Here’s How To Handle A Last-Minute Flight Cancellation

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There are a few threats to holiday plans right now – COVID-19, the flu and Southwest. Yup – flight cancellations are dashing the dreams of many holiday travelers nearly as fast as all of the upper respiratory viruses going around. CNN reports that thousands of Southwest flights have been delayed and canceled as of Dec. 26, 2022. The U.S. Department of Transportation has plans to investigate whether or not the usually friendly and affordable airline could have prevented the issue. Other airlines have been calling off flights as well, but none at the same rate as Southwest.

It all started with the severe winter storms that swept through several regions including New York, Chicago, and even parts of the Northwest in mid-December. This caused a domino effect that spilled into post-Christmas travel and left thousands stranded. If you are facing a flight cancellation now, here’s what to know.

Don’t Rely On Airline Text/Email Updates

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You might have signed up to receive text or email alerts about your flight status. However, many airlines’ systems are down or slow right now, and those alerts aren’t going out in a timely manner. Some passengers receive their first text alert of a flight being delayed…hours after that flight had already been canceled. Before leaving your home or accommodations, manually check the status of your flight on the airline’s website. The status is (almost) always up to date there. But do not count on personal alerts arriving in a timely manner.

Consider Booking Multiple Flights

Southwest Airlines Experiences Major Flight Cancellations Across U.S.

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If your airline has relaxed cancellation policies, consider booking multiple flights and seeing what sticks. Southwest, for example, lets you cancel a flight up to 10 minutes before departure for a flight credit. You can increase your chances of getting where you’re going by reserving a seat on multiple flights. If you get on one, cancel the others. As things currently stand, the airline might cancel on you first – in which case you’d be entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment. Read on.

Know Your Rights

If you cancel the flight, you might only be entitled to flight credit, depending on the terms of your ticket. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) states that if the airline cancels, they must refund you the full cost of the ticket (including fees) to your original form of payment. USDOT also states that you could be entitled to a refund if your flight is significantly delayed – though they do not specify what constitutes “significantly.”

Book Directly With The Airline

Travel Increases Ahead Of Christmas Holiday

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If you are booking and re-booking right now, be sure to do everything directly through the airline. Once you book with a third party, you’re dealing with third-party policies and terms. You might accidentally forego the rights you would have had if you booked directly through the airline.

Make Sure These Items Are In Your Carry-On:

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Plan to spend an extended amount of time at the airport. Many travelers are waiting up to four hours past their original departure time to get on a plane (or learn that their flight has been canceled). Be sure to keep these items in your carry-on. You don’t want to be trapped in the airport without them:

Extra medications
Snacks
Phone/computer charger
Small pillow
Book/magazine
Scarf/layers

Speak To An Attendant At The Airport

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If your flight gets canceled while at the airport, get to a ticketing counter as quickly as possible. It’s a good idea to try to arrange for your refund or rebooking with a real person. Many airlines’ phone systems are swamped or even down at the moment. If you want a prompt refund, it’s best to speak to a ticketing agent in person as soon as possible.

Get On The Phone While You’re In Line

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There’s no harm in pulling double duty. If you are waiting in a long line to speak to a ticketing agent, you can simultaneously call the airline. Hold times might be long. However, if the airline customer service representative answers while you’re still in line and you can handle your issue over the phone, you can step out of line. If the in-person attendant tells you your request can only be handled over the phone, at least you’re already partway through your wait time.

Ask About Sister Airlines

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Many airlines have affiliate airlines that they might be able to place you with. It can never hurt to ask. For example, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are both owned by Oneworld airline partners. If one of these airlines cancels your flight, they might be able to put you on their sister airline.

Check Your Credit Card Perks

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This is a good time to get reacquainted with your credit card travel perks. Some credit cards offer reimbursement for costs associated with air travel cancellation, like meals, taxis and hotels. Others come with trip protection and might reimburse you for canceled flights. At the very least, your credit card might earn you access to a comfortable and peaceful VIP airport lounge where you can wait out the delay.

Here's How To Handle A Flight Cancellation