Flight got delayed or canceled? Here's what you can do

After months of planning, the last thing any traveler wants to face is a delayed or canceled flight.

In recent weeks, more flights have been halted due to regional restrictions and soaring fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East. There’s no telling when the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran will end, but several airlines have already announced flight adjustments to destinations in the Middle East through later this year. 

If you have a trip coming up soon, regardless of the destination, here’s what to know if your flight gets delayed or canceled.

If the flight is canceled...

The Civil Aeronautics Board reminds passengers that they can opt for a refund, rebook, choose a special replacement flight, or seek alternative transportation, depending on the circumstances.

If the cancellation is made more than seven days before departure, passengers may choose a refund or rebook once without fees, though fare differences may apply.

Customers are still entitled to a refund if cancelations are made seven days or less before departure. If caused by factors beyond the airline’s control, rebooking is allowed without fees if done within 30 days. If the airline is at fault, the first rebooking comes with no fare difference or fees, and passengers may also be offered a replacement flight or alternative transport.

For last-minute cancellations at the airport, assistance ranges from meals and communication to hotel stays and transfers, depending on the situation.

Other entitlements

In cases where cancellation happens less than 24 hours before the scheduled departure—and the passenger is already at the airport—additional entitlements apply, including:

• Sufficient refreshments or meals
• Free calls, texts, and internet access
• First aid

These apply regardless of the cause of cancellation.

When travel plans are grounded by force majeure—like lightning storms, volcanic ash, or sudden civil unrest—the airline is required to provide reasonable assistance. This means they must help travelers coordinate with alternative transport providers to get them to their destination. However, because the airline is not at fault, any additional costs for these new arrangements must be covered by the passenger.

If the cancellation is due to causes within the airline’s control, passengers are entitled to hotel accommodation and the option of alternative modes of transportation.

Airlines may also endorse passengers to another airline without extra fees, provide a one-way ticket from a third-party airline, and/or reimburse passengers to arrange their own alternative transport.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines also released an advisory on what passengers can do in case of flight cancellations.

If flights are coming soon, be sure to check your SMS and/or email used for booking for any flight updates. If it was booked through a travel agent, the personal email and mobile number are on the reservation, not just the agent’s.

PAL usually rebooks passengers automatically on the next available flight. Passengers will receive your updated itinerary via SMS or email.

For bigger disruptions—like severe weather or multiple cancellations where no flights are available the same day or even the next few days—there are a few options: request a refund, convert ticket to Travel Credit, or rebook for any flight within 60 days. For those who are already at the airport, PAL ground staff at the Transfer or Assistance Desk can help.

If the next flight is scheduled the following day, PAL ground staff can assist with the next steps. Depending on the situation, they may provide meals, hotel stays, or transportation support.