Your flight is delayed

Open the app and look for a backup flight while you go through the next steps.

Do these, in order

1. Assume it gets worse.Delays tend to grow. Look for another flight now, while seats still exist, especially if you have a connection. Search Google Flights
2. Ask for a backup seat.Ask the agent to protect you on a later flight in case this one cancels. Find the flight number yourself first.
3. Watch the 3-hour mark.If your trip changes by 3 or more hours (6 or more on international trips) and you'd rather not go, you're owed a full refund, even on basic economy.
4. Ask whose fault it was.If it's the airline's fault, you're owed a meal at 3 hours and a hotel if it runs overnight.Keep in mind: even if you're sure it's the airline's fault, the airline decides what caused the problem, not you. If you disagree, stay calm, keep your screenshots, and push back after your trip.
5. Save everything.Screenshot each new departure time as it changes.
6. Leaving? Tell the airline first.If you decide to drive, fly another airline, or skip a flight, ask the agent to rebook or cancel it before it leaves. If you just don't show up, the airline can cancel the rest of your trip, including your flight home, and keep the money.

What to say

• “Is this delay within the airline's control?”
• “Can you protect me on flight [number] in case this one cancels?”
• “Can I get a meal voucher? We're past 3 hours.”