As Winter Storm Beryl continues to pound parts of the U.S., travelers are facing flight cancellations in multiple cities. Cancellations are affecting not only the usual suspects—the airports known for weather-related delays during the holidays—but also major airports in the Mid-Atlantic region. Fortunately, the Department of Transportation recently passed legislation that requires airlines to provide automatic cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed. Here’s what to do if your flight has been canceled due to winter storms.
What happens when a flight is canceled in the U.S.?
When a storm is approaching, airlines will often offer rescheduling options with no change fees. But if you're facing a cancellation, you're entitled to some basic commitments from airlines. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has an airline customer service dashboard with all the details.
If you have a canceled flight, you’re entitled to a refund if you choose not to take an alternative flight. When it comes to delays, compensation only kicks in if the delay is the airline’s fault, like crew shortages or mechanical issues.
When flights get canceled for controllable reasons, each airline has slightly different policies.
American, Delta, Hawaiian and United offer:
- Free rebooking on the same airline or a partner, at no extra cost
- Meal vouchers if you're stuck waiting three+ hours for a new flight.
- Free accommodations for overnight cancellations
- Complimentary rides to and from the hotel
Alaska and JetBlue offer everything listed above, plus some additional compensation.
Allegiant, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit offer far fewer compensation options—no rebooking on partner airlines and no hotel compensation.
Bottom line, if your flight is canceled and you decide to skip the alternative options, you’re always entitled to a refund. But if you accept a new flight, the perks and protections depend on the airline.
What to do after a flight cancelation
Getting a refund for a canceled flight—if you have not accepted an alternative flight—typically requires just a phone call or a quick online chat with customer service. Waiting a few days to reach out is advised, to let the initial call volume drop. Airlines rarely cover out-of-pocket expenses like hotels, meals, or transportation when a flight is delayed, but if they do, they’ll outline the steps you’ll need to take.
Travel insurance—and some credit card companies—can also cover expenses due to cancellations and delays, so consider looking into options before booking your next flight.