Your flight’s been delayed—or canceled. Here’s how to get through it.

Flight cancellations and delays are unavoidable. According to data by the Department of Transportation, in 2023, about 22.5 percent of flights were delayed, the highest percentage since 2015, and 2024 is on track to beat that. A similar picture emerges in Europe, with over a quarter of flights arriving late in 2023. 

“Roughly 25 percent of all paid travel insurance claims are related to travel delays,” says Rupa Mehta, the chief executive of travel insurance company Squaremouth.com, pointing out that adverse weather, airline problems, and staff shortages are usually the main culprits. 

Even though travelers can’t control travel disruptions, preparing for them is essential to reducing stress and anxiety in the event of one. Some travelers may benefit from getting travel insurance, as many plans include a “travel delay” benefit that may provide compensation for meals and accommodations during your delay, as well as reimbursements for trip costs, according to Mehta. 

(Long flight? Here’s what you need to get through it.) 

It’s also important to stay informed on the latest airline cancellation and delay policies and regulations. For example, the Department of Transportation’s latest round of rulings, effective Oct. 28, 2024, requires airlines to reimburse travelers automatically for significant arrival or departure delays, defined as three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights. 

Before heading to the airport, put together a folder—either digital or physical—of all your important travel documents, such as reservation numbers, insurance information, and contact information for any travel providers. Having the right things with you can also help. Basic toiletries, a phone charger, extra clothing, and a reusable water bottle are fairly straightforward. But we’ve compiled a list of more expert-approved products and tips to help you plan for and get through a potential flight delay or cancellation. Read on for all the details.

(Here are 7 ways to make travel less stressful.) 

Everything you need to survive a delayed or canceled flight 

While you can’t control travel disruptions, you can prepare for them. Having a few tech and beauty items in your carry-on, such as a power bank and deodorant wipes, will make it easier to survive an airport flight delay. Here are all the details on expert-approved essentials and tips for getting through a delayed or canceled flight. 

Comfortable travel pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: As a professional travel writer, I have used many pillows throughout the past decade, but this one is by far the best. Its ergonomic design provides full neck and chin support, preventing your head from bobbing or tilting sideways. It wraps around your neck so one side drapes a bit higher than the other, which enables multiple headrest positions, and Velcro sections allow for a customizable fit. 

The memory foam insert is comfortable, yet firm and supportive. It keeps its shape even after a few hours, but it’s flexible enough that you can roll it into a compact travel bag. It also comes in a soft, jersey-like sleeve that’s easy to remove and wash—just lay flat to air-dry. 

Long-lasting power bank: Anker 737 Power Bank 

Buy it now at Anker

Why we like it: A portable charger or power bank is a must in case of travel disruption. “This way, you have enough battery to look up important information like DOT’s Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard and don’t have to stand by a crowded outlet station as you wait for your delayed flight or call the airline to rebook your flight,” says Judy Gauthier, the chief commercial officer of Go City. 

This Anker power bank has the capacity to charge an iPhone almost five times, but you can also use it to power your tablet or laptop. With three charging ports, you could charge three devices simultaneously for maximum convenience. The digital display indicates the remaining battery in percentages and hours, output/input power, and the battery temperature. 

Despite not being the lightest power bank (it weighs 1.4 pounds), it’s small enough to fit into a backpack pocket. However, it’s important to note that this power bank isn’t water-resistant and doesn’t come with charging cables. 

(Never run out of power with these top portable chargers.) 

Backpack with lots of pockets: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Backpack

Buy it now at Patagonia

Why we like it: This Patagonia backpack is a multitasking powerhouse. The organizational capacity is among this bag’s best features. It has one main compartment with two pockets and a mesh cover to keep everything in place. The deep compartment has plenty of space for beauty cases, shoes, and clothing, while the back compartment protects tech essentials, cables, and travel documents. It features a padded laptop pocket that lies flat and multiple slots and pockets of varied sizes. We also love the zippered top pocket for stashing essentials you need quick access to, like your passport and wallet. 

