What to Do When an Airline Flight Is Delayed

Delays happen for many reasons: weather, air traffic restrictions, a late arriving aircraft, a technical check or crew scheduling. You usually will not get a detailed explanation, and the departure time might move several times before it settles.

First: get reliable information

Check the airline app and the departure screens, not just the announcement you half heard. Apps often update before the gate staff are informed. Turn on notifications for your flight.

Use more than one channel

When a flight is badly delayed, the queue at the service desk can be long. While you wait, try the airline app, the website chat or the phone line. Whichever answers first can often rebook you just as well.

Know what the airline may offer

Depending on the length of the delay, the reason and where you are flying, the airline may provide meal vouchers, refreshments or, for overnight delays, accommodation. Some regions have passenger rights rules that set out care and compensation in certain cases. Ask staff what is available and keep any vouchers or written notices.

• Keep your boarding pass.
• Photograph the departure screen showing the delay.
• Save receipts for meals or transport if you pay yourself.
• Write down times: scheduled, announced and actual.

Should you leave the gate?

If the new time is a few hours away, it is reasonable to find somewhere comfortable to wait, but stay within reach of the gate and watch for updates. Delays can shorten unexpectedly and boarding can start sooner than the last estimate.

Onward plans

Let your hotel know if you will check in late, many will hold a room for a late arrival if told in advance. If you booked a private transfer, message the provider with the new arrival time. Taxis and trains just need you to adjust your expectations, especially for late night arrivals when services are reduced.

Afterwards

If you think you are owed a refund of expenses or compensation, contact the airline that operated the flight. Include your booking reference, flight number, date and copies of receipts. It can take a while to get a response, so keep a note of when you sent it.