Winter weather often causes widespread flight disruptions, leaving travelers scrambling to rebook or seek refunds.

While airlines cannot control the weather, regulations require them to provide refunds for canceled flights.

Here’s a guide on what to do when cancellations occur!

Monitor Weather and Airline Alerts

Airlines typically anticipate weather disruptions and may allow passengers to reschedule flights without fees. Check for updates on your airline’s website under "travel alerts" to see if rescheduling options are available. Being proactive can save time and frustration.

Confirm Your Flight Before Heading to the Airport

Use the airline’s app or flight status websites to verify that your flight is still on schedule before leaving for the airport. Airlines often cancel flights hours or even days in advance. Staying at home or in a hotel is preferable to being stranded in a crowded terminal.

Steps to Take When Your Flight Is Canceled

If a cancellation occurs, the next step is to secure another flight. Get in line to speak to a customer service representative while simultaneously calling or using the airline’s app to explore rebooking options. Reaching out via social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), can also be helpful.

Most airlines will rebook passengers for free on the next available flight, depending on seat availability. Winter travelers generally have better chances of finding open seats in January compared to the holiday season when flights are often fully booked.

Requesting Rebooking on Another Airline

Although you can request to be placed on another airline’s flight, carriers are not obligated to do so. Some larger airlines, except Southwest, may book passengers on partner airlines, but this varies and is not guaranteed. Researching alternate flight options before speaking to an agent can expedite the process.

Refund Eligibility

If you no longer wish to travel or find an alternate way to reach your destination, airlines are legally required to refund your money—even for non-refundable tickets. This includes refunds for unused services like baggage fees and seat upgrades. Airlines cannot issue vouchers as a substitute for cash refunds unless you agree to it.

Compensation for Cancellations

U.S. airlines are not required to provide cash compensation, meals, or lodging for stranded passengers, even when cancellations are due to airline-related issues like crew shortages or mechanical failures.

However, the Biden administration has proposed new regulations to strengthen consumer protections, potentially aligning U.S. policies more closely with Europe’s.

Airline-Specific Policies

Each airline has its own approach to handling delays and cancellations. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s website provides a summary of airline commitments, helping travelers understand their rights.

Winter weather cancellations can be inconvenient, but knowing your rights and staying prepared can help mitigate the disruption. Whether rebooking a flight or seeking a refund, proactive steps and patience can make the process smoother.