Don't panic — get information first
The gate agent probably doesn't know much more than you do. Check these sources in order:
- Airline app — push notifications are fastest
- FlightAware or Flightradar24 — track your actual aircraft
- Airport departure board — official but sometimes delayed
- Gate agent — last resort, but they can rebook you
If the delay is under an hour, stay put. If it's 2+ hours, start exploring your options.
Document everything — right now
Before you do anything else, document the delay. This takes 30 seconds and could be worth hundreds of dollars:
- 📸 Photo of the departure board showing the delay
- 📱 Screenshot of the airline notification
- 🕐 Note the actual departure and arrival times
- 🧾 Keep ALL receipts for meals, hotels, transport
Talk to the airline
Don't wait in the gate line with 200 other people. Call the airline's customer service number while standing in line — whoever answers first wins.
Ask for:
- Rebooking on the next available flight (free for delays/cancellations)
- Alternative airlines — they can sometimes rebook you on a competitor
- Meal vouchers for delays over 2-3 hours
- Hotel accommodation if you're stuck overnight
Check your credit card benefits
Many travel credit cards include trip delay insurance that kicks in after 6-12 hours. Common cards with this benefit:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve — $500/trip after 6 hours
- Amex Platinum — $500/trip after 6 hours
- Capital One Venture X — $300/trip after 6 hours
This covers meals, hotel, toiletries, and other necessities. Save your receipts and file the claim within 60 days.
Know when to file for compensation
If your flight was delayed 3+ hours and departed from an EU airport, you may be entitled to €250-€600 under EU261. For US domestic flights, there's no equivalent law — but you can file a DOT complaint if the airline doesn't follow its own policies.
You have up to 6 years to file an EU261 claim (varies by country). Don't rush — but don't forget either.