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How to handle a flight delay this holiday season

Dec. 21, 2021
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4 min read
Delayed flight
How to handle a flight delay this holiday season
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Editor's Note

This story has been updated with new information.

Flight delays can happen to anyone, no matter what your airline elite status is. It could be a short delay that doesn’t affect you too much, or a longer stoppage that causes you to miss a connecting flight.

Delays can be extremely frustrating to all parties involved, but when does it become an actual issue you should address? Here, TPG takes a look at when it’s appropriate to speak up about a flight delay.

(Photo by Robin Utrecht/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)

When you should speak up really depends on the circumstances. Weather delays are different from mechanical delays, and flight diversions are in a category of their own. And those inconveniences can be layered on top of the extra hoops you may have to jump through while traveling during the pandemic.

Related: US now requires all returning international travelers to get a COVID-19 test 1 day before travel

Here are some things to keep in mind once you’ve heard your flight has been delayed:

  • Consider contacting the airline via social media (i.e. Twitter or Facebook) with your questions or requests. Some airlines are more consistent in responding than others, but it still doesn’t hurt. Gate agents may already be dealing with a long line of frustrated customers.
  • Even if your flight is only delayed by a little to start, it doesn’t hurt to start looking at alternative options in case the situation gets worse. If the airline you’re flying has an app, you can research other options on your own, so you’re prepared to find an alternative flight should it be necessary.
  • Bad weather can only last so long, so start your search by looking for into flights later that day or even the next day.
  • If you have a late-night flight that's delayed, start looking both for morning flights and overnight accommodations.

Related: The 9 best credit cards with travel insurance

It’s important to add your email address and mobile number when checking in for your flight — this way airlines can keep you updated in the event of a delay and you can immediately start searching for alternatives. Also, familiarize yourself with each airline’s compensation and accommodation policy in the case of a delay.

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Talking to a gate agent about your frustration solo may seem intimidating. You may not be the only one feeling confused or irritated. If you do have the opportunity to talk to fellow passengers around you try to determine if they share the same concerns. That could make you feel more at ease before starting a conversation with an airline employee.

When you do decide to speak up about a flight delay, make sure you know what to say, if compensation is appropriate and how to get that compensation if applicable. Additionally, many credit cards offer trip delay insurance, so you may be eligible for compensation from your credit card.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Make sure to hold onto any receipts, tickets and vouchers to document your expenses. It can also be helpful to ask for the official reason the flight was delayed. Each airline also has a specific delay and cancellation policy that you should look into for possible compensation. Some airlines offer on-the-spot compensation to passengers, while others make you fill out forms.

Related: The best credit cards with travel protections

Bottom Line

Airport delays can have numerous causes, so remember that every situation is different. If there is severe weather, there is little the airline can actually do about it. Be sure to look for alternative flights before everyone else on your flight beats you to it. If you stay calm, gather information and plan out your options you will be back in the skies before long.

Additional reporting by Caroline Blair.

Featured image by Getty Images/iStockphoto
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.