Flights can be delayed or canceled due to various reasons such as weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical issues, or crew scheduling problems. This can disrupt travel plans and cause inconvenience to passengers.

There is no way to predict which flights will be canceled or delayed. However, you can sometimes get a heads-up before everyone else (as gate agents aren’t paid to tell customers the truth, but what protects the airlines the best) by monitoring flights on sites like FlightAware.

• You can click "see where my plane is now" to check whether it's even inbound yet, which may give a better picture of what timeline to expect for delays.
  

• Additionally, a flight showing zeroed out (which means the airline has stopped selling tickets) could indicate a cancellation, especially if it's well before the flight time
  

• It's not a surefire way to determine when a flight is going to be canceled — airlines stop selling seats for a number of reasons, including a sold-out flight. However, it is a tool to get more information.
  

• Once you realize a flight will be canceled, see if you can make a same-day change on your airline app for a new flight that works.
  

• You can also call customer service to double-check that the flight is canceled and see about getting rebooked on the next available flight.

If there is a delay : 

• Utilize AirHelp to see if you qualify for compensation - you can also process your claim through them for a fee (and its less of a headache for you)

  • For example, if your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, you are legally entitled up to 4x the cost of your one way ticket

• Use social media (most reliable is X) to communicate with airline customer service: Anytime a flight is delayed, send a tweet and you’ll be surprised to receive a response within 30 minutes or so. They can assist in booking a new flight, giving credit for that flight and more.

• For details on how to most easily contact customer service for all airlines in the US click HERE

If you booked with your credit card : 

• Know your rights and take stock of your credit card protections. It will require you to read some fine print. Still, you may be entitled to accommodations, credits or expense reimbursement by the airline or from your credit card (usually depending on the length of your delay and the reason for delay or cancellation).

• Many travel credit cards offer trip delay insurance that can save you money when you're stuck somewhere. It won't help you avoid cancellations or delays. However, it could help cover expenses while you wait for your flight.

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading to the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access).

Depending on the airline you're flying with, you may be automatically rebooked on another one of their flights if your original flight is canceled. When this happens, it's easy to accept your situation and wait for a later flight. However, it's always worth checking that no other options are available. Generally speaking, if your flight is canceled, as we've written about at length, you should be placed on the next available flight, regardless of carrier or cost — sneakily, airlines won't always do this without prompting.

If there's a delay, you could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media. Sometimes, an airline's representative on X will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

For any US Airlines, click HERE for details on how to most easily contact customer service

Utilize AirHelp to see if you qualify for compensation

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in case of meltdowns like the one Southwest Airlines passengers experienced during the 2022 holiday season.

Know your rights and take stock of your credit card protections. It will require you to read some fine print. Still, you may be entitled to accommodations, credits or expense reimbursement by the airline or from your credit card (usually depending on the length of your delay and the reason for delay or cancellation).

Many travel credit cards offer trip delay insurance that can save you money when you're stuck somewhere. It won't help you avoid cancellations or delays. However, it could help cover expenses while you wait for your flight.

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Airlines may sometimes overbook flights, leading to situations where passengers are involuntarily bumped from their flights. This can cause disruptions to travel plans and inconvenience for affected passengers.

Use social media (most reliable is X) to communicate with airline customer service: Anytime a flight is delayed, send a tweet and you’ll be surprised to receive a response within 30 minutes or so. They can assist in booking a new flight, giving credit for that flight and more.

For any US Airlines, click HERE for details on how to most easily contact customer service

Utilize AirHelp to see if you qualify for compensation

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

If you miss your plane because of unforeseen circumstances, such as a major traffic delay, the airline will often put you on standby for the next flight without charging extra. Just remember that you generally need to notify the airline within a couple of hours of missing your flight to get rebooked for free.

In general, be proactive. Have the airline's customer service phone number handy in case you get stuck in traffic, so you can call as soon as possible. Or if you're already at the airport, go to the customer service desk and asking about rebooking. Missing a flight can be a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your travel plans.

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

If it looks like you'll miss a connecting flight, check the smartphone app offered by your airline or the screen in the airport to find out which gate your flight departs from, and whether you've actually missed it. If the flight is delayed, you may still have a chance to board. If you miss the connection and the airline was responsible, you can generally also rebook that flight free of charge — and maybe even get some free meal or hotel vouchers for the hassle

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Baggage mishandling is another common issue that travelers may encounter. Baggage can get lost, delayed, or damaged during transit, leading to frustration and inconvenience for passengers.

First and foremost, try to be on Team Carry-On whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact information is attached and the bag is within the weight limits. You should get to the airport early (but not too early) to check your luggage and confirm it is tagged to the right destination or connection.

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure to get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Utilize AirHelp to see if you qualify for compensation

Some airlines have specific guarantees, for example, if you fly Delta or Alaska Airlines :

1. After you land, use the app or website to go to “Flight Status” and see what time Delta says you landed

2. If your bag takes 21 minutes or longer after that time (you can either physically watch or sit in the lounge with a drink and wait for the phone app notification) then go to “Baggage & Travel Fees” on the Delta app or website

3. Scroll down to “20-Minute Bag Guarantee”

4. Fill out the short, seven input form

5. Voilà! 2,500 free Bonus Miles are instantly in your account

In-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment systems may not always work as expected, leading to connectivity issues and boredom during the flight.

Utilize AirHelp to see if you qualify for compensation