From rebooking to getting a cash refund, here are some pro tips.

Flights may get canceled for any number of reasons, from airline staff shortages to standard weather delays. Unexpected issues could arise any time you fly, but that’s the (small) price you pay for the countless joys of travel. Even when your flight is canceled or delayed, there are a few things you can do to turn the day around. From rebooking to requesting a refund, travel expert Scott Keyes, the founder of Going, shares his tips for surviving hectic times in air travel.

How to Find Out If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled

If you’ve provided sufficient contact information, Airlines should notify you about delays and cancellations by email, text, or through their apps, but tech issues may lead to communication mishaps. Always check your flight status on your airline’s website in the 24 hours leading up to your flight. When you’re at the airport, check the departures board for the latest information.

What to Do If Your Flight Has Been Canceled

If your flight is canceled, don’t panic — your airline might automatically rebook you on the next available flight. But there’s always a chance that might not happen, or even if it does, that the new flight won’t work with your schedule. Try visiting your airline’s website to see if it gives you flight options for rebooking. If not, call or text your airline. The wait times might be long, but talking to a customer service agent often gives you the most flexibility.

If your flight gets canceled while you’re at the airport, you might have better luck visiting the airline’s help desk. In fact, Keyes recommends trying both methods at once: “Stand in line and pull out your phone. Gate agents aren’t the only ones who can help re-accommodate you — phone agents can as well,” he says. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; you may get through to an agent on the phone before you reach the front of the line at the airport.”

And don’t forget about your checked luggage — if you’ve already checked a bag for a flight that’s been canceled, speak to an airline representative about how to retrieve it.

How to Rebook Your Flight

The three main options for rebooking are in person at an airport help desk, over the phone, and via text. (Some airlines might be able to provide assistance through social media, too.) Bear in mind that the response times can be exceptionally long, so try reaching out by all means possible to find out which method is quickest.

But here’s a hot tip. “The easiest way to get in touch with an airline quickly is to call their international phone lines,” Keyes says. “Take American Airlines. They don’t just have their main U.S. hotline; they’ve got hotlines in Mexico and the United Kingdom and Australia and dozens more. While 99 percent of U.S. passengers call the main U.S. hotline and endure long waits, you’ll typically get right through at a foreign office, and agents there can handle your reservation just the same.”

While airlines always want to rebook you on one of their own flights, Keyes says there is a chance they can rebook you on a different airline. “It’s not common, but in some cases — like, say, it’s the last flight of the day and you’d otherwise have to stay overnight in a connecting city — airlines will do it with a carrier they have an interline agreement with,” he says. “Full-service U.S. airlines have these interline agreements with one another, but budget airlines rarely do. The lack of interline agreements is the primary reason I tend to avoid budget airlines when possible.”

How to Get a Refund, Travel Credit, or Other Compensation

As of April 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to automatically and “promptly” issue refunds for certain travel disruptions. You are now legally entitled to a cash refund if your flight from or within the U.S. has been canceled or delayed. Delays must be at least three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international flights.

“Under federal law, if an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you’re entitled to a full cash refund. Period,” Keyes explains. “Doesn’t matter if it was a non-refundable ticket. Doesn’t matter if the cause was bad weather or a global pandemic. You’re entitled to a cash refund if you no longer wish to travel; you don’t have to take a flight credit or travel voucher.”

Whereas airlines have historically been known for making passengers overcome hurdles to get their money back, this law means they must now issue refunds automatically (no pesky paperwork hidden in the depths of their websites) and in cash, not vouchers or travel credits. Other scenarios that might warrant a refund are class downgrades or a change of airport or the number of connections.

You’ll also get your money back for luggage that’s been delayed by 12 hours or more and any other add-on service you purchase that isn’t provided on your trip. These are the rules for flights departing from the U.S. or traveling domestically only. If you’re flying from Europe, a compensation law called EU 261 is in place.

“If you’re traveling in Europe, many delays or cancellations do entitle you to compensation up to 600 euros, in addition to keeping your flight,” Keyes notes.

Can You Avoid Canceled Flights?

There’s no sure way to avoid flight cancellations or delays, but there is one way to increase the chances that your flight departs on time: “The earlier your flight, the better your odds,” Keyes says. “That’s because weather is generally better in the morning, and also because the plane is usually already at the airport, rather than arriving from elsewhere, and thus at risk if that inbound flight were to get canceled.”

