Navigating a Flight Cancellation or Major Delay the 6 essential all 29 Nobody plans for this, which is exactly why it helps to know the moves ahead of time. The rules differ depending on where you're flying from, so this covers both the US and EU/UK systems. US and EU/UK rules differ quite a bit, so skip whichever half doesn't apply to your trip.
https://checklists.org/c/navigating-a-flight-cancellation-or-major-delay
Know what you're owed Decide quickly whether you want a refund or a rebooking Passengers are entitled to an automatic cash refund if their flight is canceled and they choose not to accept alternative transportation, but boarding the replacement flight usually gives up that refund right. Know the US threshold for a "significant delay" Domestic flights generally must be delayed by at least three hours and international flights by at least six hours to trigger refund rights. Check whether other changes qualify you for a refund even without a long delay A route change that has you departing from or arriving at a different airport, an increased number of connecting flights, or a downgrade in flight class all count. Check whether EU261 covers you Passengers flying with an EU airline to or from the European Union may be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked. Know the EU261 payout bands if you qualify If your flight covers a distance of under 1,500km (930 miles), you're entitled to 250 Euro compensation if you're delayed by at least three hours, with higher amounts on longer routes. Check the short-notice rule if your EU/UK flight was cancelled late if flight cancelled on short notice If you are informed of the cancellation less than two weeks before departure, you'll also be owed the compensation listed above, unless offered a close-enough replacement time. Remember EU261 compensation doesn't require you to skip the flight Any eligible flight arriving 3+ hours late at its final destination qualifies for compensation of €250 to €600, regardless of whether you still fly. Ask about refunds on paid extras that didn't pan out A consumer is entitled to a refund of fees paid for ancillary services if the service was unavailable through no fault of the consumer (e.g., broken Wi-Fi, flight cancelled, involuntary denied boarding). Don't assume a refund is automatic just because you still flew Although you're not entitled to a refund if you take a significantly changed/delayed flight, you may be entitled to compensation for certain expenses or amenities if the delay was due to something in the airline's control. Keep in mind that a non-refundable fare limits your options Consumers who purchase non-refundable tickets and decide not to travel or arrive late are not entitled to a refund when the flight operates as scheduled.
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