation for Delayed Flights?
Typically, the reason for the delay dictates whether you are eligible for compensation. If the holdup was due to factors beyond the airline’s control, like bad weather, you’re not likely to get compensation. But if it’s the airline’s fault—a controllable delay, as it’s called—such as crew issues, fueling, or mechanical problems, then yes, you can get compensation.
All major US airlines will offer compensation in the form of cash or a meal voucher if the delay exceeds 3 hours. Some carriers will even issue a travel voucher to make up for the inconvenience.
If the flight delay occurs while you are at a foreign airport, you may be eligible for cash compensation. In the UK and some European Union countries, payouts are offered for certain delays, even if you are flying on a US airline.
This automatic refund rule applies to flight cancellations, too. If the cancellation was due to a controllable delay, some carriers will offer to cover the cost of the hotel and transportation to and from the airport. You can check exactly how the compensation works for passengers on the Department of Transportation’s dashboard.
What If Your Airline Refuses Compensation?
If your airline is refusing to offer any form of remittance, you can pull up the airline’s policy information from the website or the DOT dashboard and show it to the agent. Remember to be polite and calm because heated arguments won’t do you any favors. If this does not work, you can contact the airline’s general customer service team or send a polite email after the trip ends. Mention how you lost many hours and had to end up paying a hotel bill, therefore politely requesting compensation of some sort. Oftentimes, the airline may come back with a peace offering, such as extra frequent flier miles or a travel voucher.
If this also fails, it would be best to file a complaint with the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. Make sure that you record as much information as possible. Take notes on your conversation with gate agents, along with any emails, text messages, or receipts you acquired. The more tangible evidence you have to back up your complaint, the better your chances of earning compensation.
How To Protect Yourself From Cancellations And Delays
If your flight was canceled due to something beyond the airline’s control, your credit card benefits can come in handy. Many travel-related credit cards offer trip delay insurance to cover these sorts of delays. Ensure that you have your receipts in hand because your credit card’s benefits administrator might ask for a statement from the airline for the reason behind the delay or cancellation.
Another handy option is to purchase travel insurance to cover you in case of flight delays or cancellations. Some travel insurance policies allow you to cancel your trip for any reason, ensuring coverage regardless of the reason your trip was cut short. For frequent flyers, flight or travel insurance can ease many financial concerns during delays or cancellations. Since the travel insurance can take care of unexpected expenses even if your airline won’t, it’s an option worth considering.
Bottom Line
Traveling can be exciting but also stressful, to say the least. The last thing you want to do is spend hours sitting at the airport waiting for your flight, or having to reschedule all your plans due to issues with your flight being held up. A good piece of advice is to choose flights earlier in the day to avoid any delays that compound later on in the day. If a specific airline has a poor track record, it’s best to choose another carrier.
You never know what unforeseen hurdle might be thrown your way when traveling, so it’s best to give yourself some extra time whenever possible. This means flying a day or two earlier and avoiding tight connections whenever possible. If you’re traveling to attend an important or time-sensitive event – like a wedding or visiting someone critical in the hospital – avoid putting yourself in a situation where an airline delay or cancellation will make you miss out on a significant life event.
