FlightCancellations.com / Flight delay compensation / Flight cancelled: what to do
Checked 15 November 2026Ground stop 13 Nov 2026, 4 h 21 min
Make a claim · Methodology and sources · Passenger rules by country

Flight cancelled? Rebook first, then choose a refund, then ask about tonight

Jeremy CabralGrowth advisor Checked

Do three things in this order. Rebook in the airline's app while you join the queue or call. If the new flight doesn't work, ask for a cash refund, which US airlines owe for any cancellation whatever the cause1. Then ask what the airline will cover tonight, because hotels and meals depend on whether it caused the cancellation.

Key facts, with sources and dates

What do I do if my airline cancels my flight?

Work through these in order in the first hour.

  1. Open the airline's app before you queue. Rebooking is usually offered there first. Call and stand in the line at the same time, and take whichever answers first.
  2. Screenshot the cancellation notice, the reason shown and the time. Write down your flight number, booking reference and ticket number.
  3. Look at the replacement flight before you accept it. Taking it, or taking a voucher, ends your right to a cash refund for that fare1.
  4. If it doesn't work, ask for the refund. Fare, taxes and paid extras, back to your card within 7 business days, or 20 days for other payments. Use the refund checker.
  5. Ask who caused it and what they will cover tonight. Airline-caused: most US airlines promise a meal voucher after 3 hours and a hotel overnight. Weather or air traffic control: they promise nothing7.
  6. Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation and its cause. Travel insurers and card benefits want it.
  7. Before you book a hotel or car yourself, check what your card and policy cover and after how many hours (trip delay insurance, card cover).
  8. Keep itemised receipts for everything you pay. Then write your claim letters.

What happens if my flight gets cancelled?

Do airlines have to provide a hotel if a flight is cancelled?

Not under US law. Most US airlines promise one when they caused the cancellation and you are stuck overnight away from home. Leaving the EU or UK, a hotel is owed whatever the cause. Who caused it changes the hotel and the compensation and leaves the refund alone.

CauseUS refund if you do not flyUS airline hotel and mealsEU and UK meals and hotelFixed compensation
Airline-caused (crew, technical, scheduling)OwedMost US airlines: meal voucher after 3 hours, hotel overnightOwed whatever the causeEU, UK and Canada pay a fixed sum
WeatherOwedNothing promisedOwed whatever the causeNone
Air traffic control or an FAA ground stopOwedNothing promisedOwed whatever the causeNone
Security or a government orderOwedNothing promisedOwed whatever the causeNone

US refund rule (14 CFR 260); airline customer service plans; EU and UK Article 9; see the compensation page for the full table.

Why was my flight cancelled?

The airline's app or text usually gives a reason. Ask the gate agent to confirm it. For a stop called by the FAA, the ground stop page and each airport page show the FAA status. A reason on a screen is a start; insurers prefer a written statement from the airline.

What each airline did on 13 November 2026

15 of the 62 airlines tracked posted a waiver. No US airline's page offered hotels or meals3. Air Canada cancelled about 250 US flights on the Friday night21.

