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Picture this: You arrive at the airport, excited for your trip, only to find your flight canceled due to bad weather. Frustrating, right? 

Well, knowing your rights can help you navigate these disruptions without losing time or money.

Airlines typically classify weather-related cancellations as “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning events beyond their control. This designation limits their obligations to compensate you. 

However, airlines must still provide assistance like rebooking or refunds, depending on the situation.

Compensation for Weather-Related Cancellations

Because airlines spin weather-related cancellations as “extraordinary circumstances,” many travelers miss opportunities to claim reimbursements or assistance simply because they don’t know the rules.

Here’s how to make sure you’re not one of them!

What counts as “extraordinary circumstances”?

Extraordinary circumstances for airlines are events beyond their control. 

This includes things like severe weather, natural disasters, airport closures, or even air traffic control strikes. 

These situations allow airlines to avoid liability for delays or cancellations since they can't prevent or manage such occurrences. 

While they may not owe you cash compensation for the inconvenience, airlines must still offer you a rebooking or a refund if you decline the rebooking.

Weather-related events that exempt airlines from mandatory compensation beyond rebooking or a refund include things like:

• Severe storms: Thunderstorms, hurricanes, or blizzards that make flying unsafe
• Heavy snow or ice: Conditions that affect airport operations or require de-icing of an aircraft
• Strong winds or turbulence: High winds can disrupt safe takeoffs or landings
• Fog or low visibility: Fog can reduce visibility, making flying more difficult 

Airline obligations for weather-related cancellations

Even though airlines may not have to give you cash compensation during weather-related cancellations, they are still required to offer:

• Rebooking on the next available flight, at no extra cost
• Full refund for any unused portion of the ticket if you choose not to take the rebooking or if they're unable to rebook you

Some airlines might also offer you meal or hotel vouchers, depending on the delay length, but this really depends on the airline’s policy. 

There’s unfortunately no legal requirement for U.S. domestic airlines to put you up in a hotel or feed you if the circumstances are out of their control. 

However, this differs from some international flights.

FAA vs. EU261 obligations

Domestic flights follow the guidelines set by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). 

Flights operated by airlines that are based in the European Union fall under EU261 (the Air Passengers Rights Regulation). 

EU261 also applies to U.S. airlines that are departing from the EU (however, it doesn’t apply to U.S. airlines entering the EU). 

In general, passenger protections under EU261 are stronger than those under the FAA guidelines.   

	FAA	EU261
Scope of coverage	Assistance like meals or hotel vouchers depends on the airline’s policy.	Passengers may be directly entitled to compensation for other delays or cancellations, though weather isn’t usually included.
Passenger rights	Requires airlines to refund tickets for canceled flights or significant delays, regardless of the cause, but only if they can’t rebook you or you decline the rebooking that they offer.	Passengers may receive compensation if delays exceed 3 hours and the airline is at fault, in addition to refunds.
Care provisions	Assistance like meals or hotel vouchers depend on the airline’s policy.	Requires airlines to provide meals and accommodation during long delays, even if caused by weather.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Canceled

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation where Mother Nature messes with your travel plans, there are some steps you can take so you don’t lose any more time or money.

1. Speak to airline staff about rebooking options and available assistance.
2. Ask if the airline can rebook you on partner carriers or an alternative route.
3. If the airline isn’t able to do much for you, consider other airlines or transportation methods. You may be able to find a new flight on your own through a different carrier.
4. If you find a better flight on your own, tell the airline you want your refund rather than a rebooking, and book yourself.
5. Collect information about your rights. Sometimes you may have to specifically ask for things like meal and hotel vouchers if applicable.
6. Keep all of your receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. This is so you can submit for reimbursement later — either to the airline or your travel insurance.

Check Your Travel Insurance for Coverage

Travel insurance can help cover expenses like hotels and meals if the airline doesn’t, preventing you from losing money.

But the catch is you need to buy it in advance — it won’t cover anything if you buy it after your flight has been canceled.

If you purchased travel insurance before your weather-canceled flight, you're likely covered. Check your policy to see how much you're owed and how to submit your claim.

Even if you didn't buy travel insurance from an insurance company, you may have it through your credit card. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and American Express Platinum Card®, will reimburse you for travel cancellation-related costs.*

COMPARE: Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance next time

If you don't have travel insurance or a credit card that includes it, you're unfortunately out of luck for this trip.

But you don't have to make the same mistake next time! Yes, buying a policy means spending more money, but it will save you a lot of headaches (and cash) if you run into a cancellation or delay again. 

If you don’t have a preferred insurance company, you can use an online broker like VisitorsCoverage to search for the best options for your travel plans.

How U.S. Airlines Handle Weather Cancellations

Since policies vary from airline to airline, it’s important to know the policy of the airline you will be flying with.

American Airlines' weather cancellation policy

For weather-related cancellations on American Airlines, you’re entitled to a rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost. 

If the rebooking doesn't suit your needs, you can request a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket. 

Unfortunately, American Airlines does not promise hotel or meal vouchers if your flight is canceled due to weather.

Delta's weather cancellation policy

Delta’s coverage for cancellations includes rebooking you on the next available flight at no extra cost. 

If you choose not to take the rebooking, Delta must refund you any unused portion of your ticket. 

Unfortunately, Delta doesn’t promise hotel or meal vouchers if your flight is canceled due to weather. 

United's weather cancellation policy

United's policy for cancellations says they will automatically rebook you for free on the next available United flight. 

If the next United flight doesn’t depart until the next day, they say they’ll book you on a new flight with one of their partner airlines if you ask them. 

Unfortunately, United doesn’t promise hotel or meal vouchers if your flight is canceled due to weather. 

Budget airline policies 

When you fly with a lower cost (or “budget” airline), you sometimes get what you pay for.

Airlines like JetBlue and Spirit say they will try to rebook you on another flight in the event of a weather cancellation, but alternate flight options are often more limited. 

But even with budget airlines, you are still entitled to a refund if no other flights are available or you decline the rebooking.

FAQs About Weather-Related Flight Cancellations

TL;DR: When Your Flight’s Canceled for Weather

Weather cancellations are frustrating, but understanding your rights and knowing what next steps to take can ease the process. 

It helps to plan ahead. Check the policies of the airline you will fly with in advance to see exactly what you are entitled to, especially if you see bad weather in the forecast. Be proactive about seeking assistance.

Purchase travel insurance before you’re scheduled to fly so that you’re not out-of-pocket if a storm interrupts your travel plans.

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* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.