In recent years, I've found that my flights have been canceled more frequently. Sometimes, they are canceled well before my trip, and sometimes, because of extreme weather conditions, they are canceled when I'm already at the airport. If your flight is canceled, here are the things you'll need to do to make sure you still get to your destination.
Disclosure: I've received a complimentary year of TripIt, but am currently paying full price. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.
What to Do If Your Flight Gets Canceled - Steps to Follow
When Booking Your Flight
While you can't always control external events, you can put yourself in the best position to be the least affected by flight cancellations. For instance, make sure that you leave enough time between flights. If you have a specific event you want to attend or are going on a cruise, you'll want to arrive well in advance to accommodate any potential delays in your travel.
Keeping Track of Flights (Before Your Trip)
If you book your flights well in advance, you may find that they are canceled and rescheduled at some point. This is fairly common, as airlines often update their schedules without significantly impacting your travel. But I recommend that you keep track of your flights. Although airlines will alert you, it can be easy to miss an email.
I use two different apps to automatically track my flights. However, these are paid options. If you don't fly frequently, it may be easier to manually keep an eye on the schedule rather than pay.
However, if you would like a paid option, I have two favorites - Flighty and TripIt. These apps can help you track your flights and watch for potential delays and issues while traveling.
On occasion, your flights will be canceled and rebooked, or your flight times/aircraft type may change before your trip. In those cases, sometimes your seat assignments will change to accommodate the new aircraft. Keep an eye on your seats to make sure they don't change, especially when traveling with a family.
When booking (and again when checking in), ensure that the airline has your most up-to-date contact information so you can be contacted in the event of cancellations and changes. You'll also want to download your airline's app and make sure you are logged in.
Watch the Weather
When widespread weather events, like snowstorms and hurricanes, are in the forecast, the airlines often waive change and cancellation fees in advance. Where I live, in the Northeast, this often happens in the winter.
Depending on your plans, you may want to take advantage of this to proactively change your plans in advance. If you can arrive a day or two early, you may be able to avoid chaos in the air later. Typically, these changes can be conveniently made online, eliminating the need to wait on hold.
Cancelled Flights Before You Leave For the Airport
Unfortunately, especially when it comes to weather situations, flight cancellations can happen during the day of travel, either before you leave for the airport or once you are there. You'll handle these situations slightly differently depending on when they happen.
Before you leave for the airport, check your flight for updates. With an app like Flighty, you'll see what is going on with the plane before it arrives at your airport. You can often spot problems before they happen, especially when there are widespread adverse weather conditions.
If your flight is cancelled, you'll typically get an alert from your airline. Sometimes you'll automatically be rescheduled, but if you aren't, it's best to call the airline as soon as possible. Be flexible, as you'll often need to make a connection, even if you had a direct flight.
If you'd prefer to cancel your entire trip (or take a different mode of transportation), that's usually an option. Or, consider flying to/from a different, nearby airport if that schedule is better.
Cancelled Flights When You Are at the Airport
If your flight is cancelled while you're at the airport, you'll have additional contact options since gate agents will be available to assist. Lines can get long, however, especially if the cancellation is due to a widespread event. I recommend getting in line while trying to call the airline at the same time. That way, you'll have multiple options for making changes quickly (before they book up).
Whether you get someone on the phone or get to the front of the line first, be clear about your situation and stay friendly. Be open to your options, and recognize that the representative may have limited options.
You'll also want to ensure your luggage is properly handled, especially if it's already been loaded onto the plane. If you've checked your bags, let the agent know so they can update the tag.
Dealing With Long Flight Delays
Often, when you are at the airport and your flight is delayed, you'll be faced with a long wait at the airport. If it's an overnight, ask if you can get a hotel voucher. However, airlines don't provide those for flight delays due to weather.
If you are stuck at the airport all day, you may consider a day stay at an airport hotel. When you book a day stay, you'll be given a room for the day and can use the hotel amenities (like the gym, pool, etc). These will be at your own expense, however.
Even if you limit screen time, you may make an exception for flights delayed at the airport. Be sure to pack all your chargers in your carry-on bags so they're ready to go. Speaking of carry-on bags, it's essential to pack everything you need and any extras, especially when traveling with babies and toddlers.
Travel Insurance
Many families wonder if travel insurance is a worthwhile expense. When dealing with flight delays, travel insurance can really help pay for extra expenses that aren't covered by the airline, including hotel stays and expenses for delayed/lost luggage. You'll want to check with your specific policy to see exactly what is covered, and be sure to have the policy and company phone number easily accessible when you travel.
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