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What Should You Do if Your Flight is Canceled? A Step-By-Step Guide for US Passengers
According to FlightAware, more than 1,500 flights are canceled on an average day; a number that skyrockets during holidays and peak travel seasons. While flight cancellations may be an inevitable part of the travel landscape, you can still get to where you're going and even get a refund or compensation if you take the right steps. Here’s what US passengers need to know.
Choose Between a Different Flight or a Refund
Whether your flight was canceled weeks ahead of time or the day of departure, you have a right to a rebooking or a refund. And airlines must comply with this because it is a rule set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Plus, you are entitled to these two choices regardless of the price of your ticket OR if you have a refundable or changeable booking.
If Your Flight is Canceled and You’re at the Airport
If you’re near the gate, ask a gate agent if they can book you on another flight. If there’s a long line, and you have to wait, take these steps:
- Look up alternate flights on the airline’s app. Sometimes, you’ll be automatically rebooked on another flight, and if you are, you’ll find the information within the app.
- Try calling the airline for help. If you can’t get through, try calling the carrier’s international customer service number because you might be able to get through more quickly. And yes, many times they will have service in English even if it is a non-English speaking country.
- Contact the airline on social channels via messenger because you can usually get a response more quickly.
- You can also contact the airline for help through WhatsApp, but not all airlines offer this option.
- If you can’t find a new flight with your airline, search for alternate flights on other airlines. Most carriers have agreements among them that allow for cross booking if there are no flights available with your original carrier.
If the line is too long, or if you’re in another part of the airport, you can also look for self service kiosks. You might not find these at every airport, but if you do, then you can scan or enter your info, and see if you’ve been rebooked on another flight. If you’re unhappy with the new arrangements, you can make changes at the kiosk.
When Your International Flight is Canceled
If you’re flying from the US to Canada, Europe, or the UK on an airline from these countries, you might be eligible for canceled flight compensation. So as soon as you learn that your flight is canceled, you should begin documenting everything.
Start by asking the airline agent what caused the cancellation, and make a record of their response. This matters because if the airline is at fault for the flight disruption, then you could be eligible for compensation in cash.
To help support a compensation claim, take screenshots of the cancellation notice you got on the app, email or SMS text. You can also take photos of the information boards showing your flight is canceled. The more supporting evidence you can collect, the stronger your compensation claim will be if you choose to submit one later on.
Ask for Basic Care, a Rebooking or a Refund
Regulations in the EU, UK, Canada, all require airlines to provide you with the option of a refund or a rebooking, plus meals and refreshments if your delay is at least 2 hours long. You’re also entitled to hotel accommodation if your cancellation forces you to wait overnight at the airport.
If you end up paying for these things on your own, keep track of your receipts so you can submit them for reimbursement.
You can check to see if your canceled international flight is eligible for compensation by entering your flight details into this compensation calculator.
Check Your Credit Card for Travel Insurance Coverage
If you used a credit card to book your flight, then check to see if any travel insurance is offered through that card. Credit card travel coverage can vary quite a bit, but depending on your situation, it could offer some much-needed perks if your flight is canceled like lounge access or coverage for hotel and meal expenses.
Avoid Vouchers and Waivers
Airlines may offer you travel vouchers for future flights in place of a refund. If you’ve been given this option, be especially careful and read all the fine print. Vouchers usually come with black-out dates and other restrictions, and accepting one could cause you to forfeit your claim to compensation if you were flying internationally.
You might also be asked to sign a waiver, and while these may vary quite a bit, remember to be cautious about signing anything unless you thoroughly understand what you’re signing. As with vouchers, waivers could also eliminate your chances of getting compensated by the airline.
Start a Canceled Flight Compensation Claim
As we touched on earlier, and depending on your itinerary, you could be eligible for up to $650 (€600) in canceled flight compensation.
First, you’ll need to submit your claim in writing. The best way to ensure that you cover all the important points, is to use our letter template. When you’ve written your letter, navigate to the airline’s website, and look for the claims or complaints section. You can also search on the FAQ page for contact information. Next, upload your supporting documents, and you’re done.
Check if your flight is eligible and start your risk-free claim today!If you’ve had a canceled flight anytime in the last 3 years, our team of legal professionals here at AirAdvisor can help you, so that you get the compensation you’re owedCheck Your Flight
Author:
Joanna Teljeur
Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead
Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development with a focus on consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work centers on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.
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