Your Stress-Free Guide to Dealing With a Canceled Flight

Whether you’re traveling somewhere new or revisiting a place you love, one thing’s for sure: Very few things can ruin a vacation quite like a canceled flight. That gorgeous hotel room and meticulously planned itinerary you spent months getting just right? Gone, or at least postponed until who knows when. 

On any given day, navigating the next steps after a canceled flight can be nightmarish, but the stakes feel even higher during the holidays. After all, everyone’s traveling then, so it might feel like you’re going head-to-head to snag an available seat. The good news? We’re here to help. Below, two travel pros are breaking down everything you need to know about canceled flights. While we hope you don’t run into this dilemma this holiday season—or, well, ever—these pointers will help you stay calm, cool, and collected if you encounter a flight fumble.

Book Strategically 

According to Ben Mutzabaugh, managing editor for aviation at The Points Guy, there will always be the risk of a flight being canceled. “They’re almost always a surprise, but there are things you can do to minimize the impact,” he says. 

When possible, book an early-morning flight. “It’s like starting with a clean slate before the day’s chaos compounds,” explains Kristen Kellogg of Salt + Wind Travel in California. “There’s the domino effect: When a plane is delayed in Chicago, it throws off the entire day’s schedule.”

Mutzabaugh agrees and recommends opting for nonstop tickets, so you’ll only have to worry about one flight. “Sign up for flight alerts so you can look for alternate flights as soon as you realize there might be a delay or cancelation of the one you originally booked,” he adds. 

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Understand the Issue

Before you start to stress about your change of plans, it’s important to understand why your flight is being canceled in the first place. Mutzabaugh says mechanical issues, tech glitches, or staffing issues can throw a wrench in your plan; however, he says the biggest cause for cancellation is the weather.  

“Sometimes it will seem obvious,” she explains. “Thunderstorms at your home airport or six inches of snow at your destination. But sometimes it can be a weather cancellation even if it’s sunny where you are and where you’re going. The problem could be in between.” Mutzabaugh says this is very possible during the winter as well as the summer months, when thunderstorms run rampant.

Weather-related cancellations might indicate that many other flights will be canceled, which might complicate getting booked on another flight. However, understanding the root cause can help you understand what you are entitled to. 

“Passengers can either request to be put on the next available flight to their destination or receive a refund for the canceled flight,” Mutzabaugh explains. “In most cases, that’s all the airline is on the hook for.” 

However, Kellogg says there are some exceptions. “If the cancellation is the airline’s fault—such as crew shortage or mechanical issues—many will cover meals and hotels for significant delays, though it’s not federally mandated.”

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Come Prepared

Weather, and the flight cancellations that often come with it, can change in the blink of an eye. That said, if there’s a whiff of inclement weather at your departure or arrival location, Kellogg encourages you to come prepared. For Kellogg, that means packing a carry-on bag as locating a checked bag in the middle of evolving plans “creates complications.” Speaking of carry-ons, Kellogg says you should always keep essentials like medications and chargers in your inflight bag.

While an airport lounge is a convenient, comfortable spot to wait for a new flight, Kellogg also recommends bringing your own snacks. “Airport food gets expensive when you’re stuck for hours,” she adds. 

Don’t Dilly-Dally

When it comes to getting on another flight, timing is everything. “If you’re at the airport, walk to the ticket or customer service counter, but also try to change your flight on your airline’s app,” Mutzabaugh explains. That way, you can possibly book another option on your phone, but consult with an airline attendant to explore a better option. 

Kellogg agrees and encourages you to ask about specific routes. If multiple flights have been canceled, the airline attendants will be busy, so doing your own research is always a smart move. She also recommends joining an airline’s loyalty program. “Even basic status can mean priority rebooking during chaos,” she notes.

Still can’t get rebooked? Kellogg recommends switching carriers. “Sometimes buying a ticket on another airline and seeking reimbursement later makes sense,” she explains. 

If you’re still at your home or hotel when your flight is canceled, simply log onto your airline’s website to see what’s available. While you won’t have the convenience of talking to someone in-person, you can stay in the comfort of your home or room until it’s time to leave.

Enlist Travel Insurance

While travel insurance seems like just another travel expense,  Kellogg says the peace of mind is well worth the investment. And when your flight gets canceled or there’s a natural disaster at your hotel, it can be a godsend. 

Kellogg says that some travel credit cards might cover trip delays, but you should never buy that add-on option you see when booking a hotel or flight. Why? The terms are often vague, plus it’s possible you’re being upsold and not receiving the best value. Since insurance needs will vary by the traveler, do your research. The pros recommend comparing multiple policies, and even annual membership on a platform like InsureMyTrip.

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Rework Your Schedule

Once you’ve booked your new flight, it’s time to salvage what you can of your schedule. While restaurants and tourist companies should be understanding when you explain the situation—at the end of their day, great hospitality is their business!—a hotel might be more of a challenge. 

Kellogg says you can always check to see if your credit card covers hotel stays, but she also recommends asking about hotel vouchers. While a property with zero flexibility might be a red flag, many sites might be willing to offer a meal or spa voucher to lift your spirits. 

Stay Positive 

The most important tip? Stay positive. Yes, a canceled flight is a total headache, but being polite to the airline attendants can pay off big time. “They have way more power than you think to work magic, and they’re dealing with a hundred angry passengers,” Kellogg says. “Be the pleasant one who gets remembered when a surprise seat opens up.” With any luck, you’ll be on your way before you know it.