Flight delays happen — especially this time of year. Last year, roughly one in every four or five domestic U.S. flights experienced a delay, and about 1%-2% were canceled.
1. Track your incoming flight. Your airline’s app will notify you when there’s a delay. But did you know there are flight-tracking apps that can get you that information sooner than the airline?
Pro tip:This particular app is truly a cut above the rest! It will reliably notify you of delays, gate changes and cancellations long before your airline’s app does. Seriously, it’s pretty amazing!
Pro tip: If I don’t have any good options bookable with rewards, this incredibly easy-to-use tool is my go-to for finding the cheapest possible refundable flight that could work.
3. Secure lounge access. Enjoying a free meal and cocktail (or two, depending on the delay) in a comfy setting can really take the sting out of having to kill extra hours in the airport. This is why I always recommend having a credit card that provides lounge access.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a card or boarding pass that gets you in, paying the admission fee at a lounge during a delay can be money well spent, as this TPGer can attest. And if you’re new to airport lounges, maybe brush up on some of our do’s and don’ts when visiting a lounge.
4. Book with a card that provides travel protection. Many of our favorite cards offer some degree of travel protection that can reimburse you for unexpected expenses incurred from a delay, as long as you’ve booked your trip with that card.
5. Know your rights. Under U.S. rules, if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed (three hours for domestic flights, six hours for international flights) and you don’t accept alternative transportation, you’re entitled to a refund — not just travel credit.
Pro tip: Not sure how to pursue a refund? This guide can help you get started. Just remember, while “controllable” delays may trigger more robust airline support (hotel, transport, rebooking), weather-related disruptions often leave you fending for yourself.
Want to know more? These articles will leave you well equipped to handle your next delay or cancellation:
Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
You don’t have to pay nearly $1,000 in annual fees to get premium travel benefits. With the Capital One Venture X card, you’ll receive a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, and access to luxury properties through the Premier Collection by Capital One Travel. Terms apply.
You are receiving this email because you opted in atthepointsguy.com.
Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
Advertiser Disclosure:
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