AirlineRegionWaiverRefund namedHotels and mealsSaturday cancellationsWhat it said
AmericanUS majorYesYesNot mentioned892Waived change fees at 21 airports for travel 13 to 15 November, with a refund option. Rebooked travel ran to 18 November.8
DeltaUS majorYesNot statedNot mentioned734Systemwide waiver with the fare difference waived in the same cabin. Cancelling gives an eCredit. Urged flexible customers to fly Monday or later.9
UnitedUS majorYesYesNot mentioned733Waived change fees and fare differences for the same cities and offered a full refund to customers who chose to stay home.10
AlaskaUS majorYesNot statedNot mentionedJoint policy with Hawaiian. Nearly 600 flights cancelled and more than 52,000 guests affected by Saturday morning.11
HawaiianUS majorYesNot statedNot mentionedCovered by Alaska's joint policy. Flights between the Hawaiian islands kept running.11
SouthwestUS low-costYesYesNot mentioned540Free rebooking or standby between the same cities within five days, with refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed flights.12
JetBlueUS low-costYesYesNot mentioned335Cancelled the rest of Friday except flights to Europe, then waived fees and fare differences. Worst hit by share of schedule.13
FrontierUS low-costYesYesNot mentionedWaived change and cancel fees at all airports. Customers still pay any fare difference.14
AveloUS low-costNoNot statedNot mentionedPosted an advisory that the stop had lifted and delays might continue. No waiver terms.15
AllegiantUS low-costNoNot statedNot mentionedNo waiver posted on Friday night. Posted on X that the stop had lifted and pointed customers to flight status.16
Sun CountryUS low-costNone foundNot statedNot mentionedReported to have warned customers of possible delays and cancellations. No waiver terms found.17
BreezeUS low-costNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo waiver terms found.16
SpiritUS low-costNone foundNot statedNot mentionedCeased operations on 2 May 2026, so it had no flights to disrupt.18
SkyWestUS regionalNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Passengers fall under the waiver of the brand they booked with.19
Republic AirwaysUS regionalNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Passengers fall under the waiver of the brand they booked with. About 11% of Friday flights cancelled.20
Envoy AirUS regionalNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Passengers fall under the waiver of the brand they booked with.19
PSA AirlinesUS regionalNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Passengers fall under the waiver of the brand they booked with. About 12% of Friday flights cancelled.20
Endeavor AirUS regionalNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Passengers fall under the waiver of the brand they booked with. About 12% of Friday flights cancelled.20
Air CanadaCanadaYesNot statedNot mentionedCancelled all US flights on Friday night, about 250 in total, then allowed free changes where space permitted.21
WestJetCanadaYesNot statedNot mentionedActivated its flexible rescheduling policy with free changes. No dates published.22
PorterCanadaYesYesNot mentionedOffered free flight changes and refunds for customers who could not take the rescheduled flight.22
FlairCanadaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. An early report said no rebooking policy was posted.23
AeromexicoLatin AmericaYesNot statedNot mentionedSuspended all US operations until further notice and issued a protection policy. Terms not published in coverage.24
VolarisLatin AmericaNoNot statedNot mentionedWarned of delays, itinerary changes or cancellations. No waiver terms published.25
VivaLatin AmericaNoNot statedNot mentionedWarned of delays and cancellations. More than 20 flights affected and some aircraft stuck in the US.25
Copa AirlinesLatin AmericaYesYesNot mentionedFree changes with no penalty or fare difference on US flights, and a refund if the original flight was cancelled.26
LATAMLatin AmericaYesNot statedNot mentionedSaid some flights could be affected. No terms published.24
AviancaLatin AmericaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedSaid it was monitoring with authorities. One report says it activated a passenger protection plan, with no terms seen.24
British AirwaysEuropeNoNot statedNot mentionedWarned US departures might be delayed, told passengers to travel to the airport as planned and cancelled one Friday flight to New York.27
Virgin AtlanticEuropeNoNot statedNot mentionedSaid it was monitoring the FAA order. Cancelled one Heathrow to JFK flight on Friday.28
Lufthansa GroupEuropeNoNot statedNot mentionedSaid it was affected only to a limited extent. Passengers on cancelled flights were rebooked automatically.29
Aer LingusEuropeNoNot statedNot mentionedExpected to run its full transatlantic schedule on Saturday.30
IberiaEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedHad aircraft en route to four US cities when the stop hit. No statement found.31
Air EuropaEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedReported to have adjusted US-bound operations. No statement found.31
Air FranceEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
KLMEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
SASEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
Turkish AirlinesEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
IcelandairEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
TAP Air PortugalEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
ITA AirwaysEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.32
EmiratesMiddle EastNone foundNot statedNot mentionedHad not confirmed any cancelled or delayed flights.33
EtihadMiddle EastNone foundNot statedNot mentionedHad not confirmed any cancelled or delayed flights.33
Qatar AirwaysMiddle EastNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Absent from Gulf coverage of the event.33
Air IndiaAsiaNoNot statedNot mentionedTold passengers to check flight status, then said all US flights were running to schedule.34
Japan AirlinesAsiaNoNot statedNot mentionedPaused check-in for nine flights, then resumed. Expected no cancellations.35
ANAAsiaNoNot statedNot mentioned3Suspended check-in for some US-bound flights.35
Cathay PacificAsiaNoNot statedHotels arranged in some cases; its published commitment covers no extra costs for causes outside its control, so these were likely goodwillTwo US to Hong Kong flights were delayed. Hotels were arranged in some cases.36
Korean AirAsiaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo airline statement. Two flights from Seoul were cancelled and then reinstated, per the airport.37
AsianaAsiaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo airline statement. Two flights from Seoul were cancelled and then reinstated, per the airport.37
Singapore AirlinesAsiaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.19
EVA AirAsiaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.19
Mainland China carriersAsiaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.19
QantasOceaniaYesYesNot mentionedFee-free date change on Qantas-operated US flights, or a full refund. A fare difference may apply.38
Air New ZealandOceaniaNoNot statedNot mentionedDelayed US to New Zealand services by two hours as a precaution and contacted affected customers directly.39
Virgin AustraliaOceaniaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Absent from Australian trade coverage.40
JetstarOceaniaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Absent from Australian trade coverage.40
Fiji AirwaysOceaniaNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found. Absent from Australian trade coverage.40
AzulLatin AmericaNoNot statedNot mentionedCancelled its Campinas to Fort Lauderdale flight and the return, plus a Fort Lauderdale to Belém flight, and moved passengers to extra flights on Saturday and Sunday.41
GOLLatin AmericaNoNot statedNot mentionedHad two flights into Brasília cancelled, from Orlando and Miami, and said it could add extra flights if needed.41
CondorEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement found.42
French beeEuropeNone foundNot statedNot mentionedNo statement or waiver found.43

