

The big airports aren't usually the only airports in town think about the alternates. Sometimes agents on those lines will pick up faster.

If you do end up needing to speak with an agent, but airline call centers have hours-long hold times, consider calling an international customer service number. Contrary to popular belief, for domestic itineraries airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled." Others may not offer amenities if the delay is caused by bad weather or something else beyond the airline's control. Some airlines, often those charging very low fares, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if it will pay for meals or a phone call. “Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport there are no federal requirements. Here’s how the DOT sums it up on its Fly Rights page: carriers are not obligated to do anything more than get you to your destination on their next available flight.

If a flight is delayed for reasons beyond the airline’s control, such as weather, strikes, air traffic control, and, yes, most mechanical issues, U.S. But note that if the new ticket is more expensive, you might need to pay the difference in fare. If it looks like there could be winter weather approaching, but your airline hasn't posted a travel notice, you can just rebook yourself without having to pay a penalty. Budget carriers including Spirit, Frontier, and even JetBlue are waiving these fees for bookings through at least the end of 2020, due to the pandemic. Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, and United all dropped the fees for good, while Southwest never charged them. airlines permanently eliminated change fees and cancellation fees for domestic flights in regular economy.
