The airline cancelled your flight. What now?

Act before the queue forms

When a flight is cancelled, every passenger on it becomes your competition for a finite number of seats on later services. Speed matters more than volume of complaint.

Start the rebooking conversation while you walk to the desk, not after you reach it.

The order to work in

• Check the airline's app first — cancellations often expose self-service rebooking before staff can process it.
• Call your agent or the airline while you queue. Two routes to the same seat inventory is better than one.
• Ask specifically what alternatives exist, including partner airlines, not just whether there is a later flight.
• Keep the cancellation notice. It is the evidence for any later claim.

What you can reasonably ask for

The specifics depend on the carrier, the route and the jurisdiction, so we will not promise a number. What is generally worth asking for: rebooking onto the next available service including another airline, and — where the delay is long or overnight — meals and accommodation.

If the airline offers a voucher, ask what your entitlement is in cash or a rebooking before accepting it. A voucher is sometimes the better deal. It is rarely the only option.

Where an agent helps

If we issued your ticket, you have someone working the phones on your behalf while you deal with the airport. Message the consultant on your booking and keep moving.