FAQ : Reason for flight delay or cancellation - 2024 edition - FlyerTalk Forums (2024)

FAQs

How can I find out the reason for a flight cancellation? ›

We must also stress that it's crucial to check at least two sources to make sure the reason matches up. Here's a quick summary of the essential takeaways: Look to the airline first for flight cancellation details. Check with the airport, which should have information on widespread issues.

Inclement weather, such as thunderstorm, hurricane, or blizzard. Late arrival of the aircraft to be used for the flight from a previous flight. Maintenance problems with the aircraft. Security issues.

If you have been delayed for more than five hours and no longer wish to travel then you are entitled to a refund. If you are a transfer passenger and missed your connection flight because your first flight was delayed, you are also entitled to a flight back to your original departure point.

If your flight is cancelled. You have the legal right to either: a full refund - including other flights from the airline that you won't use in the same booking such as onward or return flights. a replacement flight to get you to your destination.

Although most airlines won't show an explanation for a delayed flight on their website, some will offer the reason for the delay in their app. Calling the airline's customer service number can also help you find out why your flight is delayed.

Airlines have specific communication obligations when they delay or cancel a flight. The airline operating the disrupted flight must give passengers key information, including the reason for the delay or cancellation.

The real meaning of operational reason stated by companies during flight delay is that something unexpected has occurred which prevents the plane from taking off on time. This could be anything from a mechanical issue to bad weather, or even an air traffic control problem.

To ensure a safe flow of aircraft traffic, it may have to delay some flights. The ATC may direct a commercial airline to delay a flight so that traffic can flow smoothly through the airport.

Flight cancellations

Southwest canceled the highest percentage of all flights (2.75%), but it's worth noting the period analyzed includes the airline's 2022 holiday travel meltdown. Since then, Southwest has made some improvements and performed better from January to August 2023.

However, federal law does not require airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when flights are delayed. So if your trip is delayed and you end up stuck in the airport, any hotel rooms, meal vouchers or other monetary compensation will be given at the discretion of the airline.

When can you ask for compensation for a delayed flight? ›

Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late. Canceled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.

In addition, every airline except Frontier is committed to complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation. Otherwise, here's what you can expect from different carriers for a "controllable cancellation," per the U.S. Department of Transportation website. Yes.

If your flight gets cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to receive either a full ticket refund or a new flight. If the flight is cancelled after you have already arrived at the airport, you are also entitled to care.

You will be eligible for a refund if your domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours, or if your international flight delay exceeds six hours. Using the airline's app or calling an international airline number is often the quickest way to rebook a flight.

There are several reasons why flights may be canceled, including bad weather, air traffic restrictions, lack of airplane or staff, technical problems, and low passenger numbers.

There are several reasons why flights may be canceled, including bad weather, air traffic restrictions, lack of airplane or staff, technical problems, and low passenger numbers.

Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents. Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it. Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund. Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.

For a successfully operated flight, airlines need to maintain a certain level of passenger demand. An airline may decide to cancel a flight if there are insufficient confirmed reservations for it or if there are too few passengers.