What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled, According to Air Travel Experts

Travel + Leisure

21 hours ago

There are few travel moments more deflating than racing through security, grabbing overpriced snacks, and hustling to your gate—only to find your flight has been canceled and the line to speak with an agent is already snaking around the concourse. (Although let's be frank: Getting that dreaded cancellation alert while you're en route to the airport isn't much better.)
Whether it's due to weather, crew shortages, or an unexpected mechanical issue, flight cancellations can throw even the most carefully planned trip into chaos. The silver lining? With a few savvy strategies—and the right information—you can skip (some of) the stress by staying one step ahead.
According to Dollar Flight Club founder Jesse Neugarten, the easiest and fastest way to find out if your flight has been canceled is by checking your airline's app or website. For the most up-to-date information, he recommends setting up email or text alerts as soon as you book; airlines usually send updates there instantly if your itinerary is impacted.
Additionally, says Neugarten, tools like FlightAware "give you an extra layer of visibility." Simply enter your flight number, and you'll see real-time updates from the FAA and airline data systems. The platform also lets you track the aircraft's inbound journey, offering real-time insights on whether your plane is arriving on time—or if it's already delayed.
As Neugarten explains, "If the plane that's supposed to become your flight is delayed in another city, you'll often see the writing on the wall before the airline officially tells you." He suggests checking FlightAware both the night before and the morning of your flight for early warning of delays or cancellations "well before they hit the airport monitors." A passenger checks flight information on an information board at the airport.When it comes to rebooking a canceled flight, time is of the essence. As soon as you receive word of a cancellation, Neugarten advises pulling up the airline's app or website to review rebooking options—even before getting in line at the gate. "Airlines usually load alternate flight options right into the app when a cancellation happens, and sometimes you'll even get rebooking offers without asking," he says. Options tend to fill up fast with everyone scrambling to get on the next flight, which is why it's imperative to act fast.
In the event of a cancellation, you can also try dialing the airline's customer service line. "Here's a pro tip," says Neugarten. "If the U.S. line has long wait times, try calling their help desk in another country like Canada or the U.K." Per the pro, these representatives can often help, and the hold times are usually shorter. If you booked through a third-party platform—such as Expedia or Kayak—or a travel agent, Neugarten recommends reaching out to them as well, since they "may have access to different rebooking systems or waivers."
Finally, don't rule out switching airlines. "Sometimes," says Neugarten, "It's smarter to take the refund and book a new flight on a different airline, especially if your original airline is having a larger meltdown."
"Under new federal regulation, when a flight is canceled (or significantly delayed), you are entitled to either a refund or a rebooking," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). This applies to any airline as long as the flight is departing, arriving, or traveling within the U.S. The reason for the disruption—whether it's within the airline's control or due to external factors like severe weather—doesn't matter; the same rule still applies. (More information can be found and verified on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.)
Before requesting your refund through the airline's website, app, or customer service team, you'll need to decline any alternative transportation or travel credits offered. If the airline still refuses to issue the refund, it's recommended to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Keep in mind that the above information applies only to domestic flights. Rules and regulations regarding international flight cancellations are a little murky. However, passengers flying to or from Europe may be entitled to up to roughly $700 under EU air passenger protections if their flight is delayed by more than three hours. In these cases, Neugarten suggests utilizing tools like AirHelp and Compensair, which 'make it easy to file claims and only take a cut if you get paid.'
While no one can predict with certainty whether a flight will be canceled, there are smart strategies you can use to mitigate your risk. Here's how to set yourself up for better outcomes should your travel plans get disrupted.
You know what they say: The early bird gets the worm—or, in this case, the on-time takeoff. Both Nastro and Neugarten tell T+L that early departures are more likely to leave on schedule. As Neugarten explains, that's because "they haven't been affected by delays building throughout the day."
While flying nonstop may not always be feasible—especially if you're headed somewhere remote—it's almost always the safer bet when it comes to avoiding cancellations. The reasoning is simple: "Fewer legs mean fewer chances for something to go wrong," says Neugarten.
While they may come with more crowds, larger airports often have more resources—extra gates, spare aircraft, larger crews, and more frequent flights on similar routes. That means if something goes wrong, you're more likely to be rebooked quickly or accommodated with alternate options. On the other hand, smaller regional airports may have fewer flights per day, limited ground staff, and longer wait times for assistance.
Before booking your flight, Neugarten recommends using tools like Google Flights or FlightAware to see if your flight is frequently delayed and/or canceled. This provides a clearer picture of which routes or airlines are more prone to disruptions, helping you make a more informed decision prior to purchasing a ticket.
Similarly, airlines are required to report their percentage of canceled flights to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This data offers valuable insight into an airline's overall reliability—and can help you choose a carrier with minimal canceled flights.