Stranded overnight?
Here's who pays for the hotel.
Most airlines cover your hotel, meals, and ground transport when they cancel your flight — but only if it's their fault, and only if you ask.
What each airline covers
For controllable cancellations (mechanical, crew, IT). Source: DOT Dashboard
What you need to know
"Controllable" = airline pays. "Weather" = they don't have to.
Mechanical, crew, IT issues = controllable. If the airline says "weather" but other airlines are still flying the same route, push back.
Always ask. They won't offer.
Gate agents rarely volunteer hotel and meal vouchers. You have to specifically ask: "Is this a controllable cancellation? I'd like hotel and meal vouchers."
Book the hotel BEFORE you get in line.
Airport hotels sell out within minutes of a mass cancellation. Book on your phone immediately. Cancel later if the airline provides one.
Keep every receipt.
Hotel, meals, Uber, toiletries. Photo each receipt. You'll need them to file for reimbursement or a credit card claim.
Your credit card may cover what the airline won't.
Trip delay benefits on Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and others cover hotel and meals — even for weather cancellations. Call the number on your card.