The steps you need to follow if your flight is delayed or cancelled

With the holiday season now upon us and people jetting away for holidays, it's always good to know what you should do if something goes wrong.

Flight delays and cancellations are common occurrences that can disrupt your travel plans - but knowing rebooking options, compensation claims and alternative travel arrangements can help avoid any headaches.

James from Travel Lingual, a travel marketplace and price comparison platform, has shared his top tips on how you can advocate for yourself with airlines - and make the most of challenging travel situations.

So what should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

1. Stay calm and informed

James advises that upon learning about a delay or cancellation, you need to stay calm and gather information.

You should:

• Check the airline's website, app, or contact their customer service team for updates.

• Opt in to receive text message flight notifications of your trip’s status

• Download your airline’s mobile app which often has the most up-to-date information.

2. Know your rights

You should familiarise yourself with passenger rights outlined by regulatory authorities such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the U.S. or the European Union regulations (EU261) - this will all depend on your holiday and where you are heading to.

The expert says that these rights often include compensation for significant delays and cancellations - and you may even entitled to recoup costs for meals, hotel stays and ground transportation if you are stranded overnight.

3. Explore your re-booking options

Airlines typically offer re-booking options for affected passengers. The expert urges people to check for available alternative flights and inquire about seat availability.

James says: "If it is a widespread issue and a ticket agent is not available, call the airline’s call centre and speak to an agent. Sometimes call centres may have extended wait times, so try dialling the airline’s international call centres" which can be found on their website.

4. Claim compensation

If the delay or cancellation is due to factors within the airline's control such as maintenance issues or crew scheduling problems, you may be entitled to compensation. You should follow your airline's procedure for filing claims and provide all necessary documentation.

5. Consider alternative travel arrangements

In some cases, it may be faster or more convenient to avid getting on a plane and instead jump on a train or rent a car.

James explains: "Evaluate the feasibility of these options, especially if the delay is significant. Oftentimes when flights must be rebooked, you are entitled to a refund which won’t get you on a new flight, but it could offset the cost of alternative modes of transportation such as trains or renting a car."

6. Secure accommodations

If the delay extends overnight or it is delayed for a very long period of time, the expert says you should inquire about accommodation options provided by the airline. Alternatively, seek nearby hotels or accommodations. James says: "It’s important to keep records and receipts for potential reimbursement from your airline."

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