Airlines around the world are canceling flights as war in the Middle East strains jet fuel supplies and raises prices – but the disruption doesn’t end there.
For travelers, that means navigating a confusing web of passenger protections that vary depending on where they’re flying.
And time is compounding the effect.
“These pressures come at a time when summer travel demand is on the rise, with major events such as the World Cup expected to put additional stress on airports,” said Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, a company that helps travelers secure compensation for flight disruptions and passenger rights advocates.
Here’s what to know if your flight is canceled.
Are these cancellations happening at the last minute?
In most cases, no. At least for now, fuel-related cuts are often made days or weeks in advance. Lufthansa Group, for example, said this week it was cutting 20,000 short-haul flights across its network by October.
This gives you more time to adjust plans than you would normally get with weather-related disruptions, which tend to trigger last-minute cancellations.
My flight was cancelled. What should I do first?
Immediately check your airline’s app or website for rebooking options. If you’re flying on a U.S. carrier, it’s often the fastest and easiest way to secure a new seat, according to Tyler Hosford, director of security at International SOS, a global risk management and travel security company.
Non-US carriers have fewer digital tools, Hosford said, so it’s worth trying multiple channels, including the airline’s customer service lines or airport desks.
Am I entitled to a refund or a new flight?
In most cases, yes. Airlines usually offer refunds or rebooking on another available flight. The exact rules vary by country, but those are the basic options you can expect.
In the US, for example, if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel, the airline must refund you, regardless of the reason. Airlines may offer travel credits instead, but you’re entitled to a full refund for airfare and any extras you don’t use, such as baggage fees or seat upgrades.
Are passenger rights the same everywhere?
No, and protections vary by region — from the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability in more than 140 countries, to specific consumer protection laws in the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Brazil.
Europe has some strong protections, including compensation in some cases. And they apply to any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of airline, as well as to passengers flying to the EU on an EU-based carrier – even if the journey starts outside Europe. The United Kingdom maintains a similar framework.
The US and Canada offer more limited protection. Policies vary widely across Asia, and in some cases travelers may have to rely more on airline policies than formal regulations.
To get a clearer picture, experts recommend searching for the name of the country you’re departing from and “passenger rights” before your trip.
What safeguards apply?
It depends.
Airlines may cite fuel shortages or rising fuel costs as reasons for cancellation. But whether or not you’re entitled to compensation often comes down to whether the disruption is within the airline’s control under local law.
Regardless of the reason, Napoli said, for example, airlines in the European Union still have a “duty of care,” meaning they must provide “necessary assistance” to passengers, including rebooking.
“With airlines citing fuel shortages as a reason for upcoming cancellations, passengers need to know that this does not automatically waive their rights” under EU law, Napoli said.
How can I prepare before traveling to avoid headaches?
A few steps can make obstacles easier to manage.
Sign up for flight alerts to stay informed, and book directly with the airline if possible — it’s much easier to resolve issues directly with the carrier through a third-party booking site.
Knowing your options ahead of time and having a backup plan can make a significant difference if plans change.
What do I need for a claim or complaint?
Documentation is critical. Save everything: boarding passes, receipts, cancellation notices and any communication from the airline.
Take screenshots of app or website updates and any communication that takes place online, and write down key details from phone calls.
Napoli recommends asking the airline for a written confirmation of the flight disruption, including the stated reason.
Should I accept the first alternative flight offered by the airline?
Not necessarily.
Experts say one of the most common mistakes travelers make is taking the first option without checking the options. Check out other flights, routes or nearby airports so you can find a faster or more convenient way to get to your destination.
Can I book a different flight myself?
Yes, but proceed with caution.
If the airline’s rebooking option doesn’t meet your needs—especially if your new flight isn’t for several days—you can explore alternatives and request a refund instead.
Note that you may have to pay any rent difference up front, and you may not be reimbursed later.
Any other tips to avoid getting stuck?
– Book flights earlier in the day so you have more rebooking options if something goes wrong.
– Set up flight alerts through tracking apps like Flighty to get early notice of cancellations or delays. In some cases, Hosford said, the notices arrive before the airline.
– Consider nearby airports as backup options.
– Be kind. Airline agents may be more willing to help when interactions remain calm and respectful.
“Ultimately, the shortage is squeezing the entire system, from passengers to airlines, and is something to watch as the industry looks for any relief ahead of the summer travel season,” Napoli said.
