Canceled & Delayed Flights
It FEELS like flights are getting less reliable, so I looked up the numbers, what you’re entitled to, and ways to cope with unexpected airport slumber parties.
Are flights actually less reliable?
Despite how it feels, flights today are not significantly less reliable than they used to be—at least not across the board. In fact, U.S. airlines are canceling fewer flights overall than they did a decade ago, with cancellation rates hovering around 1.3% in 2025, down from higher averages in earlier years. However, public perception has shifted due to a few high-profile meltdowns (like Southwest in 2022 and Delta’s tech outage in 2024), and airlines are operating with tighter staffing and aging IT systems that leave little room for error. So while the data shows steady or even improved reliability overall, when things do go wrong, the impact tends to be more chaotic and more visible—fueling the sense that flying has become riskier and more exhausting than it used to be.
What are you entitled to?
If your flight is canceled in the U.S., you're entitled to a full refund (including baggage fees and seat upgrades) if you choose not to travel. This applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, including weather, mechanical problems, or lack of crew. If you accept a rebooking or credit instead, you are not entitled to a refund.
If your flight is delayed, there are no federal laws requiring compensation. However, airlines must allow you to remain on your itinerary without paying extra if you accept a delayed departure. Most airlines will rebook you for free on the next available flight, but that is a courtesy, not a legal requirement.
For tarmac delays, federal rules require the following: domestic flights may not sit on the tarmac more than 3 hours without giving you the option to deplane; international flights are limited to 4 hours. After 2 hours, the airline must provide food and water. They must also ensure working toilets and offer medical attention if needed. These rules do not apply if safety or air traffic control prevents deplaning.
The Department of Transportation maintains a dashboard showing what each airline promises in the case of cancellations or controllable delays. Airlines may voluntarily offer meals, hotel stays, or ground transportation, but they are not required to do so by law.
Here are current voluntary policies for the top 5 U.S. airlines (as of July 2025):
Delta Air Lines - 83% on time, 1% canceled
Controllable delay of 3+ hours: meal or meal voucher provided
Overnight stay due to controllable delay or cancellation: free hotel and ground transportation provided
Rebooking: free on Delta or another airline if needed
Status updates every 30 minutes
Rebooking available through website/app
American Airlines - 77% on time, 1.3% canceled
Controllable delay of 3+ hours: meal voucher provided
Overnight stay: hotel and transport provided
Rebooking: free on American only
No guaranteed rebooking on partner carriers
Digital self-service available
United Airlines - 75% on time, 1.2% canceled
Controllable delay of 3+ hours: meal voucher
Overnight stay: hotel and ground transport provided
Rebooking: free on United or partner airline
Regular updates
Self-rebooking available online
Southwest Airlines - 77% on time, 0.6% canceled
Controllable delay of 3+ hours: meal voucher
Overnight stay: hotel and transport provided
Rebooking: free on Southwest only
App and website rebooking options available
Alaska Airlines - 79% on time, 1.2% canceled
Controllable delay of 3+ hours: meal voucher
Overnight delay: hotel and transport provided
Rebooking: free on Alaska or partner airline
Updates every 30 minutes
App/website rebooking supported
The DOT complaint form is at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint
Airline-specific policies: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard
A controllable delay is one that is within the airline’s control, meaning it wasn’t caused by weather, air traffic control, or other external factors. The U.S. Department of Transportation defines it as delays due to:
Crew scheduling issues
Aircraft maintenance or mechanical problems
Cleaning, baggage loading, or fueling
Late arrival of aircraft (when under airline control)
IT or internal operational failures
It does not include:
Weather delays
Airport security issues
Air traffic control or government-imposed delays
Strikes by third parties like airport workers or refuelers (in some cases)
Each airline's policy spells out what it considers “controllable,” but they follow this DOT standard.
How does travel insurance help?
Travel insurance can help cover additional costs due to delays or cancellations that your airline doesn't reimburse. Here's what it typically includes:
Trip Cancellation:
Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you cancel for a covered reason (e.g., illness, injury, death in family, jury duty, natural disaster at home or destination).
Not covered: changing your mind, or if the airline cancels but offers a refund or credit.
Trip Interruption:
Reimburses unused trip costs and new return travel if you have to cut your trip short for a covered reason.
Trip Delay:
Pays for meals, hotels, and transportation during a long delay (often after 6+ hours).
Daily limits vary (e.g., $150–$300/day, up to a set maximum like $500–$1,000 total).
Must save receipts.
Missed Connection:
Covers additional costs to rejoin your trip after a missed flight or cruise due to a covered delay (often 3+ hours).
Baggage Delay or Loss:
Pays for clothing/toiletries if your bags are delayed (often after 12–24 hours).
Reimburses for lost or damaged luggage.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR):
Optional add-on, more expensive.
Allows cancellation for any reason not normally covered, usually with a 50–75% reimbursement.
Must be purchased soon after booking (often within 14–21 days).
Always check the policy details—each provider has different definitions of “covered reasons,” delay thresholds, and reimbursement caps.
What if I’m stuck overnight?
Finally, if your flight gets delayed and you’re stuck in the airport overnight, check out THIS WEBSITE, which is the foremost authority on peaceful places to catch a nap in an airport.