However, our favorite attribute is that it converts from a backpack to a duffel or a shoulder bag, thanks to several padded straps that slip neatly into a hip belt. Additionally, it has a trolley band that lets you place it sideways over a suitcase handle.  

A variety of entertainment: Kindle Scribe 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Electronic readers are popular with travelers for a reason. “We suggest packing a Kindle or a similar device so you can have multiple books at your disposal without having to lug them around,” says Christina Tunnah, general manager of global marketing and brands of travel insurance company World Nomads. 

The Kindle Scribe is a great way to fill time until your next flight because it’s essentially an e-reader and a notebook, so you can read, scribble, draw, take notes, and journal. The updated version is AI-enabled so it can transform handwritten notes into text and summarize them. You can also import other documents in a variety of formats and write, draw, or take notes directly on them. The 10.2-inch glare-free paper-like display offers significantly more surface area for reading and writing. 

But the best feature is the long battery life, which lasts about 12 weeks on a single charge, so you don’t have to worry about interrupting your work or book when you’re at the airport. 

Noise-canceling earphones: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: I always pack earphones instead of headphones for travel because they take up less space in my carry-on and are more comfortable for sleep. Bose’s QuietComfort II comes with three pairs of eartips in different sizes and three stability bands for a snug and secure fit. 

This pair of open-ear earphones uses active and inactive noise-cancellation technology to help deliver custom results. It’s also relatively easy to pair them with other devices, take clear phone calls via the built-in microphone, and customize the listening modes and sound levels via Bose’s app.  

The earbuds will last about six hours before you need to recharge them. That may not be ideal, but it’s enough battery life to last you through a nap or a couple of movies.   

Light-blocking sleep mask: Drowsy Sleep Co.

Buy it now at Drowsy

Why we like it: Sleeping at the airport is no easy task, but this Drowsy mask may get you closer to getting some shut-eye while waiting for your flight. While many brands have their own version of a classic sleep mask, we prefer Drowsy for a few reasons. First, the silk fabric is thicker than most, which is more durable. At the same time, the surface is buttery soft, breathable, and as smooth as glass—all of which contribute to comfort and a cool temperature to help relax your eyes. 

Second, unlike smaller masks that can let some light in from the sides, the oversized design of this mask helps ensure full black-out coverage. The adjustable, extra-wide padded strap helps keep the mask in place, while being gentle on your hair. 

The Drowsy eye mask doesn’t come with a travel case, but that’s not a deal breaker. Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par, says he always cleans his mask when he gets home and puts it back in his suitcase, ready for his next trip.

Travel skincare set: Doré Travel 

Buy it now at Ulta

Why we like it: Maintaining your beauty routine on the road can be challenging. We suggest packing a few essentials to keep your skin clean and hydrated during long airport waits. This kit was created as an alternative to multistep skincare routines, making them ideal for travel. It comprises non-drying cleansing micellar water, a gel-like cleanser, a moisturizer, and an aloe vera-infuser balm that helps soothe irritated skin. We love that it’s made of natural, fragrance-free ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. 

(These wrinkle-free clothes help you look great while traveling.) 

Deodorant wipes: Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Taking a shower while stuck at the airport is rarely an option, so if you need to refresh yourself, these deodorant wipes are a good choice. They’re formulated without aluminum, parabens, and drying baking soda to cleanse and help control odors for hours. 

Face cleanser: Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: These multifunctional face wipes are handy, especially if you don’t want to pack an entire set. They help clean, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin with naturally derived ingredients like aloe and willow bark. They’re individually wrapped so they won’t leak in your bag, plus they’re made of biodegradable bamboo. 

Travel toothpaste: The Humble Co. Mint Toothpaste Tablets 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: I’ll take any opportunity to carry fewer liquids to prevent spills in my luggage, which is why I prefer using these toothpaste tablets. They work just as well as the real thing—pop a tablet in your mouth and break them up into smaller pieces, then brush your teeth with a wet toothbrush. They contain fluoride, have a fresh mint flavor, and are more sustainable than tube toothpaste, since they come in compact, plastic-free packaging.   

