Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
what to do if your flight is cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, you are generally entitled to a rebooking or a full refund, and you should document all expenses and communications for potential reimbursement or compensation.
If your flight is cancelled, first check your airline's app or website for rebooking options. If you are in the U.S., you are entitled to a full refund if you choose not to travel, regardless of the reason. In the UK and EU, you have rights to care and assistance, such as food, drink, and accommodation, and you may be entitled to compensation depending on the cause and notice period. Always document your experience by saving receipts, boarding passes, and communication with the airline. If you must arrange your own care during major disruptions, keep receipts for reasonable expenses to claim back later.
- Act quickly to rebook. Use the airline's app, website, or social media channels to rebook quickly. If lines are long, try calling the airline's international offices or visiting an airport lounge for assistance.
- Understand your refund rights. In the U.S., you are entitled to a full refund if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel, even if the ticket was non-refundable. You are not entitled to a refund if you accept an alternative flight.
- Seek care and assistance. For flights covered by UK/EU law, airlines must provide care, including meals, communication, and hotel accommodation if needed. If they cannot, you may arrange reasonable care yourself and claim the costs back.
- Document everything. Keep all receipts for expenses, take screenshots of updates, and ask for written confirmation of the cancellation reason. This documentation is essential for claims or insurance.
Sources
- Refunds | US Department of Transportationtransportation.gov
- Cancellations | UK Civil Aviation Authoritycaa.co.uk
- Everything travelers need to know about airline policies for refunds, rebooking amid delays or cancellations - ABC Newsabcnews.com · published March 16, 2026
- What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?bbc.com · published September 9, 2026
- Air passenger travel guide - GOV.UKgov.uk · published October 19, 2023
- What to know if your flight is canceled as jet fuel costs rise | PBS Newspbs.org · published April 25, 2026
- Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboardtransportation.gov · published September 11, 2025
- Here's what to do if your flight is canceled or delayedcnn.com · published October 14, 2024
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