It’s the traveler’s nightmare. You’re at the airport, and the board flashes red. Cancelled. The gate agent is instantly mobbed by 200 angry people. Do not join that mob.
Speed is Everything
When a flight cancels, those 200 people are competing for maybe 10 seats on the next flight. You need to be first.
The Multi-Tasking Method
While walking to the customer service line (just in case), get on the phone. Call the airline’s customer service number. If the hold time is long, try calling their international number (e.g., the UK or Singapore line for a US airline)—they often answer faster.
Simultaneously, open the airline’s app. Many airlines now allow you to rebook yourself instantly in the app.
Know Your Rights
If the cancellation is the airline’s fault (maintenance, crew), they owe you a refund or a rebooking, and often a meal/hotel voucher. If it’s weather, they owe you a rebooking but usually not a hotel.
Crucial Tip: You can often ask to be rebooked on a competitor’s flight if the airline can’t get you out that day. They won’t offer this voluntarily; you have to ask: “Can you interline me on the American Airlines flight leaving at 5 PM?”
Use the App
Download the app of every airline you fly before you leave home. Ensure you are logged in. This is your command center.
Stay Calm, Move Fast
Getting angry at the gate agent won’t help. Being polite but persistent, and knowing exactly what options are available (because you checked Google Flights while on hold), will get you home.
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