Additional Air Travel Tips

Opt for nonstop flights whenever possible, and try not to check a bag. “If your flight gets canceled or you miss a connection, it’s easier to get re-accommodated if the airline doesn’t have to also locate and transport your checked bag to a new flight,” says Keyes.

Travelling is one of the most memorable experiences to have, yet there are some challenges you might face if you’re not prepared before travelling. Factors like unpredictable weather and emergency alarms are not in our control, and when winter arrives, flight delays and cancellations are common. During winter, air travel will be a little challenging, especially if it’s foggy outside. To ensure your vacation takes a good start, here are essential winter travel tips to follow while flying in the winter season.

Make Your Travel Schedule Flexible

Ensure that you’re aware of the possibilities of delays or cancellations of your flights so that you can manage your arrival time. Plan your flights if you can’t miss meetings with family, friends, or any profession-related work. This also means you can travel a day before; an extra day of travel should be kept in mind while booking the flight.

Prefer Non-Stop Flights

Always prefer non-stop flights, especially if it’s winter. If your destination requires connections, then try combining other modes of travel. Suppose you only have the option to travel by connecting flights and prefer to drive to an airport near your current city that has direct flights to your destination. It is one of the must-follow winter travel tips that you shouldn’t avoid.

Visit Airport Earlier than Usual

During winter, heavy fog and traffic jams can delay your travel to the airport, which eventually means you need to stand in the queue to check-in. To avoid this, prefer going to the airport early as it would be already cool so everyone would be wearing multiple layers of clothes, which means more time in security checkings. If you are thinking about what to wear on a long-haul flight in winter, then consider the best woolen clothes.

Check-In Online

Online check-in is helpful as it helps you to skip the check-in lines at the airport and you can also head directly to the security when you arrive if you don’t have check-in bags. Almost every airline allows check-in before 24 hours on the flight timings.

Stay in Touch with Updates

Many winter-related events like fog and freezing rain result in flight delays and cancellations. To avoid waiting at the airport or early arrival, consider checking the flight status updates an hour before starting from your home. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecasts several days in advance for the airport you’re planning to travel to. This will help you spot delays even before your airline officially updates you.

Plan Before to Minimize Risk

Always plan your flight journey according to the weather pattern of the city you stay in to avoid unnecessary delays and cancellations. It is ideal to book your flight tickets as early as possible. It is one of those winter travel tips that you should follow to make your flight journey smoother.

Buy Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance is very important, as many people won’t know, but it offers compensation for weather delays and cancellations. It also includes emergency medical care and much more. These were some of the best travel tips for winter that you must follow to avoid any last-minute hassle and make your journey smoother.

If you’re looking to get away, fall is a perfect time to plan an escape. With smaller crowds at many popular destinations and more comfortable weather, scenic autumn landscapes and cozy hideaways await.

To get your planning started, consider these tips to enjoy a spectacular fall vacation without breaking the bank.

Choose a Destination with Beautiful Scenery
When planning a fall vacation, research the cost of living for potential destinations. Some places may have lower costs for accommodations, dining and attractions, allowing you to stretch your budget further. Considering destinations known for their stunning fall foliage, such as New England, can allow you to take advantage of budget-friendly activities, like nature walks or sightseeing, that capitalize on the beauty and charm of the season.

Time Your Trip to Take Advantage of Deals
Timing is key when it comes to finding the best deals. Consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period just before or after peak tourist seasons. During this time, prices for accommodations and attractions are often lower and there are fewer crowds. If you have the freedom to choose when to go on vacation, look for off-peak days or midweek travel. Prices tend to be lower during these times compared to weekends or popular travel holidays.

Pack Essentials to Save on Unnecessary Purchases
Packing strategically can help you save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Consider packing these essentials:

• Layered clothing: Instead of bulky sweaters or coats, opt for lightweight layers that can be easily combined to keep you warm.
• Reusable water bottles: Bringing a reusable water bottle helps you avoid buying bottled water and reduces waste.
• Snacks: Packing snacks like granola bars or dried fruit can help you reduce food costs while you’re out and about.
• Travel-size toiletries: Transfer your favorite products into smaller containers or purchase travel-size bottles instead of buying pre-packaged versions.