Airline alerts, newsroom posts and press reports, 13 to 15 November 2026. Saturday counts from FlightAware via press reports.

One couple's room went from US$300 to US$700 in minutes on 13 November

One couple's room went from US$300 to US$700 within minutes, and rideshare quotes for a six-person drive from Atlanta to Tampa ran from US$1,300 to US$2,700. Each figure is one traveller's report.

CostAmountDetailConfidence
Hotel room booked after cancellationUS$300Booked by a Wisconsin couple. The rate reached US$700 minutes later.44Checked at source
Same room rate minutes laterUS$700One anecdote. Hotel not named.44Checked at source
Airport hotel per night, San Francisco areaUS$600The traveller took a room farther away for less than half that.44Checked at source
Uber quote, Atlanta to Tampa, group of sixUS$1,300Approximate quote after rental counters emptied.45Checked at source
Lyft quote, Atlanta to Tampa, group of sixUS$1,700Approximate quote.45Checked at source
Driver quote, Atlanta to Tampa, group of sixUS$2,700Quoted directly by a driver.45Checked at source
Uber from LaGuardia under surge pricingUS$300Original outlet not confirmed.46Not confirmed
Basic rideshare trip in CharlotteUS$75Fares topped US$75.47Reported elsewhere
Airline meal voucher per person at LAXUS$30The only voluntary airline gesture on record for this event.48Checked at source
Lyft discount on airport pick-upsUS$15Promo code valid to 11:59pm on 14 Nov. One of the few supplier gestures on record.49Checked at source
Rideshare fare, Austin airport to downtownUS$120Nearly US$120 at about 7pm Friday. App not named.49Checked at source
Non-refundable hotel and ticket at stake, OrlandoDescribed as several hundred dollars. The traveller drove about 900 miles to avoid losing it.50Checked at source
Airport-area hotel per night, Columbus, OhioDescribed as hundreds of dollars. The traveller slept in the airport.51Checked at source

News reports of 13 and 14 November 2026. Reported elsewhere and disputed figures are tagged.

If the airline won't help

  1. Write to the airline with your receipts and ask under its own customer service plan (airline-caused) or the EU, UK or Canadian rule.
  2. Claim the rest from your travel insurance or card. Check the cover by cause first: some policies exclude air traffic control.
  3. For a late or refused refund on a US flight, complain to the US Department of Transportation.

Missed a connection because of the cancellation? See what happens if you miss your connecting flight. Bag stuck somewhere? See delayed baggage. Offered a credit? Compare it with the refund on the American, United and Southwest credit pages. Bumped from an oversold flight? Bumped flight compensation.

Questions people ask

What happens if my flight gets cancelled?

The airline usually rebooks you on its next flight with seats. You can take that, or turn it down and get a full refund. Hotels and meals depend on whether the airline caused it.

What do I do if my airline cancels my flight?

Rebook in the app, ask for a refund if the new flight does not work, and ask what the airline will cover tonight. Keep every receipt.

