Airline Delays and Flight Cancellations: How to Avoid Them and Get Your Money Back When They Happen

Despite “record-breaking levels of air travel” in 2024, the number of flight cancellations in the US – 1.4% – is the lowest in decades, the Ministry of Transport. That’s the good news. The bad news is that extreme weather or technical issues like today’s Microsoft/CrowdStrike outage could lead to major airline closures that could happen at any time.

If your flight is cancelled, you can in principle get a full refund. The Biden administration announced in April that airlines must now automatically and “quickly” refund money if flights are cancelled.

In addition to natural and technical disasters, there are a number of practical tips you can use to avoid flight delays and cancellations. With some careful planning, you can avoid the headache and arrive at your destination on time, or at least give yourself the best chance of doing so.

For more air travel tips, check out the best ways to pack carry-on luggage and the benefits of eSIMs for travelers.

1. Don’t fly too early or too late

You can expect airports to be busier at certain times of the day. Flights start to pick up around 3pm and flights departing after that time will have a 50% higher chance from being cancelled.

But if at all possible, you don’t want to fly too early. Airports are usually the busiest in the early morning, from 5 to 8 a.m., so you’ll likely spend more time waiting in TSA lines during those hours. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a flexible schedule, try to book an afternoon flight, a little before or after noon.

2. Book a direct flight or allow extra time for layovers

A layover makes a long journey even longer. Layovers can last up to four hours for domestic flights and up to 24 hours for international flights.

While you may save some money by booking a flight with an additional stopover, you may regret it if your connecting flight is delayed. By booking a direct flight, you will spend less time in airports and arrive at your destination sooner. You may pay less than you expect if you book your flight early.

3. Install your airline’s app on your phone

Most airlines offer a mobile app that allows you to check in for your flight in advance. This feature is usually offered 24 hours before the plane departs, meaning you can save time by completing this step from home. Plus, you can Track the status of your flight and reschedule if the flight is delayed or cancelled.

4. Check the weather early, at both airports

Bad weather is the cause of 75% of flight delays. The number can vary depending on the city and the time of year, but it’s always a good idea to check the weather a few days before your flight. Make sure you check both the city you’re flying from and the city you’re flying to.

For example, maybe a friend is picking you up at your destination and you expect a storm when you arrive. You can plan accordingly and save your friend some time by telling him to come to the airport later.

5. Do not drop off bags

Not only are checked bags becoming more expensive, they are also a potential source of delays. You will have to spend a few extra minutes checking in your extra bag for your flight, and you may have to wait much longer for it to come off the baggage carousel.

You can avoid those extra steps if you can fit everything in your carry-on and personal items. That way, you have one less thing to worry about when you get to your destination. Plus, it’s always nice to travel lighter.

6. Choose an airline with a lower rate of delays and cancellations

Some airlines have a better track record of getting passengers to their destinations on time. In February 2024, Delta had the highest percentage of on-time passengers — 88.4% — according to the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Report. American, United and Southwest Airlines all scored 83% or higher. Meanwhile, JetBlue, Spirit and Frontier Airlines all scored below 70%.

The same report noted that Allegiant Air had the lowest number of canceled flights, although they had significantly fewer total flights compared to American, United and Southwest Airlines. JetBlue had the highest number of cancellations, at 1.4%.

Below are the on-time arrival rates for major U.S. airlines, according to the DOT.

7. Prepare for extra time at these airports

The US has some of the world’s largest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International topping the list. By 2023, it is estimated 104.6 million people passed Hartsfield-Jackson. Dallas/Fort Worth International had nearly 82 million passengers and Los Angeles International had 75 million.

If you are departing from Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia Airport, or JFK International, there is a greater chance that your flight will be delayed due to weather conditions. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows that airports in the New York City area collectively experience twice as many delays compared to the second city on the list (Chicago). Delays are worst in April, May and June.

And if you’re flying anywhere in Florida, be prepared for delays. Six of the top 10 worst U.S. airports for delays are in the Sunshine State.

These Are the US Airports With the Lowest and Highest Rates of Flight Delays in 2023, According to InsureMyTrip.

8. Know your rights when it comes to flight refunds

If the worst comes to the worst and your flight is cancelled, keep in mind that you can get a cash refund. According to the US Department of Transportationyou are entitled to a full refund if your flight is cancelled — “regardless of the reason” — or significantly delayed. The new policy was announced in April 2024 to protect consumers from unexpected charges from airlines.

In some cases, you may also be able to get a partial refund of the cost of your ticket. If your seat is downgraded or you don’t get the services you pre-paid for, such as on-board Wi-Fi, you should be refunded the difference.

For more travel tips, read how to use AI to plan your summer vacation and five great gadgets to keep you connected on the road.