Cancelled flights are a reality of travel: Bad weather, schedule delays, equipment problems, even issues with airline staff can cause flights to be removed from the schedule. And while cancelled flights are undoubtedly inconvenient, you can alleviate some of the stress by checking on your flight’s status before you leave for the airport. Instead of standing in a long line to reschedule your trip and spending hours entertaining yourself by watching other flights take off and land, you can rebook your trip from the comfort of your home or hotel, then spend the day doing something you actually want to do.

Step 1.

Visit your airline’s website. In the case of a major storm or other emergency, you might see a notification that all flights to or from a particular airport are cancelled. Otherwise, click on the link to “Check Flight Status,” which might be located in the top or side navigation bars on the airline homepage.

Step 2.

Enter your flight information. Depending on the airline, you might be able to check the status of your flight using your confirmation number, or you might need to enter your flight number and destination. Click the appropriate button; your flight’s status will show on the following screen.

Step 3.

Call the airline’s customer service number if you do not have web access. Most airlines have an automated flight status hotline; you’ll need to enter your flight number and date of travel, and the system will tell you the status of your flight.

Things You Will Need

  • Ticket confirmation number

  • Flight number

Tip

When you book your flight, sign up to receive text or email alerts of any changes to your flight schedule. Your airline will notify you as soon as possible if your trip is delayed or cancelled.

In some cases, such as when there is a major impending storm, airlines will preemptively cancel flights and rebook customers. If your flight is affected, the airline will call you directly to provide information and make alternate arrangements.

Some independent websites offer the ability to check flights from any airline to any destination. The process for checking these sites is similar to checking the airline specific site: Enter your airline, flight number and destination, and you’ll receive up-to-date information. In some cases, you can check a general route or airport to get an overview of the cancellations affecting that region.