Do airlines have to provide a hotel if a flight is cancelled?

Not under US law. Most US airlines promise one when they caused the cancellation and you are stuck overnight away from home. Leaving the EU or UK, a hotel is owed whatever the cause.

What happens if your flight is cancelled due to weather?

You still get a full refund if you do not fly. US airlines promise no hotel or meals for weather.

If my flight is cancelled do I get a refund?

Yes, on any flight to, from or within the US, if you did not travel and did not accept rebooking or a credit.

Can the airline put me on another airline?

Some US airline plans promise a partner airline for airline-caused cancellations. Canada requires the next available flight on any carrier when a large airline cannot rebook you within 48 hours.

How will I know if my flight is cancelled?

Through the airline's app, text or email, if your contact details are on the booking. JetBlue, for one, says it notifies within 30 minutes of becoming aware.

More on cancellations, delays and claims

Sources

51 sources

Every figure links to its source. "Checked at source" means the law, the regulator's page or the airline's own page was read on or before 15 November 2026. "Reported elsewhere" means it came through another outlet, a search extract of the official page, or a figure worked out from project data. Sources that also feed the main page link to the methodology page.

  1. eCFR, 14 CFR Part 260 (Refunds), as at 12 November 2026 Checked at source
  2. US DOT, Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard (last updated 11 September 2025) Checked at source
  3. American Airlines Newsroom Checked at source · methodology ref 348
  4. FlightAware via Upgraded Points Checked at source · methodology ref 7
  5. FlightAware via CNBC Checked at source · methodology ref 12
  6. eCFR, 14 CFR 250.5(a), as at 12 November 2026 Checked at source
  7. American Airlines, customer service plan Reported elsewhere
  8. American Airlines travel alert Checked at source · methodology ref 51
  9. Delta advisory Checked at source · methodology ref 52
  10. United newsroom, FOX 9 and Newsweek Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 53
  11. Alaska Airlines newsroom and Passrider Checked at source · methodology ref 54
  12. Southwest travel advisory Checked at source · methodology ref 55
  13. JetBlue travel alerts Checked at source · methodology ref 44
  14. Frontier alerts Checked at source · methodology ref 56
  15. Avelo travel advisory Checked at source · methodology ref 57
  16. Passrider Checked at source · methodology ref 58
  17. TradersUnion Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 59
  18. WBTV Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 60
  19. Reported elsewhere
  20. TheStreet Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 61
  21. Air Canada, Canadian Press and Castanet Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 62
  22. Canadian Press via CP24 Checked at source · methodology ref 63
  23. Castanet Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 64
  24. Reportur Not confirmed · methodology ref 65
  25. Bloomberg Línea Checked at source · methodology ref 66
  26. Revista E&N Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 67
  27. Evening Standard via AOL Checked at source · methodology ref 68
  28. Manchester Evening News via Yahoo UK Checked at source · methodology ref 69
  29. dpa via Yahoo Checked at source · methodology ref 70
  30. TheJournal.ie, as relayed by Streamline Feed Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 71
  31. La Razón Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 72
  32. Travelpirates Checked at source · methodology ref 73
  33. Gulf News Checked at source · methodology ref 74
  34. Business Today Checked at source · methodology ref 75
  35. Arab News Japan Checked at source · methodology ref 76
  36. The Traveler Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 77
  37. Seoul Economic Daily Checked at source · methodology ref 78
  38. Qantas travel updates Checked at source · methodology ref 79
  39. 1News Checked at source · methodology ref 80
  40. Karryon Checked at source · methodology ref 2
  41. InfoMoney and Jovem Pan Checked at source · methodology ref 81
  42. aero.de (dpa) Checked at source · methodology ref 82
  43. Voyages d'Affaires Checked at source · methodology ref 83
  44. ABC7 KGO San Francisco Checked at source · methodology ref 121
  45. WSB-TV via Yahoo News Checked at source · methodology ref 122
  46. CNN live blog Not confirmed · methodology ref 123
  47. QC News Charlotte Reported elsewhere · methodology ref 124
  48. NBC News live blog Checked at source · methodology ref 3
  49. KXAN via Yahoo News Checked at source · methodology ref 86
  50. The Baltimore Banner Checked at source · methodology ref 37
  51. USA TODAY via AOL Checked at source · methodology ref 140