Why is My Flight Delayed? How to Find Out the Reason for Your Delayed Flight

Flight delays are frustrating, no matter what’s causing them. In 2024, 22% of flights in the U.S. arrived late, with weather causing about 40% more delays in 2024 than in the previous year. However, it’s important to find out the reason behind your delayed flights, as it can impact what compensation (if any) you’ll receive from the airline, as well as help you to decide if you should wait it out or try to get on a new flight.

If your flight is delayed due to weather at your departure or arrival airport, trying to get on a new flight likely won’t work, especially if a ground stop has been issued (meaning no flights are allowed to take off or land at an airport). However, if the bad weather is at your connecting airport, you may be able to swap to a flight routing through a different location with better weather.

If your flight is delayed due to a mechanical issue with an aircraft, a crew shortage, or a delay in an incoming aircraft, try to switch to a different flight if you can. If air traffic control restrictions or FAA staffing problems are the cause, your options may be limited since those delays affect all carriers.

The compensation rules around delayed flights hinge on the reason for the delay. If a flight is delayed or canceled due to a “controllable issue,” an airline is generally required to compensate passengers by providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or even refunds. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), “A controllable flight cancellation or delay is essentially a delay or cancellation caused by the airline. Examples include maintenance or crew problems; cabin cleaning; baggage loading; and fueling.”

Delays due to bad weather or unexpected mechanical issues are generally considered to be out of an airline’s control and, therefore, do not require reimbursement.

To see what your airline is required to provide in the event of a controllable cancellation or delay, visit the DOT’s Airline Cancellation and Delays Dashboard. You can also get a cash refund if an airline significantly delays your flight and you choose not to travel. Under a new regulation, a domestic flight delayed by more than three hours (or an international flight delayed by more than six hours) is now considered a “significant change,” entitling passengers to a full refund if they opt out of the rescheduled flight. Separately, all major U.S. carriers have committed to providing meal vouchers for delays of three hours or more and complimentary hotel accommodations for overnight delays within their control.