What to do if Your Flight is Canceled: Tips to Work with Airlines & Travel Insurance

You might never have had your flight canceled, but if and when it does happen, that lack of experience is bound to result in a thousand and one questions running through your head: How am I going to get to where I need to go? Am I stranded? And—perhaps most importantly—how much is this going to cost?

Luckily, research and learning from people’s experiences can help you feel confident in case a flight cancellation happens. For a real confidence boost in the face of complicated travel nightmares, a travel protection plan with insurance and 24/7 assistance services can guide you when you need it most and help save you money when flights are canceled or delayed for covered reasons.

Also read: How Travel Insurance can Help When You Fly

My first time purchasing travel insurance, and I was very wise to do so. My flight got canceled due to weather but my insurance policy helped cover the difference for the $600 one-way flight I had to book for the next morning. Phone reps (multiple) were kind and direct. The claims policy was relatively straightforward and I had no trouble getting payment. I will absolutely use this company to insure my future trips.”

Courtland K. from Arizona

Flight canceled? Here’s what to do:

1. Talk to your airline

You’re almost certain to see a pretty big queue of disgruntled passengers at the customer service desk. You can join it if you like—but you can always just give the airline a call from the comfort of the nearest coffee shop.

Either way, be firm, but nice. Especially if the cancellation was due to reasons outside of the airline’s control, such as severe weather (if so, you can skip to section 3). If that’s the case, they might not offer much beyond a refund, so making friends could really pay off.

Learn more about your rights as a traveler

2. Claim what you’re entitled to from the airline

If the airline caused your flight to be canceled or delayed, you generally have two options:

a. Reroute

In the U.S., there is no federal law here’s no federal law that guarantees specific passenger rights when the airline cancels a flight. So, all rights come from the contracts tied to the airline ticket you purchased, and those can be different from carrier to carrier.

If you choose this option, then the airline might arrange a replacement flight to the same destination. This typically includes any connecting flights you might have, as long as they’re with the same airline. If they’re with a different airline, once again, be courteous—airlines aren’t required to assist in that case you here, either. If they won’t help, skip to step 3.

b. Refund

If you request a refund, bear in mind that the airline is not required to offer you any additional assistance. In other words, you’ll be on your own, and you’ll need to book your own flight to your destination (unless you have one of our plans with 24/7 Travel Assistance, in which case we can help book your new flight).

See our Airline Service Information page for links to rules and regulations about what airlines promise to provide you in case of a flight cancellation or delay.

3. Call your travel insurance company

If assistance from the airline isn’t forthcoming in either of these scenarios, you’ll want to call your travel protection provider as soon as possible. If you’re traveling with a Generali Global Assistance travel protection plan, add our number to your phone’s contacts before you travel so you have it handy. Our travel assistance phone line is open 24/7, ready to help.

If you get a travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance, it includes coverage that may help if your flight is canceled or delayed due to adverse weather, labor strikes, or mechanical breakdown of the aircraft. Trip Interruption and Travel Delay, plus a 24/7 Travel Assistance hotline that can help you navigate through tough travel situations and make new arrangements.

You may be able to file a claim for new travel costs or reimbursement and any reasonable food and accommodation expenses due to the delay (be sure to keep your receipts, daily limits may apply). To find out exactly what you can and can’t claim, check the terms and conditions of your plan.

Also, airlines typically state in their contracts that they are not responsible for consequential damages such as missed hotel reservations, missed tour groups or other losses you might incur as a result of delayed or canceled travel. With one of our plans, the Trip Interruption coverage can be especially helpful in these situations by potentially reimbursing you for unused arrangements and additional travel costs other than your flight and/or getting you back on your trip.

Once you’ve called your insurer and taken note of any further instructions they might have, it’s time to book a new flight and any accommodation you might need while you wait.

4. Relax

Whatever the right solution may be, try to proceed with a smile—dwelling on your delay won’t get you there any faster. So, relax, look at your options for dealing with the canceled flight, and take one thing at a time. You’ll soon be on your way.

Flight problems are just one aspect of your trip that our travel protection plans can help with. From canceled trips, to lost baggage, to medical emergencies, that’s just the beginning of the peace of mind we offer. Our 24/7 Travel Assistance is there help if problems arise on your trip. See what plan fits your trip best.