A delay or a cancelled flight is an event most travellers dread. Travel plan disruptions happen all the time and are out of our control. Airlines handle these events all the time and have procedures in place to help customers. Nevertheless, this can be a stressful situation to find yourself in if you don’t know what to do.

So, what are your rights if a flight delay or cancellation event happens? What is the difference between a flight delay and a flight cancellation? What are the best websites that give you more information?
To find these answers out and more, keep reading 6 best websites for flight delays and cancellations. Also included are some definitions and tips to help you navigate this situation.
This post contains affiliate links.
What’s a flight delay?
Good question. If the flight doesn’t take off between 15 minutes to a few hours later, it is a delay. You must be given a meal voucher if the flight is delayed by a few hours. What you receive will depend on your airline loyalty status.
What’s a flight cancellation?
If your flight doesn’t operate or depart on the original scheduled date and time, this is a flight cancellation. The airline must book you on the next available flight, pay for a night’s accommodation or offer you a full or partial refund.
Things to know
Your rights in the event of a flight delay or cancellation depend on the airline you’re travelling with, the country the delay or cancellation happens in and the local laws that apply. My suggestion is to check with your airline to see what you are entitled to.
Flight delays and cancellations can be stressful Try to be calm and don’t panic. Contact an airline representative as soon as possible. They will be your best contact and can advise what you need to do next. 🛫
Compensation
You could be entitled to compensation or a refund because of the flight disruption. Compensation is awarded depending on if the event is in the airline’s control or not. Let’s look at what is considered in control and what is out of control.
In control
Things that are in the airline’s control are: maintenance, staffing resources, schedules and operational events. The airline needs to pay out more compensation with an in control event happens.
Out of control
Situations that aren’t in the airline’s control are: weather, natural disasters, Air Traffic Control, airport security and industrial action or strikes. The airline isn’t at fault here so you’ll likely receive less compensation.
To get the highest compensation, keep all receipts of any costs you had to pay for because of the travel delay or flight cancellation. Likewise for any documents you’re given from the airline. These receipts and documents may be requested by your travel insurance company as part of your claim or request for refund.
👉Claim flight compensation with Compensair.com
Flight disruption
Do you want more advice about what you are entitled in a flight disruption? Here are some handy websites to visit to find out more about your passenger rights in your airline’s country.
USA: US Department of Transportation
UK: Civil Aviation Authority
Europe: Europa EU
Australia: ACCC
Canada: Canadian Transportation Agency
New Zealand: Consumer Protection
Country not on the list above? Then do a search online for cancellation and flight delay passenger rights.
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Linda is a best selling author, travel blogger and travel coach. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
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