(Keep your things organized with these stash-it-all toiletry bags.) 

Travel toothbrush: Lingito Travel Toothbrush 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: At home, I use an electric toothbrush, but when I travel, I prefer something that saves me space. This one folds and is made with soft charcoal-infused bristles, which some say can serve as a natural whitener.  

Reusable water bottle: Hydaway Collapsible Bottle 

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: While I like standard insulated water bottles, I am not a huge fan of how much space they take up, which is why I prefer traveling with this Hydaway collapsible bottle. It packs into its own travel case and fits into the palm of my hand. 

The silicone frame extends from a mere 1.5 inches to eight inches with a capacity of 25 ounces (or 740 milliliters). The lid is made to prevent leaks with a spout that tucks down when you’re not using it and a small flip-up handle. 

I also like that it’s designed with a relatively wide mouth—about two inches—so you can use it to transport thicker liquids like soups, smoothies, and juices. Just keep in mind that this bottle is not insulated.

The wide mouth also makes it easy to clean. I always handwash water bottles, but if you don’t have time, just throw this one on the upper rack of your dishwasher. We also like that the portable travel case has a national park-inspired print and a hook so you can clip the bottle to your backpack. 

Luggage tracker: Apple AirTag 4 Pack 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Apple Airtags are a traveler’s favorite for their multitasking abilities. While you may already have one in your check-in suitcase, we recommend attaching another one to your carry-on as well. The reason? Many times, airlines will ask you to check in your carry-on at the gate if the flight is fully booked and they expect to run out of overhead cabin space. The chance of this happening if you are rebooked to a different flight is high. 

Airtag batteries last up to a year under normal circumstances and tracking it is fairly easy—just set it up in the Find My app (if you have an Apple device). You can also avoid wasting time at baggage claim by going directly to an airline representative to claim your lost luggage if your Airtag shows that it’s still at your point of departure. 

Lastly, having your flight canceled or delayed is stressful, so if you forget your backpack somewhere at the airport, an Airtag will enable you to track it. 

Multipurpose travel scarf: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Travel Wrap 

Buy it now at Quince

Why we like it: No matter where I am going or what type of trip I am taking, I always travel with a wrap that keeps me warm at the airport or on the plane. I have owned many through the years, but this one from Quince is my favorite. 

The ideal travel wrap is oversized so it doubles as a blanket. At 81 inches in length and almost 30 in width, this one is big enough to cover your legs and even parts of your torso. It’s made of soft, breathable cashmere which helps regulate body temperature.  

Folded, this wrap is more compact than an airplane blanket, so it can easily be stored in a backpack or styled as a scarf if you don’t have extra space in your carry-on. I’ve found that it works great as a makeshift pillow too.   

Comfortable travel clothes: Cozy Earth CityScape Hoodie and Pants Set for Men and Women 

Buy it now at Cozy Earth

Buy it now at Cozy Earth

Why we like it: Packing a change of clothing is always a good idea, but comfort is key when you’re facing long waits at the airport. This hoodie and sweatpants set is an excellent option. 

Both pieces are made from a breathable and buttery-soft blend of modal, cotton, and polyester and lined with fleece. The material is warm but lightweight, and it keeps its shape and color even after a few washes. 

The sweats have a loose fit with an elasticized trim, reaching just below the ankle on a five-foot-seven-inch person. The pockets are fairly deep but don’t have zippers, so you can store loose change or other small, non-valuable essentials. The hoodie has a relaxed fit, so it’s comfortable to move around, and a classic kangaroo pocket. We love that Cozy Earth is a fairly size-inclusive brand, too, offering this set in XS to 3XL.   

Roomy toiletry case: Dagne Dover Water Resistant Toiletry Bag 

Buy it now at Dagne Dover

Why we like it: A good toiletry case is one of the most functional travel accessories you can own. I’ve used mine to stash cables, medications, and even important travel documents and other essentials. 

