---
source_url: "https://us.trip.com/guide/airline-deals/flight-cancellation-and-delay.html"
title: "What to Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled or Delayed | Trip.com"
mirrored_at: 2026-08-16T15:38:18.677Z
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> **Original source:** https://us.trip.com/guide/airline-deals/flight-cancellation-and-delay.html

## Common Causes of Flight Cancellations and Delays

![Common Causes of Flight Cancellations and Delays](https://dimg04.tripcdn.com/images/1n94b324x91mzjkz14528.jpg?proc=format/f_webp)

Unsplash/Ivan Lau

Flight cancellations and delays are becoming more common, leaving many travelers wondering why they happen and what to do if their flight is affected. Common causes include ****bad weather****, ****airplane issues****, or ****staffing shortages**** at the ****FAA****.

Delays at other airports—like those caused by a snowstorm in another city—can also ripple through your schedule. Understanding the reason for your flight’s delay or cancellation is important, as it determines whether you’re eligible for compensation.

🎁 Book Your [****Flights****](https://us.trip.com/flights/) & [****Hotels****](https://us.trip.com/hotels/) on Trip.com~ Grab a Fast & Reliable [****Global eSIM****](https://us.trip.com/things-to-do/detail/68009994/) before You Go!

## Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled

Almost every traveler eventually faces a flight cancellation or delay, sometimes discovering it only at the airport. Beyond disrupting your plans, it can also affect your travel budget.

While every airline and ticket is different, there are ****steps you can take to get compensation and support****, whether it’s a last-minute cancellation or a long delay that makes you miss a connection.

![Flight Cancellation and Delay: Delayed Plane on Runway](https://dimg04.tripcdn.com/images/1n91m324x91myfg0qC16D.jpg?proc=format/f_webp)

Unsplash/Shot by Joe

### Step 1: Monitor your flight

The first thing to do after booking your flight is to monitor your departure. Check online regularly to make sure everything is on schedule. Airlines should notify you of delays, but it doesn’t always happen, so keeping an eye on your flight helps you act quickly if there’s a delay or cancellation.

You can track your flight on ****Trip.com**** by logging into your account, selecting ****“My Bookings,”**** and clicking on your flight to see ****real-time status**** and updates.

### Step 2: Contact the airline

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact the airline immediately to explore your options. They can help you rebook or create an emergency plan to reach your destination on time.

Airlines typically ****offer alternative flights****—either later or to a different airport. You can choose to accept it or request a cash refund.

### Step 3: Check your travel insurance

Once you know the expected delay or have options to rebook a cancelled flight, check your [****travel insurance****](https://us.trip.com/insurance/) to see what’s covered. This could include hotels, new flights, or other extra expenses, though compensation usually applies only for severe delays or significant travel disruptions.

If you booked with a ****U.S. travel credit card****, you might already have travel insurance. Coverage varies—some cards cover only cancellations, while others include delays too. Always review your policy to understand what’s covered and improve your chances of a full refund.