We are getting into the busy summer travel season. Flight delays and cancellations are almost inevitable. Should your flight be canceled, there is no reason to panic. Travel & Leisure spoke to travel experts about what passengers need to know to best handle this inconvenient situation.
First things first, contact your airline. They may automatically rebook you on the next available flight, but that is not your only option. You can visit the airline’s website and check flight options for rebooking.
Also, you can call or text the airline. If you’re at the airport when your flight is canceled, you should go to the airline’s help desk. Experts recommend that while standing in line you use your phone to try to rebook yourself using the airline app or call customer service; it might be faster.
The article points out that the airline will likely try to put you on one of their flights, but if that doesn’t work for you – like if no flight is available on your travel day – then you can ask to be rebooked onto another airline. Full-service airlines have interline agreements that may allow them to do this – budget carriers rarely do.
It’s also important to know that you may be eligible for compensation. The article states:
“As of April 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to automatically and ‘promptly’ issue refunds for certain travel disruptions. You are now legally entitled to a cash refund if your flight from or within the U.S. has been canceled or delayed…you don’t have to take a flight credit or travel voucher.”
One of the best ways to avoid cancellations or delays is to take the first flight of the day. Travel insiders say not only is the weather generally better in the morning, but the plane is likely already at the airport, having come in the night before.
Have you ever had a flight canceled or delayed? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and let us know what you do to get to your destination.
