What to Do When Your Flight is Canceled or Delayed
Why Do Flights Get Delayed?
Flight delays happen for all sorts of reasons. Some are within the airline’s control, while others aren’t. The most common causes include:
Weather Issues – Storms, fog, or high winds can ground flights or slow air traffic.
Air Traffic Congestion – Airports and airspace get crowded, causing takeoff and landing delays.
Mechanical Problems – If something needs fixing, airlines won’t risk flying.
Crew Timing Issues – Pilots and flight attendants have legally mandated work-hour limits.
Late Arrivals – If your plane is coming from another city and that flight is delayed, your flight will likely be, too.
If you’re wondering, “Why do flights get delayed so often?”—the reality is that modern air travel is a complicated system with a lot of moving parts. Some delays are unavoidable, but airlines do try to minimize them when possible. I use the Flighty app to keep track of my flights–It offers some of the most detailed flight information I’ve seen in an app, even on the free tier.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled
Step 1: Check the Airline’s App or Website
Most airlines update their app in real-time with delay notifications and rebooking options. This is usually faster than waiting in line at the customer service desk.
Step 2: Know Your Compensation Rights
If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, you might be entitled to compensation. Here’s what some airlines offer:
British Airways Flight Delay Compensation – Under EU regulations, if a British Airways flight is delayed by 3+ hours and it’s the airline’s fault, you may be eligible for up to €600.
Spirit Delayed Flight Compensation – Spirit Airlines might offer meal vouchers or travel credits if the delay is within their control.
Flight Delay Compensation Frontier – Frontier provides compensation for airline-caused delays, usually in the form of vouchers or reimbursements.
Major U.S. Airlines (Delta, American, United) – Compensation varies, but significant delays may result in rebooking, meal vouchers, or hotel stays.
European Budget Airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) – These airlines follow EU261 rules, meaning you may be entitled to cash compensation for long delays caused by the airline.
Instead of going through the hassle of filing a claim yourself, you can use Compensair, an online service that handles the entire compensation process for you. They work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you only pay if you successfully get compensation. The process takes just a few minutes to check your eligibility.
Step 3: Consider Alternative Routes
If your delay is long or your flight is canceled, look into alternative travel options:
Rebooking with Your Airline – Many airlines let you switch to a different flight at no extra cost.
Checking Nearby Airports – Sometimes, flights from a different airport may be available.
Looking at Other Airlines – If your airline can’t get you out soon, another airline might have availability.
Exploring Train or Bus Options – In some cases, ground transportation may be faster.
Step 4: Find Out If the Delay Could Change
Once a flight is delayed, can it be undelayed? Technically, yes, but it’s rare. If the airline finds a quicker solution, such as swapping aircraft or resolving crew issues, the flight might leave earlier than expected.
Should You Get Travel Insurance?
If you fly frequently, travel insurance is almost always a good buy. A good policy can cover trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and even emergency medical expenses. Some recommended providers include:
VisitorsCoverage – Partners with the world’s top insurance underwriters and providers offering hundreds of tailored policies.
Ekta – Provides comprehensive coverage for a variety of travel disruptions.
Having travel insurance can save you from unexpected costs like hotel stays or booking a new flight when things don’t go as planned.
How Often Do Delayed Flights Leave Early?
Most of the time, once a flight is delayed, it sticks to the new schedule or gets pushed back further. While minor delays (15–30 minutes) may be made up in the air, major delays rarely result in an earlier departure.
A word of caution: never assume your flight will leave later than its original time. I once trusted a delayed departure time and ended up missing my flight—lesson learned! Always assume your delay will last as estimated.
Final Thoughts
A delayed or canceled flight is never ideal, but knowing what to do can make it much easier to handle. Stay updated, check if you’re eligible for compensation, and explore alternative options if needed. If you don’t want to deal with the paperwork, hiring a company to manage your claim can help you get your compensation quickly and easily. And if you travel often, investing in travel insurance can protect you from future disruptions.