What to Do at the Airport When Your Flight Is Cancelled

The moment you learn your flight is cancelled, start doing two things simultaneously: get in the rebooking line AND call the airline on your phone. The phone agent can often rebook you before you reach the front of the line. Whichever channel works first wins.

Speed matters. When a flight is cancelled, every passenger on that flight is competing for seats on the next available flights. The passengers who get rebooked first are the ones who act immediately.

1. 1

   Join the rebooking line at the airline counter or service desk while simultaneously calling the airline.

2. 2

   Check the airline app for self-service rebooking options. Many airlines now allow rebooking through the app.

3. 3

   Know your options: You can accept rebooking on the next available flight OR request a full cash refund under DOT rules.

4. 4

   Ask about partner airlines: Some carriers can rebook you on alliance partner flights.

5. 5

   Request meal vouchers if the delay will be 3+ hours (for airlines that signed the DOT commitment).

6. 6

   Request hotel accommodation if the delay is overnight and controllable.

7. 7

   Document everything: Screenshot the cancellation notice, keep your boarding pass, note agent names.

You have two choices: accept the airline's rebooking or request a full refund. The right choice depends on your situation.

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  Choose rebooking if the next available flight gets you to your destination in time for your plans.

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  Choose refund if the rebooking is too late, if you can find a better option on another airline, or if you no longer need to travel.

For more on the refund process, see our complete refund guide. For advice on overnight delays specifically, read our overnight hotel guide. If your flight was cancelled last minute, see our last-minute cancellation guide.

While dealing with the immediate logistics, also protect your right to compensation.

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  Do not sign anything that waives your rights or characterizes the cancellation differently than it was.

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  Do not accept a voucher as your refund unless you genuinely prefer it.

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  Ask the gate agent for the reason for the cancellation and note it.

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  Keep all receipts for expenses during the disruption (meals, hotel, transport).

If your flight departed from an EU or UK airport, you may be entitled to EU261 or UK261 compensation of up to €600/£520 per person, in addition to your refund or rebooking. Check your eligibility after you get home.