Where to check if your flight is cancelled

Your airline's website or app is the first place to look. Log in, enter your confirmation number and last name, and the system will show your flight status — cancelled, on time, delayed, or boarding. Most airlines update this within minutes of a cancellation decision.

Your airline will also send you an email or text message to the address or phone number on your booking. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox. The message usually arrives within an hour of the cancellation, though sometimes it comes after you have already checked the website.

If you are at the airport, the departure board displays cancellations in real time. Look for a red "CANCELLED" label next to your flight number. You can also ask an agent at the ticket counter — they have access to the same system the website uses and can tell you when ready whether your flight is off.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your airline's website or app by entering your confirmation number — this is the fastest way to confirm a cancellation before you leave home.
  • Airlines send cancellation notices by email or text, but these can arrive after you have already checked online, so do not wait for a message.
  • A red "CANCELLED" label on the airport departure board is the official confirmation if you are already there.
  • If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to a refund or a rebooking on another flight at no extra cost under U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

What the airline must tell you about a cancellation

The airline is required to tell you the reason for the cancellation — weather, mechanical issue, crew shortage, or another cause. They do not always volunteer this information, but you can ask an agent or check your airline's website for details. Some airlines post the reason on the flight status page; others only share it if you contact them.

The airline must also tell you your options: a refund of your ticket price, or a rebooking on another flight to the same destination at no extra cost. You do not have to choose when ready. You can ask for time to think about it, especially if the rebooking is on a flight that arrives much later or requires a connection you did not originally book.

How to get a refund or rebook after cancellation

Request a refund or rebooking through the airline's website, app, or by calling their customer service number. The number is on your confirmation email. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.

If you choose a refund, the airline must process it within seven business days. The refund goes back to the original payment method — the credit card, debit card, or bank account you used to buy the ticket. If you paid with a gift card or airline credit, the refund goes back as airline credit, not cash.

If you choose to rebook, the airline will place you on the next available flight to your destination, even if it is on a different airline or requires a connection. You do not pay extra for this rebooking. If the new flight is several hours later and you need a hotel or meal, ask the airline whether they cover those costs — policies vary by airline and by the reason for the cancellation.

Cancellations due to weather versus other reasons

Weather cancellations are treated differently under U.S. law. If your flight is cancelled because of a storm, snow, or other weather event, the airline does not have to pay you compensation beyond a refund or rebooking. Weather is considered an "act of God" that the airline cannot control.

If your flight is cancelled for any other reason — mechanical failure, crew shortage, overbooking, or an airline decision — you may be may have access to to compensation of $400 to $750 depending on how far you were supposed to travel. The airline must offer this compensation along with the refund or rebooking. You do not have to accept the first offer; you can negotiate or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation if you believe the amount is wrong.

What to do if the airline will not confirm the cancellation

Sometimes an airline delays announcing a cancellation, leaving you uncertain whether to go to the airport. If your flight status page says "on time" but you see news reports of widespread cancellations at your airport, call the airline directly. An agent can tell you whether your specific flight is still operating.

If the airline says the flight is on time but you have strong reason to believe otherwise — for example, the aircraft is stuck in another city — ask the agent to check the aircraft location. They can see where the plane is and whether it is likely to arrive in time for your departure. If the aircraft is more than three hours away, the flight will almost certainly be cancelled or delayed past the point where you can still make your connection.

Checking your flight the night before and the morning of travel

Check your flight status the night before you travel. Most cancellations are announced 24 hours or more in advance, giving you time to rebook or request a refund before you go to the airport. Set a phone reminder to check again two hours before your scheduled departure time.

If your flight was on time the night before but you wake up to news of a major storm or airport closure, check again when ready. Airlines sometimes cancel flights early in the morning as conditions worsen. Do not assume your flight is still operating just because it was scheduled to go the day before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my money back if my flight is cancelled?

Yes. You have the right to a refund of your full ticket price, or you can choose to rebook on another flight at no extra cost. The refund goes back to your original payment method within seven business days.

Do I get paid compensation if my flight is cancelled?

It depends on the reason. If weather caused the cancellation, the airline does not owe you compensation beyond the refund or rebooking. If the airline cancelled the flight for any other reason, you may be may have access to to $400 to $750 in compensation depending on the distance of your flight.

What if I miss my connection because my first flight was cancelled?

The airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination. If you miss a connection because of a cancellation on the first leg, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your final destination at no extra cost, even if it is on a different airline.

How long does it take to get a refund after cancellation?

The airline must process the refund within seven business days. It may take an additional three to five business days for the money to appear in your bank account or on your credit card, depending on your bank.

Can the airline force me to take a flight on a different day if mine is cancelled?

No. You can choose a refund instead of rebooking. If you do rebook, the airline must offer you the next available flight to your destination, but you can ask for a later flight if you prefer, and the airline cannot charge you extra.