Pick Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Popular destinations often offer a wide range of budget-friendly activities and attractions. Consider these ideas that won’t break the bank:

• Hiking and nature walks: Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage by exploring hiking trails and nature reserves. Many of these outdoor activities are free or have minimal entrance fees.
• Local festivals and events: Research local festivals and events happening during your trip to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the area.
• Local markets: Explore farmers markets or craft markets to discover unique products and support local businesses. Often free to enter, these markets offer opportunities to sample local food and purchase souvenirs.
• Museums and galleries: Look for museums and galleries that offer free or discounted admission during certain days or times to explore local art and history without spending a fortune.

Save on Accommodations
Finding affordable accommodations during the peak of fall can be challenging, but with these tips, you can save money while still enjoying a comfortable stay:

• Book in advance: Plan your vacation early and take advantage of early bird discounts or promotional offers.
• Consider alternative accommodations: Instead of traditional hotels, explore options like vacation rentals, hostels or bed and breakfasts, which can be more budget-friendly and provide a unique and personalized experience.
• Stay outside the city center: Accommodations located outside main tourist areas are generally more affordable. Consider staying in nearby suburbs or towns and utilize public transportation to explore the city.
• Use price comparison tools: Take advantage of price comparison websites to compare rates across different accommodations to find the best deals and save money on your stay.

Dream of sparkling turquoise waters and swaying palms? Bali’s beaches are calling! This island paradise offers hidden coves, lively shores, world-class surfing, and stunning sunsets.

The mere mention of Bali conjures up images of sun-kissed beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters that beckon travellers from around the world. This idyllic Indonesian island is a true paradise for beach lovers, offering a diverse array of coastal gems that cater to every taste and preference.

From secluded coves hidden away from the crowds to lively stretches of sand where the party never stops, Bali’s beaches are a feast for the senses.

As per Travel + Leisure, Bali’s beaches undoubtedly serve as its biggest draw, with white and black sands descending into seas that attract surfers around the world. From hidden coves that require a trek to bustling stretches of coastline where visitors can savour a romantic sunset dinner or catch an outdoor movie right on the sand, the magazine highlights 5 of Bali’s best beaches.

Amed Beach, Bali

Travel + Leisure recommends Amed Beach, which lines the island’s eastern shore, as a hit among divers due to its thriving underwater scene. The surrounding area boasts undisturbed coral and multiple shipwrecks. Unlike some of Bali’s busier beaches, Amed offers an authentic glimpse into local life, where salt mining and fishing remain prevalent, as evidenced by the many outrigger boats dotting the black sand.

Balangan Beach, Bali

According to the magazine, Balangan Beach, nestled between two vegetated limestone cliffs on the island’s southern part, is a popular surf spot with high waves. While swimmers should exercise caution due to the rough waters and sharp ocean floor, beachgoers can relish snacks from local warungs (eateries) and admire the breathtaking views from the golden sand or the cliffs, which offer stunning photo opportunities.

Balian Beach, Bali

Surrounded by rice fields on a quiet and underrated stretch of coast, Balian Beach’s black sand fills the dunes and provides an escape from Bali’s more bustling areas, as stated by Travel + Leisure. Visitors can rent surfboards or ride the gentle waves with their bodies to reach the shore. After a day in the sun, the magazine suggests exploring the nearby village of Medewi or sticking around to watch the sunset, as Balian Beach’s westward orientation is perfect for it.

Bias Tugal Beach, Bali

Travel + Leisure notes that accessing Bias Tugal beach can be a challenge, as it is properly tucked away and reached by following a rugged gravel path through the bushes from the Padangbai ferry port on the island’s eastern side, with a walk of less than a mile. However, the effort is worth it, as visitors can practically have the white sand, coconut trees, and turquoise water all to themselves, savouring the solitude.

Bingin Beach, Bali

According to the magazine, Bingin Beach, located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula in the south, boasts white limestone cliffs that provide a dramatic contrast to the strikingly blue water. This small surfing beach attracts people from all walks of life, with nearby accommodations ranging from surfing camps to boutique resorts and private villas. Its isolated location makes it an ideal getaway for those seeking to escape the crowds.