You’ve packed your bags, pulled up your boarding pass, and you’re already halfway to vacation mode — picturing poolside drinks, faraway hikes, or just a break from everything.
And then— ding.
That dreaded delay notification hits.
But a delayed flight doesn’t have to mean a derailed trip. Whether you’re still at home or already at your gate, here’s what to do next to stay calm, informed, and (most importantly) one step ahead.
TL;DR – Flight delayed? Do this:
- Confirm the delay
- Decide when to head to the airport
- Use the wait wisely (fuel up + charge up)
- Consider rebooking if it makes sense
- Lean on Faye for backup (coverage, support, and reimbursements)
- Keep calm, you got this
1. First things first: confirm the delay
Before jumping to conclusions (or texting the group chat), make sure it’s real. With the Faye app, you can add your flights and get real-time alerts (often before the airline). Live activity updates also appear right on your device’s lock screen so you can see changes to departures and arrivals instantly. Here’s how to double-check:
- Check the Faye app and enable notifications for any future flight changes
- Check your airline’s app and website for the latest flight status
- Scan the airport’s departure board
- At the gate? Listen for announcements or speak with the airline staff
Pro tip: Airlines may adjust departure times more often than you think. Make sure to keep checking and refreshing.
2. When should you go to the airport?
Still at home, and the delay is under 2 hours? Head out as planned. Flights can shift back with little warning.
If your delay is 3+ hours:
- Call the airline to see if check-in or security times have changed
- Enjoy an extra coffee at home or opt for a slower airport stroll
Either way, knowing beats guessing.
3. What to do while you wait
So your flight’s in limbo. Here’s how to reclaim the time:
- Stay fueled: Grab a proper meal or your go-to snack. Hangry + delayed = a bad mix
- Charge up: Power up your devices, they’ll be your lifeline for updates (and entertainment)
- Get comfy: Seek out quiet zones or airport lounges. If you’re traveling with Faye and your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, enjoy complimentary access to participating lounges through the Faye app to wait it out in comfort. No participating lounge in your airport? You can visit any lounge and get reimbursed up to $50 per person on your policy by filing a claim.
- Track expenses: Save those receipts, especially for meals or essentials. If you’re covered by travel insurance like Faye, you might be eligible for reimbursements for this travel snafu
4. Should you rebook your flight?
Sometimes, patience isn’t the key.
Consider rebooking if:
- Your delay is 4-6+ hours, and there’s another route that may get you in around the same time as your original arrival time. Note: Even if your delay isn’t long enough to trigger your travel insurance coverage, you may want to consider rebooking
- You’ve got tight connections or time-sensitive plans on the other end
Check the airline’s app or give them a call. Some offer free rebooking during extended delays.
Bonus tip: Traveling with Faye (or through a travel advisor)? Reach out. The Faye team is available 24/7 in-app, via phone, or by email – and advisors can often rebook or reroute you in minutes.
5. How Faye can help
Flight delays are a pain — but they don’t have to be expensive, chaotic, or ruin your plans.
Here’s how Faye can help:
- Trip inconvenience: Inconvenienced due to an eligible delay? That’s $200/trip inconvenience, up to $600 per trip
- Trip delay coverage: If you’re delayed 6+ hours, get reimbursed up to $300/day (up to $2,100/trip)
- Missed connections coverage: Delay of 3+ hours caused a missed departure? Get reimbursed up to $200
- 24/7 support: Chat with a real human right in the Faye app to get help with rebooking, airline rules, or next steps
- Instant payouts via Faye Wallet: Once trip inconveniences or delays are approved, your funds can be sent directly to your phone’s wallet, thanks to Faye Wallet, so you can use them right away
Pro tip: You can file any flight-related claims (or all claims for that matter) directly in the Faye app. It’s simple, fast, and fully digital.
6. Don’t forget to…
- Track your checked bags (the Faye app will send reminders about baggage claim carousel numbers once you land, so you’re never lost)
- Let your hotel or host know you’ll be arriving later than expected
- Update rideshares, car rentals, or hotel/accommodation scheduled airport shuttles
- Take a deep breath. Delays can happen, but they don’t have to ruin your entire trip
Don’t let a delay derail your trip
Flight delays happen. But with the right steps (and the right support), you can keep your plans and your sanity intact.
From rebooking support to swift reimbursements, Faye helps turn travel hiccups into barely-a-blip moments.
