Most people fly because it's a quick, efficient way of getting from A to B. Unless, that is, your flight is delayed, throwing a supersized spanner in the works – one likely to cost you time, money and possibly your sanity. The good news? We've enlisted the help of various aviation experts to find out how to cope in the event of a dreaded delay. 

Read on to find out 15 essential tips to help you avoid – and handle – flight delays...

For a quick overview, check the annual World Top 100 Airlines rankings. In 2024, for example, Qatar Airways claimed the top spot, while airlines like Jet2 (68th) and TUI Airways (93rd) ranked further down the list.

We’ll keep this simple and avoid overwhelming you with legal jargon: the law that protects passenger rights in the event of flight delays is known as UK261.

"This law applies if you are departing from a UK airport, arriving at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline, leaving an EAA (European Economic Area) airport, or arriving in the EU on UK airlines,” says Matthew Hall, managing director at airport transfer experts hoppa.

One of the best ways to minimise the chance of a delay is to book an early morning flight. Sure, it might mean skipping the shower or arriving at the airport looking a bit worse for wear, but it’s often worth it. “In many places flights don’t operate at night, so when you turn up your aircraft is likely to already be at the gate,” says Tim Riley, managing director of independent travel insurer True Traveller.

If your flight is delayed by a certain amount of time, airlines are legally required under the UK261 regulation to provide you with food and drink vouchers. The thresholds are two hours for short-haul flights, three hours for medium-haul flights and four hours for long-haul flights.

These vouchers are meant to cover reasonable refreshments while you wait, so don’t hesitate to ask for them at the airline desk if they’re not automatically offered. If you end up paying for food and drinks out of your own pocket because vouchers weren’t provided, hold onto your receipts – you may be able to claim the cost back later. 

Yes, the voucher that Uzbekistan Airways is offering might be for more than you expected, but if it’s unlikely you’ll be flying with them in the immediate future, that voucher is worthless. 

“If there’s a choice, always opt for cash compensation over vouchers if you’re entitled to compensation,” says Francesca Vinchiaturo at Internova Travel Group. “Vouchers can have restrictive terms and expiry dates which aren't always obvious."

Checking your insurance is always a good idea, because you may be entitled to additional payouts if the delay is lengthy. "For delays of 12 hours or more, most insurance policies pay out £25 to £50 ($32 to $64) per 12-hour delay, and no receipts are needed," says True Traveller's Tim Riley. However, airlines are increasingly restricting the compensation they pay, simply because delays are becoming more common.

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We’re not suggesting you spend hours researching East Asian monsoon trends or common hydrometeorological hazards. But knowing when the destination you’re flying to or from is most likely to experience extreme weather can be useful.

For example, during hurricane season in Florida, domestic flights are more likely to be delayed, so it’s worth building in longer transfer times, while South East Asia’s rainy season (between May and October) can have similar impacts.

Make sure you flag any delays with hotels you’re heading to or airlines you’re using for onward flights – if you simply don’t show up for the outward-bound leg, it’s possible the airline will cancel your return flight.

“If the delay disrupts connections or plans, speak to airline representatives as soon as possible to rebook flights or secure accommodation,” says Andrew Tolman, head of travel insurance at Allianz Partners.

If you booked your flights – or a holiday package which included your flights – through a travel agent, contact them straight away.

“Agents can immediately access your booking and they have direct lines to airline representatives which aren’t available to passengers who booked direct,” says Francesca Vinchiaturo at Internova Travel Group. “This can speed up the process of rebooking flights or securing alternative options.”

While airport staff will likely be your best source of help when you’re unexpectedly stuck, it’s always a good idea to call the airline’s customer service helpline as soon as you’re notified of a significant delay. This ensures your request for assistance is officially logged.

No matter what advice they give, be sure to take the name of the representative you’re speaking to, ask for a case reference number and note the time of your call.

When it comes to claiming compensation for unexpected expenses caused by delays, it’s best to file directly with the airline. Most airlines have dedicated forms on their websites specifically for this purpose, making the process surprisingly straightforward. Completing the paperwork yourself (rather than via a travel agent) also ensures it’s handled quickly and avoids any unnecessary delays.

If you feel the airline isn’t handling your compensation request promptly or you’re dissatisfied with the outcome, your next step should be the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. Most major airlines, including Wizz Air, easyJet and British Airways, are members of this scheme, which is listed on the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) website.

To escalate your complaint, visit caa.co.uk and complete the complaint form provided. This can help ensure your case is reviewed fairly and efficiently.

Packing a few key essentials in your hand luggage can make all the difference during a delay. Think power bank, toothbrush, wet wipes, a warm sweater and snacks. A spare pair of socks and pants can also come in handy. While delays are never ideal, having what you need to stay connected and freshen up will help you stay comfortable and keep your sanity intact during longer waits.

This might be easier said than done, but staying calm will make it easier to deal with the situation in hand. Remind yourself that although it might not seem like it, airline staff will (normally) be doing all they can to resolve the situation. “Travel delays cost airlines millions in lost revenue and they are as keen as you are to get you to your destination,” says Tim Riley at True Traveller.

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Now take a look at what the world's airports used to look like