Flight cancellations and delays can be frustrating, but knowing what to do next can help you protect your travel plans and finances. Whether you’re stuck at the gate or rerouting your entire trip, acting fast — and knowing your rights — is essential.
Let’s walk through some steps to help you manage unexpected changes to your flight times.
Step 1: Confirm your flight is canceled or delayed
Getting ready for a flight may be stressful, so it’s important to remain calm when you hear that a flight has been delayed or canceled.
Before moving forward with the next steps, confirm your flight’s status by double-checking it through your airline’s app, website, customer service phone number or the airport’s departure board. If you’re already at the airport, you might want to get in line at the gate or customer service desk while simultaneously calling the airline for faster support.
Step 2: Understand if you can get a refund
Sometimes, if a flight gets canceled or moved, it may be difficult to rearrange your schedule and fly at a later date. For that reason, there are specific situations where you might get a refund. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules entitle you to a full refund if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel, or if you experience a significant delay and choose not to travel.
DOT has not outlined what qualifies as a significant delay, and they’ll decide if a refund is warranted on a case-by-case basis. It may be useful to document your experience and follow up with the airline with specific information about how long your flight was delayed. Additionally, you can check your airline’s website for their policies about delays to find out the degree of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Some airlines may offer meal vouchers or hotel stays for prolonged delays, especially if they’re caused by controllable factors like maintenance or crew shortages. It may benefit you to hold onto receipts for meals, hotels or alternative travel in case you’re eligible for reimbursement.
Step 3: Rebook efficiently with or without the airline
While getting a refund may suffice under some circumstances, other times you may prefer to rebook your flight. Airlines may offer rebooking at no extra charge, especially in the case of operational issues. Reach out to a representative from your airline to explore your options for rebooking the flight.
Alternatively, if you want more flexibility, the Citi Travel site may be able to help you find new flight options, book last-minute stays or even rent a car — all in one place. You can log in to the Citi Travel site to view current options and rebook online with an eligible Citi credit card, often faster than waiting at the airport.
Step 4: What to do if your delay lasts overnight
If your delay causes you to remain overnight in the same city, you may be able to receive additional compensation, though airline policies may vary. Here are some general tips that might help if you have to wait overnight:
- Asking for vouchers: Politely ask the airline for hotel and meal vouchers, especially if the delay was within their control
- Document your expenses: Keep documentation for all expenses in case you plan to file a claim for reimbursement later
- Book with Citi Travel: If vouchers aren’t offered, eligible Citi cardmembers can use Citi Travel® to book nearby hotels and consider using ThankYou® Points to reduce out-of-pocket costs
Step 5: Plan for future flights
It can be challenging to avoid delays and cancellations completely, but here are some general strategies to help improve your chances of boarding your flight on time:
- Booking morning flights: Scheduling morning flights might avoid certain delays because those flights can take off before other planes have a chance to delay their timing.
- Checking the history of your flight: Some websites track the history of when flights have departed. If your flight tends to take off late, you may want to consider booking one that usually leaves closer to the scheduled departure time.
- Choosing direct flights: You may not be able to stop a delay, but choosing a direct flight allows you to skip the stress of having to make a connection.
- Protecting your trip: A Citi credit card may offer built-in travel protections, including reimbursement for trip delays, lost luggage and more.
Empower yourself with the right tools
Flight disruptions can hamper your travel experience, but they don’t have to derail your entire trip or your budget. Acting quickly, knowing your rights and taking advantage of tools like Citi Travel can help you regain control when your plans change.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
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