Why do airlines cancel flights?
As a rule, airlines tend to have a reasonably broad definition for what counts as a cancellation. As well as covering circumstances where a flight is canceled ahead of the departure date, many airlines also include cancellation policies for instances where passengers experience extreme delays. So what are the leading causes for these delays and cancellations?Severe weather or natural disasters
From high winds to volcanic ash clouds, various weather conditions and natural phenomena can cause airlines to cancel their flights. On the whole, these result in minor delays, but in extreme incidents, as we saw in Iceland in 2010 or the Canary Islands this summer, there can be considerable disruptions, including airport closures and significant schedule changes.What are passengers' rights with flight delays and cancellations?
While consumer rights vary between regions, for the most part, airlines will offer customers a full refund when their flight is canceled. As we have already seen, most airlines include significant delays within their policies for cancellations.However, the terms of this can be a mixed bag, with some airlines outlining clear time limits and others being decidedly vague as to what counts as an unreasonable delay. So what outcomes can travelers expect depending on their location?Domestic flights within the United States
Surprisingly there are no federal laws in place to protect consumers in the case of a flight cancellation. A slight exception applies when passengers are bumped from overbooked flights or delayed on the tarmac. But, typically, customers are at the mercy of general contract law and the individual airline's T&C's.Airlines in the U.S go out of their way to inform customers that they do not guarantee flight schedules and are not responsible for financial losses resulting from delays or cancellations. However, even in cases beyond their control, the universal response from u.s airlines is to issue a full refund for the remaining value of the ticket or to accommodate travelers on a later flight.These refunds can be issued either as cash or credit, depending on the original form of payment. However, travelers should be wary. Airlines have been increasingly persuading customers to accept vouchers when they are entitled to a cash refund. This credit is usually only valid for a year, so customers should push for cash wherever possible.A few airlines will go beyond their essential duties and provide a higher level of customer service to canceled passengers. Jet Blue, for example, will offer $50 compensation to clients who face a cancellation within 4 hours of departure when they cannot provide a new flight within an hour of their scheduled slot. Delta offers customers whose flights are canceled between 10 pm and 6 am a complimentary overnight stay at a nearby hotel. When no rooms are available, Delta gives passengers a $100 voucher towards future travel instead.When handling cancelations customarily airlines will be cooperative, so if you feel your case is deserving of extra compensation, don't be afraid to ask, especially if you are a loyalty club member.In cases where you are bumped from a flight at the last minute, check the terms of your booking. Often in this instance, more extensive compensation is typically outlined in the contract of carriage. Depending on the nature of your delay, you could be entitled to free meals or vouchers to put towards a future flight.What can you do if your flight gets canceled?
While they are rare, flight cancellations happen, and sadly there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are simple steps you can take to find a resolution as quickly and painlessly as possible!Keep your cool with customer service.
Cancellations are stressful, and it can be difficult to stay calm while handling the fallout. Whether it's over the phone, online chat, or social media, when speaking with customer support agents, try to keep your interactions polite and friendly.Like many of us, airline staff are under immense pressure. They spend their day speaking to disappointed patrons who, more often than not, are irate and challenging to handle. Most support agents will do all they can to assist but are more likely to go the extra mile for customers who have treated them with respect.If you are struggling and communication breaks down, it is better to hang up and try again than lose your temper. If you are repeatedly unable to reach a resolution, ask politely if you can speak to someone in upper management to start a formal complaint.Talk to your travel insurance
If you have existing travel insurance, it's worth speaking to your provider to see what support you can receive. Some travel insurance policies will include cover to reimburse expenses that occur due to a cancellation or delay. Coverage often includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and even the cost of phone calls. Just be sure to keep all boarding passes, confirmation emails, and any transcripts of conversations with the airline as proof for your claim.
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