If your flight gets canceled at the last minute, you’ll be offered a rebooking, but what if the next available flight doesn’t leave until the following day? If you’re like most passengers, you might be left wondering if their airline will pay for a hotel.
In the United States, the answer isn’t always straightforward. US law doesn’t automatically require airlines to cover hotel stays after cancellations, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely on your own. Depending on where you’re flying, which airline you’re on, and how the cancellation happened, you may still be entitled to hotel accommodation or reimbursement.
What US law requires airlines to do during cancellations
The US Department of Transportation rules don’t force airlines to provide hotels, meals, or ground transportation when a flight is canceled or delayed, even if the airline is clearly at fault.
What airlines are required to do is one of two things:
- Rebook you on the next available flight, or
- Offer a full refund if you decide not to travel
That said, many US passengers don’t realize that their flight may still be covered by international passenger rights laws if they are flying to Europe or Canada, and that they could get some assistance on domestic flights because of the airline’s own policies.
Hotel accommodation on US domestic flights
For flights entirely within the US, hotel accommodation usually comes down to airline policy, not the law.
Several major US airlines, including Delta, United, JetBlue, and American Airlines, have publicly committed to providing hotel accommodations for overnight disruptions that are within their control as well as transportation to the hotel and back to the airport.
This means that if your flight is canceled because of staffing problems or technical issues, you would be eligible for complimentary hotel accommodation and related transport. Conversely, you would not be eligible if your flight was canceled because of severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.
Because these policies aren’t mandated by the US government, hotel lodging may not be offered. In fact, you will most likely have to ask an airline agent for an overnight hotel stay, and availability can depend on the airport, time of day, and local hotel capacity.
Paying for a hotel yourself and getting reimbursed
If the airline doesn’t arrange a hotel, and you don’t have a realistic alternative, you may choose to book one yourself.
US law doesn’t force airlines to reimburse these costs, but reimbursement is still possible, especially when:
- The cancellation was within the airline’s control
- The airline had a stated policy of providing hotel lodging
- You asked for assistance and none was offered
Airlines are far more likely to reimburse reasonable expenses, so avoid luxury hotels and keep everything documented.
When airlines are required to provide hotel lodging
Even if you’re flying with a US airline, hotel accommodation may still be required when your trip falls under passenger rights regulations in different countries.
Flights involving Europe or the UK
Under EU261 and UK261, airlines must provide hotel accommodation when a canceled or severely delayed flight results in an overnight wait.
This means that you could get a free hotel stay after a flight disruption if:
- You’re departing from an EU or UK airport, regardless of airline, or
- You’re flying into the EU or UK on an EU or UK airline
In these cases, airlines must provide:
- A hotel stay
- Meals and refreshments
- Transportation between the airport and the hotel
This applies even if the cancellation was caused by weather, air traffic control issues, or other extraordinary circumstances.
Flights involving Canada
Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations also require airlines to provide hotel accommodation when a cancellation or delay causes an overnight stay and the disruption was within the airline’s control.
Your flight is covered if:
- You’re flying with a Canadian airline, or
- Your flight is departing from or arriving in Canada
What to do if your flight is canceled
If your flight is canceled and you’re facing an overnight delay, taking the right steps early can make a real difference.
- Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation
- Ask the airline what caused the cancellation
- Ask directly whether hotel accommodation is being provided
- Request meals or refreshments if available
- Save receipts for any necessary out-of-pocket expenses
- Decide whether you want to be rebooked or refunded
- Be cautious with vouchers or waivers, as accepting them can limit your options later
How AirAdvisor can help
Between airline policies, international regulations, and reimbursement rules, figuring out what you’re entitled to isn’t easy, especially when you’re already dealing with a canceled flight.
AirAdvisor helps passengers understand whether hotel costs and other expenses may be recoverable and whether additional compensation could apply.Check Your Flight
Tools to Help You Out
Resources & Additional Reading
- Received Flight Cancellation Notice? Here's what to do
- Should I Accept Cash or Vouchers for a Canceled Flight?
- Flight Refunds - All you need to know
Flight Cancellations by Issue
- Flight Cancellation due to Weather
- Flight Cancellation due to Technical Problems
- Flight Cancellation due to Air Traffic Control Issues
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