Is your flight delayed or cancelled? Here are some tips on how to deal with it!

Have you ever experienced your flight being delayed or cancelled? Well, unpredictable experiences like this are common among travelers, especially when the hardest delays and cancellations frustrate travelers the most. But I got you covered! Here are some tips on how to deal with such.

A flight information screen at Terminal 1 of Mactan-Cebu International Airport on July 7, 2024.

Over the past few days, torrential rainfall caused by not one, not two, but three tropical storms, exacerbated by the southwest monsoon, forced the cancellations of hundreds of flights, mostly domestic.

1. Stay calm.

Perhaps, this is the most important reminder for all: stay calm. I have read stories on social media about some passengers at airports going too far to "insult" the crew. Please, treat each other with HIGH RESPECT.

2. Get in touch with your airline RIGHT AWAY.

It is always important that you contact your airline for possible remedies (rebooking, refund, or compensation) if your flight is cancelled or is experiencing prolonged delays. Do this the moment you receive a notice of your cancelled/delayed flight.

In the event of force majure cases (like inclement weather and typhoons), your airline will typically post a full list of cancelled flights for the day, as well as email you beforehand of the notice. If you are NOT at the airport and your flight is CANCELLED, proceeding to the airport is NOT ADVISABLE.

If you receive a notice of cancellation when you're at the airport, go to a customer help desk and coordinate with airline staff.

3. Know your rights.

For delays of at least 3 hours, affected passengers are entitled to sufficient food and beverages, such as this one, when a Manila-bound flight from Iloilo was delayed due to bad weather in the former in 2022.

THIS IS ALSO IMPORTANT! According to the 2012 Air Passenger Bill of Rights:

For delays

In the event of a terminal delay of at least 2-3 hours, you are entitled to amenities (food and beverages).
For longer delays (6 hours or more), you are entitled to additional compensation (cash or vouchers) and, if necessary, hotel accommodations.
If your plane is still on the tarmac for at least 2 hours, you are entitled to food and beverages.

For cancellations

You have the right to rebook or refund your flight.

4. Information on rebooking and refunds

Airlines usually allow affected passengers to rebook their flight within thirty (30) days without any extra charges. On regular days, you would be charged an extra just for rebooking; Cebu Pacific charges you 2,000 pesos, but if you are affected by a delay or cancellation, charges like this are waived. Additionally, if you choose a date beyond the 30-day window, a fare difference will apply, resulting in extra charges.

In case of delayed flights, you also have the right to be endorsed to another carrier or to be rebooked on the next available flight.

Additionally, if you wish not to proceed traveling anymore, you can refund the fare of your trip.

You also have the option to convert the fare you paid into an "airline virtual wallet", depending on your airline (if they have such an option). Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have this option, with PAL naming it "Travel Credits". If you availed for this virtual wallet, take note that for PAL flights, the voucher is valid for one (1) year, while for CEB, it has no expiration date.

Updated September 25, 2025: In case of inclement weather, Cebu Pacific passengers have flexible options to rebook their flights to some destinations on certain dates. The airline usually announces it on their website and social media platforms. This link is an example of such, during Tropical Storm Bualoi (locally Opong).

5. Pro-tip: Avail for a travel insurance.

Sometimes, your travel experience does not go the way you plan it. When you are dealing with rebooking your flight while you're on vacation, it might involve unexpected expenses along the way. That's why, a travel insurance is the way to go to reduce sudden losses from your purse.

A good example of this is AXA. You can avail their insurances here.

Additionally, Cebu Pacific offers its own insurance, CEB TravelSure, as an add-on when you book your flights on the low-cost airline.

Final thoughts and conclusion

Don't get lost when your flight is delayed or cancelled. For every problem, there is always a solution. By following some (or most) of the tips outlined here, I'm sure that you will get back on track sooner than later.

Safe travels!

For more updates, visit my blog site and subscribe to my YouTube channel, Enzo's Travel Journals!

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