This Dagne Dover case will serve you well during a flight delay because of its size and construction. Made from water-resistant neoprene with a volume of three liters, this case can fit everything from skincare essentials to snacks. And while most similar beauty cases consist of a single compartment, this one has two removable pouches and several slots to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. 

Frequently asked questions 

How can you tell if a flight might be delayed or canceled? 

Bad weather across large areas of the country usually leads to flight delays and cancellations. “An especially concerning sign that your flight may have issues is if the bad weather is in a major airline hub, like Dallas, Chicago, or Atlanta. Even if your physical airline is in a sunny and warm location, your flight crew may be caught up in a storm at their hub,” says Tunnah. 

You can also check your flight’s history to see how often it’s been delayed in the past, adds Berkson. Busy airports, tight turnarounds, or later flights have a higher likelihood of a delay. “Afternoon and evening flights tend to get delayed more frequently because delays stack up as the day goes on,” he says. 

What is the best way to find out that your flight has been delayed or canceled? 

Almost every airline has an app that posts flight updates and sends delay and cancellation alerts. Check and download the app before your flight. Sign up for texts and emails from your airline, but keep in mind that notifications may not always arrive on time. 

You can also try apps like Flighty, which Berkson says sends real-time updates. “It’s normally the first app to tell me if my flight is going to be delayed, on time, or canceled,” he says. “Sometimes, the app is the only one to notify me. It always helps me plan for delays if they are coming so I can limit my wait time at the airport.” 

What should I do if my flight has been delayed or canceled? 

If your flight is canceled, the first thing you need to do is talk to an airline representative, either at the airport or on the phone. “If you are part of an airline loyalty program and have elite status, call the dedicated customer service number for elite members for expedited assistance,” says Judy Gauthier, the chief operating officer of Go City.

“Alternatively, if you are not part of a travel rewards program, visit the customer service desk for assistance,” Gauthier adds. “While in line, call the airline helpline to see if you can get help first sooner—this is usually best for small-scale issues like a mechanical issue or missing crew members, where the call center isn’t overwhelmed with dozens of cancellations and delays.” 

How do I rebook my flight? 

Your airline representative at the airport will help rebook you onto a different flight. Tunnah suggests inquiring about partner airlines, as many have agreements with other airlines to assist when a flight is canceled. “You might be able to get on a partner flight instead,” she says. Also, consider flying to nearby airports if a flight to your destination isn’t available. 

Can I get a refund for a canceled flight? 

If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you are entitled to an automatic refund, if you reject the airline’s alternative transportation options or travel vouchers. Significant changes include delays of three or more hours for domestic flights and six or more hours for international flights, plus other scenarios like an increase in the number of connections, according to the Department of Transportation’s new rule. Airlines must issue your refund within seven days if you booked your flight with a credit card and 20 days for other forms of payment. 

What airport amenities/facilities can you use in case of a flight delay or a cancellation? 

“Lounges are a great place to comfortably wait for a delayed flight—some even offer showers and wellness rooms for some rest and relaxation,” says Mehta. Some airlines offer lounge day passes for a fee. 

Larger airports also have other facilities like meditation rooms, spas, or nail salons, where you can get a massage to decompress. Lastly, consider downloading a meditation app. “I love to use the Calm app to do a quick meditation in times of stress,” says Gauthier, “which a canceled or delayed flight very much is.” 

How to find airport lounges with day passes?

If you don’t have status with a major airline, you can still wait out flight delays and cancellations in an airport lounge. Some offer one-time passes that can cost as low as $20. However, many single-visit passes limit how long you can spend inside and amenities vary from airport to airport. Websites like Lounge Pass allow you to search and book day passes before your trip.

The easiest way to secure a spot in an airport lounge is to purchase a membership to a large lounge network like Priority Pass, which has over 1,400 lounges in over 600 cities worldwide. Annual membership rates start at $99, with a single-day pass costing $35.

Some major credit card companies and banks like American Express and Capital One are also investing in developing airport lounge networks as incentives for certain credit cards.