Takeaways

• Don’t Cancel the Flight: Airlines may notify you that your flight has been delayed and offer the option to cancel. Before you agree or hit cancel, explore options that aren’t being presented to you. We recommend talking directly to customer support on the phone. You can also try the airline’s mobile app and in-person airline counter. Persistence and politeness can help in negotiating for better alternatives.
• Understand Refund Policies: Non-refundable ticket holders should be aware that they are entitled to a refund only for the unused portion of their fare, which can lead to partial refunds depending on the airline's discretion (see this notice by the DOT). Also, be very mindful of the credit card you use to book your flight. Some credit card companies offer built-in insurance, particularly Mastercard World Elite or Visa Signature cards.
• Consider Alternative Travel Options: In cases of extensive delays, explore alternative modes of travel, such as trains, car rentals, or other transport, to reach your destination. Weigh the costs and benefits to make an informed decision.
• Invest in Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance with trip delay coverage, as it provides a safety net during unpredictable disruptions. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer comprehensive benefits that often outweigh the annual fee.
• Evaluate the Overall Cost Involved: Assess the expenses and implications of staying longer at the destination or seeking alternative routes. Sometimes, delays can lead to unexpected opportunities or inconveniences.
  

As the year 2023 unfolds, the travel industry is grappling with a concerning rise in flight costs, cancellations, and delays. This pressing issue has had a significant impact on business and leisure travelers, including myself and a friend, who recently found themselves stranded at Newark Liberty International Airport during the last leg of a work trip. Flight cancellations are the worst, but know that though you might not be able to control a flight cancellation, but you are able to control how you handle the delay. There are other steps you can take to make the journey home (or there) easier if you know your rights. 

What to Do When Your Flight Gets Canceled or Delayed: Don’t Hit Cancel. Take a Breath.

When confronted with an unforeseen flight cancellation, maintaining composure and assessing options are vital. Often, airlines might only offer you the option to cancel your flight if your flight is delayed. Don’t cancel just yet because chances are, once you hit cancel or agree to a flight refund, you aren’t going to get anything else back from the airline. Ask them for all available options, especially if you don’t want to pay for alternative means of transportation. Your first step is to contact the airline immediately to assess available options. Try the airline’s mobile app, customer support line, and in-person airline counter. Do not accept a refund without being presented with alternative rebooking choices. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a canceled flight and no option home other than one at your own expense.

Negotiating for Better Options

My friend, who lived in Chicago and was flying out of Newark, only had the option of flying back. During her interaction with the airline representative, she searched online with them as they were presenting her available flight options. She found that a better alternative flight was available for purchase but was not given as an option for rebooking. She asked if they could put her on the better flight she saw available online but was denied. She kept pressing and asked to speak to a supervisor who would be willing to help her. They transferred her to another department and ended up getting her on the flight she requested. Being resourceful, competent, and polite persistence will increase your odds of achieving what you want and in this case, securing better flight options. It is worthwhile to make efforts to find a helpful representative willing to go the extra mile to assist you.

I, on the other hand, lived in DC, about a 4-hour drive away from New Jersey. I was determined to get home that day. I started to look at alternate refunds and travel options.

Understanding Refund Entitlements for Non-Refundable Tickets

If you are holding a non-refundable ticket, it's essential to know the refund policies of the airline. Typically, passengers are entitled to a refund only for the unused portion of their non-refundable fare, as per airline discretion. This policy may lead to partial refunds, often leaving travelers, like myself, dissatisfied with the outcome.

When I spoke to the airline representative, he stated that my flight would not only be fully refunded but my travel costs would also be reimbursed. He gave me a link and proceeded to cancel my flight. I wished I had this conversation on record. In the end, United only approved a refund of a portion of my flight back - $68 out of the $186 flight, and none of my alternative travel costs back home.

Exploring Alternative Travel Options

In situations where flight delays seem extensive, and you need to get to your destination as soon as possible, exploring other methods of transportation might be feasible. Trying looking at another flight, renting a car, taking a train, or looking at Greyhound buses. Either way, know that most credit card companies won’t cover alternative travel options under trip delay or cancellations. 

In my case, it appeared that most of the United flights were canceled for the day and it seemed unlikely I’d get a flight back until the next day. Fortunately, I lived within train distance and Newark had an Amtrak right by the airport. Not to mention, the cost of the Amtrak journey was comparable to that of a hotel stay, making it a reasonable choice under the circumstances.

Trip Delay Insurance: A Viable Solution

As flight delays and cancellations continue to rise, investing in travel insurance with trip delay coverage can prove invaluable. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, although involving an annual fee, offer a range of benefits that often offset the cost, especially considering the increasing uncertainties in travel plans. This peace of mind can be a significant advantage for travelers in times of disruption. Even if you don’t have a paid reward card, try googling your card anyway to see if there are any hidden benefits.

Just note, every credit card has its own specific rules regarding what is covered and what isn’t. As mentioned earlier, making alternative means of travel is usually not covered by Trip Delay insurance. However, travel costs to and from the airport, lodging, and meals, usually are. Check your credit card company to see what additional benefits you may have. 

In my case, my PenFed travel card had trip delay insurance as part of its Visa Signature platform. Although it was not advertised on PenFed’s website, when I did a search for “Trip Delay” and “PenFed”, I found this documentation that outlined travel benefits for Visa Signature cardholders with PenFed. I called up the number provided and after validating that I had an applicable card and issue, they directed me to file a claim through https://www.eclaimsline.com/. About two weeks later, I received a refund for my uber trip from the airport to Amtrak.

Considering the Overall Cost Involved

When unforeseen changes occur in travel plans, it is essential to weigh the potential costs and benefits of alternative options. A delay might present an opportunity to explore the destination further or spend extra time with friends and family. Conversely, it could lead to significant inconvenience, necessitating a calculated evaluation of the available alternatives. Take a moment to breathe, let the frustrations pass through and be grounded on what you’re doing and check-in with yourself on why you’re traveling and what you’re trying to achieve.

With the alarming rise in flight delays and cancellations, navigating travel disruptions has become a crucial skill for any traveler. Swiftly contacting the airline, exploring available options, and understanding refund policies can make all the difference when plans go awry. While such experiences can be challenging, they may also lead to memorable encounters and a deeper appreciation for the kindness of fellow travelers and helpful agents along the journey. Also, no matter the chaos around you, you have the choice to remain calm and with an abundant mindset and trust in your competence, you’ll navigate whatever circumstances you are facing. 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this account is based on personal experience and is not intended as professional travel advice. Readers are encouraged to review their individual airline policies and travel insurance coverage.