Let’s create a situation where you have done all those things: packed your bags, set your playlist, and even imagined the beach sunset or the business deal that would be waiting for you at the destination. Just when you are about to board, the first announcement tells you that your flight has been delayed or worse, cancelled.
Disappointment is a feeling that will definitely come, right? We have all experienced that. The never-ending queues, the baffling updates, and the feeling of being stuck in a waiting room helplessly. But here is the truth: flight delays and cancellations happen more frequently than a lot of people think, and the majority of travelers have absolutely no idea what they are entitled to and what they should do next.
However, do not be concerned. We are going to clarify everything in this blog. We will explain why it happens and how you can tactfully deal with it without losing your temper (or your money). It does not matter if you are flying from Delhi to Dubai or from Mumbai to Milan; following these steps will be a rescue for your trip, and maybe they will even earn you some extra benefits.
Why Do Flights Get Cancelled or Delayed?
It is always better to know the causes before you become flustered. A few of the reasons are uncontrollable, while the rest can be avoided or handled better:
- Technical or Mechanical Issues: If safety is not compromised, airlines will still not continue their operations even if a minor fault is found. So in such cases, the plane is temporarily grounded.
- Crew or Staffing Shortages: There are instances when pilots or crew members may have exceeded their flying hours, due to delays, which are inevitable.
- Air Traffic Congestion: It can be said of a heavy flight schedule in major airports like Delhi or Mumbai that it is a reason for overlapping flight schedules, causing runway delays.
- Operational or Political Reasons: Your route might also suffer the consequences of airspace limitations, strikes, or the complete closure of airports in different countries.
- Weather Conditions: Fog and storms can delay a flight’s takeoff or landing. In India, it is mostly during the monsoon or the winter seasons that this happens.
Once you know the reason, you will have a perfect understanding of your compensation rights, or that you simply have to wait.
Step 1: Don’t Panic, Keep Yourself Informed
Although this is a tough task, in most cases, the information about the current situation will come to you through live updates, which may be sent via SMS, e-mail, or in the airline app, along with the cancellations or delays.
Tip:
Make sure that you have your airline’s mobile app with you before you go. It allows you to get the latest updates much quicker than the airport can make announcements.
In case the departure is postponed for more than 2–3 hours, the carriers are in general, willing to provide meal vouchers, access to the lounge, or hotel accommodation (depending on the length of the delay).
Step 2: Get in Touch with Airline Customer Support Without Any Delay
If that is the case, make first contact with the airline desk or call center without delay. Be polite to the extent of firmness and at the same time remind them of their responsibility. Also, remember that the customer service agents receive a lot of angry travelers every day.
You may inquire:
- “What is the revised departure time?”
- “Can you place me on a different flight?”
- “Can I get hotel accommodation or meal vouchers?”
A travel portal such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or EaseMyTrip, if that was your mode of booking, generally assists you in obtaining a new booking faster than the airline.
Step 3: Understand Your Rights As A Passenger (Yes, You Do Have Some!)
This is the point where most travelers are unaware that the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) in India and regulatory bodies like EU Regulation 261/2004 and US DOT rules are there to help you in case of losses resulting from unfair treatment.
In India (as per DGCA regulations):
When the airline cancels the flight on which you are booked less than 2 weeks but 24 hours before the departure, you have the right to choose between:
- Getting your money back in full or
- Being flown on another flight free of charge.
If the delay is longer than 6 hours, notification of the same should be given at least 24 hours before departure. If a flight delay lasts more than 24 hours, then airlines must provide passengers with a hotel, meals, and other amenities.
For international trips, the compensation amount is classified into three tiers of €250, €450, and €600 (approximately ₹22,000 to ₹53,000) depending on the flying distance and then the extent.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you always keep safe your boarding passes and the emails as they are the evidence you need for the compensation claim.
Check: 7 Best Train Journeys in India for a Scenic Experience
Step 4: Verify Travel Insurance Coverage
In case you have a travel insurance plan (which is mostly a forgotten option), it is definitely the moment to implement it. The majority of the insurance plans offer coverage for:
- Delays of flights for more than a certain number of hours
- Missing connections because of delays
- Cancellation of a trip caused by airline or weather problems
Even a very basic credit card like HDFC Diners, SBI Card ELITE, or ICICI Coral is generally accompanied by travel delay protection. It is advisable to review your policy
conditions on the internet and submit your claim within 7 to 14 days.
Step 5: Request Compensation or Benefits (Politely!)
Here’s the thing: airlines are not going to offer you compensation all the time without you asking for it. You need to ask for it.
Politely saying something like:
“It is a fact that my flight has been delayed for more than 5 hours. I wonder if you could kindly provide me some information about the compensation or the hotel options?”
Airlines may, in most cases, offer:
- Coupons for meals or refreshments
- The right to use airport lounges
- If there are long delays, hotel stays will be provided
- Free rebooking or travel credits
- If you are fortunate and the cause is located within the airline (like technical issues or crew delays), then you may obtain a cash refund or a travel voucher.
Step 6: Stay Connected & Keep Your Essentials Handy
Delay time can be from several hours up to an entire day; consequently, it is wise to be ready:
- Having a power bank is a must (the outlets at the airport are forever in high demand).
- You should also carry something to snack on during your trip, a beverage, and a few medicines in your carry-on bag. Check airline apps, Twitter (X) accounts, and airport information screens to get updated information.
Also Read: Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Travel from India in 2025
Quick Recap
- Stay grounded, maintain a peaceful countenance, and just keep on checking for updates.
- Contact the airline and find out your chances to rebook or whatever else option you have to choose from.
- Make use of your rights as a passenger (DGCA, EU, or US regulations).
- See if your travel insurance has any coverage for this situation.
- Compensation request should be courteous, and keep a record of all your receipts.
- Don’t lose touch with the world outside your airport, keep your necessities close at hand, and be better prepared for the next time.
Conclusion:
Honestly, I would say that flight cancellations and delays would be quite a frustrating situation. Going crazy is not going to help, that’s for sure. In case you keep your composure and have accurate details, you will realize that what initially appeared as a disappointment and a waste of time can actually become your opportunity. Maybe your flight will be upgraded without you having to pay, you will be given compensation due to the inconvenience, or you will just happen to discover the best airport café that you have never been to!
So if your flight is delayed or cancelled next time, don’t let it get on your nerves and spoil your trip. Get the situation under control, know your rights, and behave accordingly, as being the intelligent and well-prepared traveller that you are.
Wish you good luck on the road and that all your flights will be without any problems! If you want to be up-to-date with the latest travel news, gather tips, and get airline news, always be connected with UpdateMee for your smart travel guidance!
