Avoid a major meltdown by knowing the essential steps to take when a flight veers off course
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, at least until a canceled flight or long delay turns even the merriest of travelers into a Grinch. The joyful season brings plenty of holiday cheer and festive travel opportunities … along with unpredictable weather, mechanical issues, staffing shortages and, sadly, lots of travel disruptions.
And now there’s another wrinkle travelers need to know about: The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently rolled back parts of its automatic-compensation rules for significant delays and cancellations. That means if you experience any major problems, the promise of a quick, hassle-free payout or refund is no longer guaranteed.
So what happens if your holiday trip hits a significant snag during the busiest travel time of the year? You may still be eligible for a full refund or other protections, but the rules have definitely changed. We have all the details below on what to do if your flight has been delayed or canceled.
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Why are flights usually delayed or canceled?
It depends. With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) managing nearly 45,000 flights carrying close to 3 million passengers in and out of U.S. airports every day, even a single small problem can quickly snowball. Flights often hit snags due to a mix of airline-related issues, broader system disruptions and weather. Common issues include:
- Crew or maintenance staffing shortages due to illnesses or absences, or employees who have exceeded strict work limits
- Sick passengers
- Operational holdups, including delayed fueling, aircraft cleaning and baggage handling
- Storms and weather events
- Mechanical and technical issues, including aircraft problems and computer glitches
- Security concerns
With such an astronomical number of travelers on the go, disruptions are inevitable—and travel volume continues to climb. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just announced that it set a new daily record on Nov. 30, 2025, screening an incredible 3.12 million passengers. If this uptick in Thanksgiving travel is any indication, the peak Christmas and New Year’s rush could be just as hectic.
What should you do if your flight is canceled or delayed?
Any delay during the peak holiday travel season can feel especially stressful, but knowing the right steps to take if your plans are thrown off schedule will help make the process a little easier.
Gather information
As soon as you hear about a disruption, reach out to the airline (at the gate, customer-service desk or via the app) to find out the anticipated delay. Ask whether the flight is still expected to operate and if there’s a new departure time.
Consider rebooking
If you might miss a connecting flight or just arrive too late, ask about rebooking on the next available flight—many airlines will waive change fees for a major delay. Use the airline’s app or call customer service to make changes faster, especially if you have elite status.
Keep an eye on your luggage
If you change flights, confirm your checked bags will be automatically routed to your new flight, or ask what steps you need to take to retrieve and recheck them.
Learn what’s covered
For long delays, especially those that stretch overnight, don’t assume airlines will still cover meals or hotel stays. Under the 2025 DOT updates, carriers are no longer required to pay for either. Some may still offer assistance, but it’s not guaranteed.
Decide what you want
If the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you’re entitled to a full refund, but you must decline any alternative bookings, vouchers or credits (including for ancillary services you paid for, like baggage fees, seat selection and Wi-Fi).
Keep documentation
Save everything, including your original booking confirmation, boarding passes and cancellation or change notices, as well as receipts for meals, alternative travel and other expenses. They are essential if you submit a reimbursement claim to the airline, your credit card or a travel insurance company.
Can you get a refund on a delayed or canceled flight?
With DOT enforcement of parts of its 2024 consumer-protection rule now halted and in limbo, airlines have more flexibility in how they handle delays and cancellations. They’re no longer required to make cash payouts in addition to issuing refunds for some disruptions. Here’s what you need to know about your rights:
If your flight is delayed
If the airline delays or causes “significant changes” to your flight schedule due to controllable issues like mechanical problems and crew staffing (called a controllable delay or cancellation), you may be entitled to a refund if you refuse the affected flight, decline any alternative offered and reject vouchers or other forms of compensation.
Of course, the interpretation of a “significant change” can vary wildly between an airline and a passenger. Here’s how the DOT defines that term, with specific cutoff times, itinerary changes and other nuances:
- Departing or arriving three or more hours earlier or later than scheduled for domestic flights or six or more hours for an international itinerary
- Arriving at or leaving from an airport that is different from what was originally planned
- Increasing the number of connections a passenger must make
- Downgrading your class of service
- Being routed through a less accommodating airport or aircraft (for passengers with disabilities)
If your flight is canceled
If your flight is canceled by an airline for any reason and no suitable alternative is offered, you are entitled to a full reimbursement for your ticket as long as you refuse any voucher, rebooking or other forms of compensation.
There is one narrow exception, as of early December 2025: If the airline changes the flight number but still operates it without a significant change or delay, the DOT has paused, for now, enforcement of refund entitlement. That means a refund might not be guaranteed. On the surface, the rule doesn’t really affect passengers, though by the strict letter of the law, the flight was technically canceled.
Can you get a refund related to services purchased and checked baggage?
According to the DOT, passengers affected by cancellations or significant delays can get refunds for ancillary services—paid extras like Wi-Fi, seat selection, upgrades, meals and other perks—if the service “was unavailable through no fault of the consumer.”
Baggage fees are also refundable if a checked bag is significantly delayed (typically more than 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international trips). To receive compensation, passengers must file a mishandled baggage report with the airline, according to DOT guidance.
How do you request refunds for a delayed or canceled flight?
When you reject rebooking offers, vouchers and other compensation, you’re entitled to an automatic refund to your original form of payment. It’ll arrive within seven business days for credit-card payments and 20 calendar days for other payment methods. If you do not receive a timely refund, contact the airline. You may also file a complaint with the DOT.
According to the DOT, airlines must notify passengers affected by cancellations and significant delays about their rights to compensation. Further, if you’ve subscribed to email, text or mobile-app push notifications, the airline must alert you via your preferred notification preference.
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Sources:
- Reuters: “US Screened Record 3.13 Million Passengers on Sunday”
- FAA: “Air Traffic by the Numbers”
- DOT: “Refunds”
- DOT: “Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard”
- Office of Aviation Consumer Protection: “Complaint, Comment, and Compliment Form”
- Federal Register: “Airline Refunds and Other Consumer Protections”
