You are on your way to the airport, excited about your flight. You have a boarding pass in hand and you’re ready to go. But then there’s an announcement that your flight is delayed or canceled. What do you do now?

First, it’s important to know what rights you have when this happens so that you can take appropriate action if necessary. We’ll cover all of your rights on domestic flights in the US in just a moment. But first let’s talk about why flights are sometimes delayed or cancelled altogether.

flight delay or cancellation

What Causes Flight Delays and Cancellations

The biggest reason for flight delays and cancellations is air traffic. Delays or cancellations may occur because of weather, mechanical issues with the plane, or even a major security incident at an airport across the country. Sometimes it can’t be helped – there are just too many variables in play to know which problems will arise next.

There has also been a recent uptick in flight cancellations due to under-staffing at airports and for flight staff. If there are not enough pilots or air crew available for any given flight, the airline has no choice but to cancel the flight.

What Happens if Your Flight is Delayed in the US

If your flight is delayed, it’s always a good idea to check directly with the airline for an update. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to post all delays on the airline’s website and telephones services if the flight is scheduled within seven days.

You will also want to check with the airline’s contract of carriage to see what the airline’s policies are on flight delays. There is no sweeping US federal regulation that requires US airlines to reimburse you for delays on domestic flights.

If the flight delay will negatively impact your trip, the best thing to do would be to talk to an airline representative as soon as possible. They can often move you to another flight that better fits your schedule, or transfer you to another airline’s flight. The key is to ask quickly, before the rest of the plane’s passengers make their requests.

What Happens if Your Flight is Cancelled in the US

When a flight is cancelled you can choose to cancel the trip and receive a refund for the ticket and any baggage fees.

If you would like to re-book your flight instead, the airline can help with that, or provide you with a voucher. If you re-book, be sure to obtain a refund for any unused segments of your trip. Often airlines allow passengers to fly out from another airport that has availability at no additional cost. If you get a flight voucher instead, be sure to ask about any expiration dates or restrictions.

In conclusion, if your flight is cancelled or delayed in the US, you will want to act fast. Review the airline’s contract of carriage to see what your rights are. Then contact the airline immediately to handle your requests. Even if the airline isn’t contractually obligated to give you a flight or airline change, they still do this regularly to keep customers happy. So don’t be afraid to ask!