What to Do When Flights Get Delayed or Canceled

We’ve all been there. You’re at the gate. The board flips to DELAYED. Your connection is suddenly a gamble. Your bag is already on the plane, and no one can tell you what’s actually happening.

Winter is the most unpredictable flying season of the year. Knowing your options before things go sideways can save you hours, money, and a lot of pacing near the charging outlets.

Here’s your practical playbook when a flight is delayed or canceled.

First Things First: Don’t Wait in Line

The gate line is the slowest option. As soon as you see a delay or cancellation:

• Open the airline app and try to rebook
• Call the airline at the same time
• Use a service desk only if digital options fail

Speed matters. The fastest traveler usually gets the best reroute.

Questions to ask:

• “Can you rebook me on the next available flight, including partner airlines?”
• “Are there any earlier departures from nearby airports?”
• “Can you put me on standby for earlier flights?”
• “Are meal or hotel vouchers available?”

Refunds, Rebooking, and What to Say

If your flight is canceled or delayed significantly, you usually have a choice: accept the rebooking or decline it and request a refund, even on nonrefundable tickets.

You typically qualify if:

• Your flight is canceled
• A delay causes you to miss a connection
• You’re rebooked many hours later or the next day
• The new itinerary no longer works for your trip

Weather delays may not come with hotels or meal vouchers, but if you choose not to travel, airlines are still required to refund the unused portion of your ticket.

When you ask, keep it calm, direct, and factual:

• “Due to the cancellation and extended delay, the rebooked itinerary no longer worked for my trip. I’m requesting a refund for the unused portion.”
• “The delay caused me to miss my connection, and the alternative flight wasn’t reasonable.”

You’ll often have better luck submitting this through the airline’s website or customer relations form after the trip.

Tip: If you incur expenses during a disruption, save receipts. While policies vary, clear documentation gives you the best chance at reimbursement.

Winter Delays Are Inevitable. Being Prepared Is Not.

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you respond when plans change. Knowing when to rebook, when to refund, and what to say makes winter travel far less painful.