Flight Delayed or Canceled? Changes to Airline Rules Could Affect What You’re Owed

Federal airline refund protections remain in place even as delay reporting rules change for 2027. Travelers may qualify for airfare refunds, but reimbursement for meals, hotels, and other expenses depends on different rules and airline policies. Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

Your flight gets canceled, the airline offers another departure the following morning, and suddenly you’re facing an unexpected hotel bill, additional meals, and possibly a missed day of work. You might assume the airline has to reimburse you for everything, but the rules aren’t that simple.

Recent federal changes are raising new questions about airline passenger rights, particularly when disruptions are considered outside an airline’s control. A Department of Transportation (DOT) rule scheduled for October 2026 has been postponed until February 2027, giving airlines additional time to adjust their reporting systems.