My flight is delayed. What are my options?
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
If your flight is delayed, ask about rebooking early and check DOT's dashboard for the meals your airline commits to. If the delay means you would arrive 3 or more hours late on a domestic trip, or 6 or more on an international one, DOT counts it as a significant change, and you can choose a refund instead.
| Significant delay, domestic | Arriving 3 or more hours later than scheduled |
|---|---|
| Significant delay, international | Arriving 6 or more hours later than scheduled |
| Refund | Owed if a significant change occurs and you choose not to travel or accept alternatives |
| Federal cash compensation for delays | None required in the U.S.; see airline commitments on DOT's dashboard |
What should I do when my flight is delayed?
- Check the airline app for the cause and the new time, and turn on notifications.
- If you have a connection, cruise or event, ask about rebooking now, not later.
- Ask the gate agent what the airline provides, such as meal vouchers, and keep receipts.
- If the delay becomes a significant change and you no longer want to fly, request a refund.
- Tell your advisor if the delay affects a cruise, tour or prepaid hotel.
When does a delay entitle me to a refund?
When it is a significant schedule change under DOT rules: arriving 3 or more hours late on a domestic itinerary, or 6 or more hours late on an international one. If you choose not to travel, the airline owes a refund.
Keep waiting if the delay is short and you have no tight connection. Rebook or cancel if the delay keeps growing, you would miss a connection, or the trip no longer works.
Does the airline owe me food or a hotel?
U.S. law does not require it. Many large U.S. airlines commit to meal vouchers for longer delays within their control, and DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard shows each airline's commitments.
What if the delay turns into a cancellation?
Then the cancellation rules apply. See what to do when your flight is cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
- Do airlines pay compensation for delays in the U.S.?
- U.S. law does not require cash compensation for delays. Some airlines commit to meal vouchers or other amenities for controllable delays, listed on DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard.
- When can I get a refund for a delayed flight?
- When the delay is a significant change under DOT rules, 3 or more hours on a domestic itinerary or 6 or more on an international one, and you choose not to travel.
- Should I wait out a long delay or rebook?
- If the delay keeps growing or you have a connection, ask about rebooking early while seats remain. Waiting can leave you with fewer options if the flight is later cancelled.
- Does travel insurance cover flight delays?
- Many policies include trip delay coverage for meals and hotels after a set number of hours. Check the policy's waiting period and limits.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
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